Air Pollution In India: Strategies For Clean Air

India is facing a serious air pollution crisis, with 14 of the 20 most-polluted cities in the world in terms of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels located in the country, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2016, more than 900,000 deaths due to air pollution were reported in India, and a Lancet Report estimated that this figure rose to 1.24 million in 2015. To combat this issue, India has implemented various measures, including the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), which aims to reduce harmful particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024. Local cities are also taking action, with Raipur achieving a reduction in particulate matter pollution over two consecutive years through the enforcement of legal restrictions on emissions.

Reducing emissions from thermal power plants

India's air pollution crisis is a serious issue, with 14 of the 20 most-polluted cities in the world in terms of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels being in India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A 2018 report by Louisiana State University and Greenpeace India suggested 13 measures to reduce air pollution levels by 40% across India, including reducing emissions from thermal power plants.

Thermal power plants account for a large proportion of India's electricity generation capacity, with 66% derived from coal. Coal-fired power plants in India produce emissions such as PM2.5, NOx, SO2, CO, VOCs, and carbon dioxide (CO2). To reduce emissions from thermal power plants, aggressive pollution control regulations are necessary. This includes mandating flue-gas desulfurization, introducing and tightening emission standards, and updating procedures for environmental impact assessments. For example, installing flue-gas desulfurization systems in operational plants could reduce PM2.5 concentrations by 30-40% by eliminating the formation of secondary sulfates and nitrates.

Emission trading and emission taxation can also help achieve targeted emission levels cost-effectively. A study of 45 coal-fired thermal power plants from 2008 to 2012 estimated the potential gains of emission trading, showing that India could have saved over US$5 billion with an emission trading system. Additionally, India pledged at the Paris Agreement to reduce CO2 emissions intensity by 30-35% by 2030 relative to 2005 levels.

To estimate the costs of abating CO2 emissions by thermal power plants, information on electricity production, CO2 emissions, and inputs such as coal and labour is required. The Right to Information (RTI) Act and publications from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) provide valuable data for these estimates.

Furthermore, continuous stack emission monitoring systems and legal restrictions on particulate matter emissions are essential for reducing emissions from industries and rolling mills. The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board in Raipur, for example, disconnected power for violators and served notices to those out of compliance with air regulations.

Cutting use of solid fuel in households

India's air pollution crisis is a serious issue, with 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world in terms of particulate matter being in India. A recent Lancet Report estimated that air pollution caused 1.24 million deaths in 2015. A major source of air pollution exposure in rural India is the use of solid fuels, such as dung cakes and wood, for cooking and heating. In this context, here are some ways to cut the use of solid fuel in households:

Education and awareness

One of the first steps to reducing the use of solid fuels in households is to raise awareness about the issue and provide education on alternative fuel sources. Many rural households in India use solid fuels because they are easily available and free of cost. By informing communities about the health and environmental risks associated with solid fuel use, as well as introducing them to cleaner alternatives, households can be empowered to make more sustainable choices.

Promoting cleaner cooking solutions

Access to cleaner cooking solutions, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), improved cookstoves, and e-cooking solutions, can significantly reduce the use of solid fuels in households. The Indian government has been trying to tackle this issue by providing LPG connections to rural households under the Ujjwala scheme. However, cultural norms and gender inequality play a role in the persistence of solid fuel use, as women, who are typically the main cooks, are often not the economic decision-makers in the household. Therefore, it is important to address these social issues and ensure that women are included in decision-making processes related to fuel choice.

Sustainable biomass harvesting

For households that continue to rely on biomass for cooking, promoting sustainable harvesting practices can help reduce the environmental impact of solid fuel use. Traditional methods of gathering wood from forests are highly unsustainable and contribute to deforestation. Implementing conservation and replanting programs, as well as providing support for sustainable biomass production, can help reduce the environmental strain caused by solid fuel use.

Improving ventilation in kitchens

In the short term, improving the ventilation in kitchens where solid fuels are used can help reduce the concentration of toxic pollutants released during combustion. This is a temporary solution while households transition to cleaner fuel sources or adopt improved cookstoves that minimize the release of harmful emissions.

Policy interventions

At the national and city levels, policy interventions can play a crucial role in reducing the use of solid fuels in households. For example, the Indian government has launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), which aims to reduce harmful particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024. City-specific action plans are being developed for cities that exceed national air quality safeguards, and local governments are collaborating with civil society and academic partners to enact policies for cleaner air. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and promoting transparent compliance guidelines for industries can also help address air pollution from solid fuel use.

Improving waste management systems

India's rapid urbanization, economic growth, and soaring urban consumption have resulted in a substantial increase in the amount of waste generated. The waste situation in India is dire, with only about 43 million tons of the 62 million tons of generated waste being collected, while a significant portion remains untreated or ends up in landfills. The current waste management system is flawed, leading to improper disposal, haphazard dumping, and limited recycling. This situation poses environmental and health risks and affects the overall cleanliness of urban centers.

To improve waste management systems in India, the following measures can be implemented:

• Emphasize proper waste segregation at the source: Household and institutional waste must be separated at the source to make recycling more efficient and enable resource recovery.
• Improve waste collection: Increase the frequency of waste collection services, use machines to collect waste, and coordinate the timing of collection with waste generation. Combining informal and formal waste collection sectors can help with segregation and collection.
• Invest in modern technologies: India needs to invest in modern technologies, such as energy-from-waste plants, composting plants, and waste-to-energy methods like bio-methanation, which can convert organic waste into fuel.
• Encourage community participation: Active community participation is crucial to improving waste management. Decentralized waste management, where local communities take care of waste treatment, can be promoted.
• Promote recycling: Implement supportive policies and regulations to encourage recycling and reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. India must improve its recycling industry, as only 5% of recycled material is currently reused.
• Public-private partnerships: The Government of India has promoted public-private partnerships (PPP) for improving waste management services, but progress has remained low due to a lack of financial resources and appropriate skills.
• Integrate technology: Utilize technology like RFID-enabled monitoring and GPS tracking for efficient waste management.
• Address e-waste: Recycling e-waste on a large scale is vital for solving the e-waste disposal problem in India.

By implementing these measures, India can significantly improve its waste management systems, reduce environmental pollution, and move towards a more sustainable future.

Reducing dust emissions from construction sites

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, the most harmful pollutant. Air pollution in India is a complex, multi-sectoral issue, with industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, and thermal power dependence all contributing significantly.

Construction activities, in particular, have been identified as a major source of dust pollution, which has severe health and environmental implications. A comprehensive 2016 study of Delhi's air quality, for example, identified construction sites as a key contributor to the city's poor air, alongside car emissions and power stations. With the construction industry's exponential growth, it is essential to implement effective dust control measures to minimise its environmental impact and protect public health.

Before initiating any construction project, a comprehensive dust management plan should be developed. This plan should encompass procedures and measures to minimise dust emissions, such as appropriate material storage, regular site maintenance, and the utilisation of dust control equipment. Implementing automatic dust suppression systems, such as misting cannons and water sprays, can effectively reduce dust pollution by binding dust particles and preventing their dispersion.

Additionally, adopting low-dust equipment, such as electric-powered tools and dust extractors, can significantly minimise dust emissions during construction. The use of wet-cutting techniques and vacuum attachments further contributes to reducing dust pollution. Proactive dust monitoring solutions, such as Oizom's dust monitors, can also be employed to automatically activate dust suppression systems when high dust levels are detected, ensuring optimal air quality.

By prioritising dust management planning, investing in innovative dust suppression technologies, and utilising low-dust equipment, construction sites in India can significantly reduce their dust emissions. These measures not only safeguard the wellbeing of construction workers and nearby residents but also contribute to India's broader efforts to combat air pollution and improve overall air quality.

Strengthening regulatory frameworks for air pollution management

India has established regulatory frameworks to curb emissions from industries, vehicles, and other pollution sources. However, enforcement of these regulations remains inconsistent. This is often due to resource constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and a lack of mechanisms to penalize non-compliance.

To strengthen the regulatory framework for air pollution management in India, the following steps should be taken:

Enhance enforcement mechanisms

There is a need to enhance enforcement mechanisms and advance transparent compliance guidelines for private industries. This includes implementing and enforcing air quality regulations consistently across the country. For example, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address air pollution based on Air Quality Index (AQI) categories. The plan includes measures such as restricting diesel generator (DG) set usage, shifting industries to cleaner fuels, and imposing dust control measures.

Strengthen regulatory frameworks

Robust frameworks and consistent enforcement mechanisms are necessary to address the complexities in predicting PM2.5 concentrations. Implementing tailored regional pollution control strategies and integrating AI and machine learning (AI&ML) technologies can improve the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks. For instance, an AI&ML model based on convolutional autoencoder architecture has been trained and validated to forecast PM2.5 concentrations across India with high precision.

Promote sustainable practices

In addition to strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, promoting sustainable practices is essential. This includes reducing the use of solid fuels in households, addressing agricultural practices such as crop burning, and improving waste management systems to reduce open burning.

Encourage international collaboration

International collaboration is crucial for sharing knowledge and best practices for air pollution management. This includes collaborating with organizations such as the NRDC and partners like the Public Health Foundation of India and the Indian Institute of Public Health-Gandhinagar (PHFI and IIPH-G).

Foster public participation and awareness

Creating widespread awareness and fostering public participation are vital components of a successful pollution control strategy. Comprehensive educational campaigns and community involvement are necessary to engage citizens in proactive measures such as adopting sustainable practices and reducing individual carbon footprints.

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