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Kanpur, India, is a highly industrialised city with a population of over 3 million people. It has been labelled the world's most polluted city by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with high levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air. The city's chief pollution officer, Kuldeep Misra, has acknowledged that Kanpur's air quality exceeds government-set safe limits, particularly due to industrial activity and vehicle emissions. To address this issue, Kanpur has taken several steps, including tightening vehicle emission norms, introducing a CNG programme, and promoting battery-operated transport. However, the city still struggles to effectively monitor and control pollution levels, with a lack of infrastructure and resources. The high levels of air pollution in Kanpur have led to a rise in respiratory ailments, asthma, and eye irritation among its residents, highlighting the urgent need for improved air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution sources | Transport, domestic cooking, heating, industries, open waste burning |
| Air pollution control policies | Strengthen the ‘pollution under control’ system with new equipment and norms for in-use vehicles, introduce a CNG programme, promote public and non-motorized transport, improve road infrastructure, plant more trees, promote battery-operated transport |
| Pollutants | Sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM10 |
| Health risks | Respiratory diseases, asthma, eye irritation, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, heart damage |
| Air quality | PM2.5 levels are 2x above the recommended WHO guideline of 15 µg/m³ as of June 25, 2025 |
| Action plans | Kanpur's local government plans to build new roads, set up an urban train service, plant more trees, and promote battery-operated transport |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce on-road dust by improving road infrastructure
Kanpur, one of the largest industrial towns in North India, has been facing worsening air pollution, with 80% of residents reporting respiratory diseases, asthma, and eye irritation. Transport, including on-road dust, has been identified as a key contributor to this issue. To reduce on-road dust and improve road infrastructure in Kanpur, the following measures can be implemented:
Paving Roads
Paving is an effective method to control dust from unpaved roads. While it is also the most expensive option, it provides durable and effective surfaces such as asphalt and Portland concrete that prevent the breakdown of soil surfaces. Thin pavements, like chip seals, are less costly but may not be as durable.
Gravel Roads
Applying gravel to dirt road surfaces can reduce dust by providing a hard surface that protects the soil from vehicle wheels. However, gravel must be anchored to the road surface using aggregate mixes or soil adhesives to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Dust Palliatives
Chemical treatments, such as dust palliatives, can be used to treat road surfaces and reduce dust. These treatments absorb water from the atmosphere, helping to bind the soil together. Common products include magnesium chloride and calcium chloride.
Road Watering
Watering road surfaces is a short-term solution to reducing dust. While this method is simple and effective, it may be challenging to implement in smaller communities due to the need for water trucks and the distribution of water.
Vegetation Barriers
Green infrastructure, including vegetation barriers and windbreaks, can effectively reduce particulate matter in the air. Trees are particularly effective at accumulating pollutants, improving air quality without imposing restrictions on road traffic. Planting evergreen species that are not susceptible to weather and seasonal variations is recommended.
By implementing these measures, Kanpur can take significant steps toward reducing on-road dust and improving the overall air quality for its residents.
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Implement stricter vehicle emission norms
Kanpur, the largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the largest industrial towns in North India. The city has been facing a scary air pollution problem, with an estimated 80% of residents believing that air pollution is worsening. To tackle this issue, implementing stricter vehicle emission norms is essential.
Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution in Kanpur. Transport, including on-road dust, is one of the key sources of air pollution in the city. Stricter emission norms for vehicles can help reduce the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The Central Pollution Control Board of India has already implemented Bharat Stage (BS) norms, which aim to tighten regulations with each iteration by reducing permissible levels of tailpipe pollutants. For instance, the BS-IV norm allowed 50 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur, while the updated BS-VI norm permits only 10 ppm.
To further strengthen vehicle emission norms, the following measures can be implemented:
- The Central Pollution Control Board, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, should continue to set stricter permissible pollution levels for vehicle emissions. These regulations should be based on scientific research and international standards, such as the Euro II and Euro III norms.
- Vehicle manufacturers must be held accountable for complying with these norms. All vehicles sold in Kanpur should be mandated to meet the latest emission standards. This includes both new and used vehicles, ensuring that in-use vehicles are retrofitted or upgraded to reduce emissions.
- The implementation of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency/Economy (CAFÉ) norms can incentivize auto manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, resulting in lower emissions.
- The government should provide incentives and subsidies for electric vehicles and promote the development of infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. This will encourage a shift towards cleaner energy sources and reduce emissions from traditional combustion engines.
- Regular emission checks and maintenance programs should be made mandatory for all vehicles in Kanpur. This will help identify and address any issues with vehicle emissions, ensuring that they remain within the permissible limits.
By implementing these stricter vehicle emission norms, Kanpur can effectively reduce air pollution and improve the health and well-being of its residents.
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Promote public, non-motorized, and battery-operated transport
Kanpur, the largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is facing a critical air pollution problem. A CSE study reveals that 80% of the respondents perceive air pollution to be worsening, with a rise in respiratory diseases, asthma, and eye irritation. The city has an estimated 23% of annual PM2.5 pollution originating from outside its urban airshed, indicating the need for regional air pollution control policies. To address this challenge, Kanpur should prioritize promoting public, non-motorized, and battery-operated transport as a key strategy to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Firstly, Kanpur should encourage the use of public transport by making it more accessible and efficient. This includes integrating high-density living with urban rail networks and improving bus services. Well-planned public transport can reduce the need for private motorized travel, decreasing congestion and emissions. Additionally, the city should invest in infrastructure for non-motorized transport, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, to make walking and cycling safer and more convenient. This can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and improve air quality.
Secondly, the city can incentivize the use of battery-operated electric vehicles (EVs). Electric vehicles are a proven solution to reduce transport emissions, and major economies are already adopting policies to support their uptake. Kanpur can offer subsidies or tax breaks to encourage residents to switch to electric cars, scooters, or bicycles. Additionally, the city can work with energy providers to install more charging stations, making it more convenient for residents to own and operate electric vehicles.
Moreover, Kanpur should focus on improving road infrastructure to reduce on-road dust re-suspension, a significant source of air pollution in the city. This includes regular road maintenance, sweeping, and the use of dust suppressants. The city should also consider implementing stricter emission norms for vehicles, building on its existing initiatives like the CNG program for autos, tempos, and buses. Encouraging the use of fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions can also help reduce pollution levels.
Finally, Kanpur can promote public awareness and engagement on air pollution and mobility issues. This includes educating residents about the benefits of public, non-motorized, and battery-operated transport, as well as providing information on more fuel-efficient vehicles. By involving the community in decision-making processes, the city can foster a sense of collective responsibility for improving air quality and encourage the adoption of cleaner modes of transportation.
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Reduce industrial emissions, especially from tanneries
Kanpur is one of the largest industrial towns in North India, with a population of over 3.5 million people. It is the largest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh and supports the largest textile and leather processing sectors in the region. The city has been struggling with worsening air pollution, which has led to an increase in respiratory diseases, asthma, eye irritation, and other serious health issues.
To reduce industrial emissions, especially from tanneries, Kanpur can implement the following measures:
- Improve Wastewater Management: The tanning process generates large amounts of wastewater contaminated with various chemicals, including chromium. Chromium-contaminated wastewater poses serious risks to the environment and human health. By investing in wastewater treatment technologies, Kanpur's tanneries can significantly reduce the amount of pollution they discharge into nearby water bodies. Bone charcoal, for instance, has been shown to effectively remove chromium from water.
- Minimize Water Use: Reducing water usage during the tanning process can help decrease the amount of wastewater produced. This can be achieved by reusing wastewater and developing more efficient tanning techniques.
- Solid Waste Management: Tanneries also produce solid waste, such as hide scraps, skins, and excess fats, which contain chromium and other toxins. Proper disposal and treatment of this waste are crucial to preventing soil and groundwater contamination. Techniques like vermiculture and using salt-tolerant bacteria can help reduce chromium contamination in soil.
- Air Pollution Control: The energy requirements of tanneries contribute to air pollution. By improving energy efficiency and implementing air filtration systems, tanneries can reduce their emissions. Modern technologies, such as closed processes and filtration systems, can capture gaseous emissions and prevent odours from escaping the facility.
- Chemical Management: The tanning process involves the use of various chemicals, and careful management of these chemicals is essential to minimizing emissions. Innovations in processes and the use of certain solvents can lead to significant reductions in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- Adopting Eco-Innovation: Kanpur's tanneries can work towards eco-innovation by adopting sustainable practices and technologies. This includes exploring chrome-free tanning methods, such as vegetable tanning, to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
By implementing these measures, Kanpur can significantly reduce industrial emissions from tanneries, contributing to improved air and water quality, as well as protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Increase air quality monitoring stations
Kanpur, one of the largest industrial towns in North India, is facing a significant air pollution problem. The city's air quality has been worsening, with an 80% majority of residents reporting a rise in respiratory diseases, asthma, and eye irritation. The pollution sources in Kanpur include transport, domestic cooking and heating, small and medium-scale industries, and open waste burning. To effectively control air pollution in Kanpur, one key strategy is to increase the number of air quality monitoring stations.
Currently, Kanpur has only nine air monitoring stations, including eight manual and one continuous station. However, it is estimated that the city requires a minimum of 27 continuous air monitoring stations to adequately represent the mix of sources and the range of pollution. Increasing the number of monitoring stations will provide more accurate and comprehensive data on the city's air quality, enabling better-informed decisions and policies for pollution control.
Air quality monitoring stations should be strategically placed in urban, industrial, and high-traffic areas to obtain a complete picture of the air quality in Kanpur. These stations can employ advanced technology, such as robust air quality sensors, to measure the concentration of pollutants in real time. By continuously monitoring the levels of pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM2.5), authorities can identify critical areas and sources of pollution.
Additionally, the data collected from these monitoring stations can be used to track pollution trends over time and evaluate the effectiveness of pollution control measures. This information can also help identify areas that require immediate attention and intervention. For instance, locations like Sharda Nagar, Deputy ka Parao, Kidwai Nagar, and Fazal Ganj have been identified as critically polluted areas in Kanpur, where nitrogen dioxide levels have increased. By increasing the number of air quality monitoring stations and utilizing advanced technology, Kanpur can better address its air pollution challenges and improve the health and well-being of its residents.
Moreover, the data collected from these monitoring stations should be made publicly accessible to promote transparency and community engagement. Platforms such as the EPA's Air Data website allow the public to access real-time air quality data and create summary reports and visualizations. This empowers residents to take proactive measures to protect their health and also enables researchers and scientists to conduct further analysis and contribute to the understanding of air pollution in Kanpur.
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Frequently asked questions
The sources of air pollution in Kanpur include transport, including on-road dust, domestic cooking and heating, emissions from vehicles, small and medium industries, coal burned by industries, and open waste burning.
To reduce air pollution in Kanpur, the city should promote public and non-motorized transport, improve road infrastructure, and reduce on-road dust re-suspension. In addition, individuals can protect themselves from harmful airborne particles by wearing N95 masks.
Air pollution has been linked to increased hospitalization for asthma, lung diseases, chronic bronchitis, heart damage, and lung cancer. Exposure to high levels of pollution can also lead to respiratory diseases and eye irritation.
