Brian Barton
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 17 of the world's 30 most polluted cities located in the country. Air pollution is a critical issue in India, causing over 2 million deaths per year and contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. To address this issue, India has launched several initiatives, such as the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026, and the use of smog towers and anti-smog guns. India is also focusing on transitioning to renewable energy sources and promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles. Community-led initiatives, such as vertical gardens and green roofs, along with awareness campaigns, are also playing a crucial role in combating pollution. The World Bank and other organizations are supporting India's efforts by providing expertise, facilitating analysis, and mobilizing finance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the most polluted cities | 17 out of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are in India |
| City with the poorest air quality | New Delhi |
| Causes of air pollution | Thermal power plants, vehicle pollution, industrial emissions, burning of crop residue, use of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating |
| Effects of air pollution | More than 2 million deaths a year in India, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases |
| Government initiatives | National Clean Air Program, National Air Quality Index, National Clean Air Programme, GRAP, smog towers, anti-smog guns |
| Private sector initiatives | Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide, India CEO Forum for Clean Air |
| International support | World Bank, Clean Air Fund, USAID |
| Strategies | Community-led air quality monitoring, green infrastructure initiatives, art and awareness campaigns, transition to renewable energy sources, improved waste management, crop residue alternatives |
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What You'll Learn
Transition to renewable energy sources
India has recognised the need to transition to renewable energy sources to reduce pollution. The country is the world's third-largest consumer of electricity and the third-largest renewable energy producer, with 46.3% of its energy capacity coming from renewable sources as of October 2024. India has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 175 GW by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030.
The transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower is crucial to reducing India's reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. As of October 2024, India had an operational solar energy capacity of 92.12 GW, with projects of 48.21 GW at various stages of implementation and 25.64 GW under bidding. India also has a strong manufacturing base for wind power, with 20 manufacturers of 53 different wind turbine models.
The Indian government has demonstrated strong support for the renewable energy sector, setting ambitious targets and establishing policies and programs to promote growth. The government has designed policies and programs to attract foreign investments and ramp up the country's renewable energy market. Additionally, the government has addressed the need to reduce emissions from vehicles, industrial emissions, crop residue burning, and the use of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating.
The transition to renewable energy sources is expected to bring multiple benefits to India. Firstly, it will help reduce air pollution, which is a major health risk in the country, causing an estimated 4.13 to 5.39 million deaths in 2017 from exposure to PM2.5 pollutants. Secondly, it will improve energy security and access to energy for citizens. Finally, it will contribute to India's economic development and create a large number of domestic jobs.
Overall, the transition to renewable energy sources is a crucial step in addressing India's pollution problem and achieving sustainable development. With the government's support, ambitious targets, and growing renewable energy sector, India is on a path to becoming a global leader in clean and green energy.
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Reduce industrial and vehicular emissions
India has been taking steps to address its air pollution problem, which is one of the worst in the world. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, with a goal of 500 GW by 2030, and has already achieved 190 GW as of March 2024. India's National Clean Air Program (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 and has since revised this target to 40% by 2026. The NCAP includes emission standards for industries and vehicles, restrictions on crop burning, and measures to promote cleaner fuels and renewable energy sources.
To reduce industrial emissions, India has implemented emission standards for industries, which vary across sectors. For instance, the cement industry and brick kiln sectors are required to reduce their emissions of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
To tackle vehicular emissions, India has proposed Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES) to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions. These standards are based on European norms and have been implemented in stages, with the BS-VI norms currently in action, leading to a significant decrease in tailpipe emissions. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is also being encouraged, with sales projected to reach nearly 35% of total vehicle sales in 2030. Low-emission zones and stringent fuel economy standards are additional measures that can accelerate EV deployment. The Indian government's scrappage policy of 2021, which requires older vehicles to pass a "fitness test" to remain registered, also helps to address this issue.
To further reduce vehicular emissions, Indian cities should adopt a multifaceted approach that prioritises sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, and public transport. The creation of comprehensive networks of footpaths and cycle tracks can encourage people to choose alternatives to private vehicle use. Low-emission or zero-emission zones, where only vehicles with low or zero emissions are allowed to enter, can also be implemented to cut emissions in densely populated areas.
Community-led air quality monitoring and green infrastructure initiatives can also play a role in reducing industrial and vehicular emissions. Local communities can use low-cost sensors and mobile apps to monitor air quality in their neighbourhoods, advocating for policy changes and interventions. Vertical gardens, green roofs, and urban forests can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality in urban areas affected by industrial and vehicular emissions.
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Ban crop burning
India has been suffering from hazardous levels of air pollution, which has caused a major public health crisis. One of the main causes of this is the burning of crop residue, also known as stubble burning or crop burning pollution. This is particularly prevalent in the agricultural powerhouse states of Punjab and Haryana, where farmers rapidly switch from summer rice crops to winter wheat. The most cost-effective way to do this is to set fire to the fields, but this releases large amounts of toxic smoke into the air.
To combat this, the Indian government has introduced restrictions on crop burning as part of its National Clean Air Program (NCAP). However, curbs to stop it have so far failed, and court orders such as bans and heavy fines often remain unenforced. This is partly due to the complicated nature of the issue, which involves socioeconomic aspects such as the affordability of alternative methods for farmers, and the role of government subsidies.
One alternative method is a bio-decomposer developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, which turns crop residue into manure in 15-20 days. However, some farmers say they do not have enough time between crops to use this method. Other solutions include composting, biochar production, and mechanization, which can help to curtail the issue while retaining the nutrients present in the soil.
Another potential solution is to subsidize crops other than paddy, which is the source of most stubble burning. This would tackle the issue at its root, according to Dr Ashok Gulati, an agricultural economist. More generally, it is important to break down sectorial thinking and encourage nexus thinking, which promotes a higher level of stakeholder involvement beyond disciplinary boundaries. This can help to address the various sectors touched by the issue of crop residue burning, such as the environment, agriculture, the economy, and energy.
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Improve household air quality
India has some of the world's most polluted cities, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city. The main contributors to India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating.
Household air pollution (HAP) is particularly prevalent in rural areas, with about 60% of the Indian population using solid fuels for cooking and heating. The use of fuelwood, biomass cakes, and dung for cooking and heating is a primary source of HAP, especially in rural areas. These fuels are burnt in cookstoves called "chulha" or "chullah", which are present in over 100 million Indian households. Some reports claim that 300,000 to 400,000 people die in India due to indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning from using these fuels and cookstoves.
To improve household air quality in India, the following measures can be implemented:
- Transition to cleaner fuels and combustion technologies: The Indian government and private sector should work together to make electricity, clean-burning fuels, and improved combustion technologies, such as liquefied petroleum gas, more accessible and affordable for rural and urban households. This will help reduce the use of fuelwood, biomass, and dung, which release harmful carbon-containing gases and contribute to indoor air pollution.
- Promote the use of clean cooking stoves: The government and non-governmental organizations can collaborate to distribute improved, efficient, and affordable cookstoves that reduce smoke emissions and improve indoor air quality. These improved cookstoves should be designed to burn biomass or solid fuels more efficiently and safely, minimizing harmful emissions.
- Community education and awareness: Educating communities about the health risks associated with indoor air pollution and the use of solid fuels can help drive behavioral changes. Providing information on alternative fuels, improved cookstoves, and proper ventilation techniques can empower households to make informed choices to improve their indoor air quality.
- Encourage the use of renewable energy sources: India has already made significant progress towards its ambitious target of generating 500 GW of energy from renewable sources by 2030. Encouraging the adoption of solar, wind, and hydropower can reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall air quality, including in households.
- Community-led air quality monitoring: Empowering local communities to monitor air quality in their neighborhoods using low-cost sensors and mobile apps can help identify areas with high levels of household air pollution. This data can then be used to advocate for policy changes, target interventions, and raise awareness about the importance of clean air in households.
- Green infrastructure initiatives: Implementing vertical gardens, green roofs, and urban forests in communities can help absorb pollutants and improve the overall air quality, including indoors. These initiatives can also provide alternative fuel sources for cooking and heating, reducing the reliance on solid fuels.
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Encourage community-led initiatives
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country has been tackling this issue through various means, including community-led initiatives. These initiatives are essential as they empower local communities to drive change and create a commitment to preserving the planet.
Community-led initiatives can take many forms, from clean-up campaigns to educational programs and waste reduction strategies. For instance, grassroots campaigns can encourage residents and businesses to adopt plastic-free practices, such as promoting reusable alternatives and reducing plastic packaging. Clean-up events, such as The Great British Spring Clean and Clean Up Australia Day, have mobilized thousands of volunteers to remove litter and pollution from natural areas, improving the health and well-being of communities and fostering environmental stewardship.
Community solar projects are another example of a community-led initiative. These projects empower residents to collectively invest in and benefit from local solar installations, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Community-led air quality monitoring is another effective strategy. This involves empowering local communities to monitor air quality in their neighbourhoods using low-cost sensors and mobile apps. The data collected can then inform policy changes and interventions to improve air quality.
Green infrastructure initiatives, such as vertical gardens, green roofs, and urban forests, can also be community-led. These initiatives help absorb pollutants and improve air quality in urban areas.
Educational programs are vital in promoting environmental sustainability. Community-based education can focus on the individual's role in plastic pollution, teaching them how to reduce, replace, and recycle disposable products. This can lead to a significant reduction in plastic pollution by individuals. Additionally, sustainability education can be incorporated into elementary and primary school curricula to teach young people about the dangers of plastic waste and the importance of a clean environment.
Community-led initiatives are powerful tools for driving environmental action and creating a collective commitment to a sustainable future. By encouraging and supporting these initiatives, India can make significant strides in reducing pollution and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The main causes of India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating.
Air pollution is a major health risk, contributing to more than 2 million deaths a year in India. It also leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
India's government has launched several initiatives to combat air pollution, including the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and the National Air Quality Index. India is also working towards transitioning to renewable energy sources and promoting the use of cleaner fuels.
The private sector can play a crucial role in combating air pollution. Businesses can follow the Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide developed by the Confederation of Indian Industry to manage and report their emissions. They can also join initiatives like the India CEO Forum for Clean Air to find solutions and drive innovation.
Individuals can get involved by supporting community-led initiatives, such as air quality monitoring and green infrastructure projects. They can also advocate for policy changes, raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution, and support the transition to cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.
