Reducing Pollution In India: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 14 of the 20 most-polluted cities in terms of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels. A report by Louisiana State University researchers lays out 13 measures to reduce air pollution levels by 40% across India, avoiding 900,000 premature deaths per year. These include reducing emissions from thermal power plants, cutting the use of solid fuel in households, and improving waste management systems. Other suggestions include using public transport, turning off lights when not in use, recycling and reusing, and reducing forest fires and smoking. Strong leadership and ambitious actions at the city level are crucial to deliver lasting improvements for public health in India's fight against dangerous air pollution.

Reduce emissions from thermal power plants

India's thermal power plants are a major source of pollution, and reducing their emissions is crucial for improving air quality in the country. Here are some measures to reduce emissions from thermal power plants in India:

Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) Systems

One effective way to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions is by installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems. FGD technology can remove up to 97% of SO2 from flue gases, significantly reducing air pollution. However, the cost of installing and operating FGD systems can be high, and it has not been widely adopted in India due to the relatively low sulphur content in Indian coal.

Coal Beneficiation and Blending

Coal beneficiation is the process of removing impurities from coal by washing it with water. This process can reduce ash and sulphur dioxide emissions when the coal is burnt. Additionally, blending Indian coal with imported coal that has a higher calorific value and lower ash content can also help reduce emissions.

Efficiency Improvement at Existing Power Plants

Upgrading equipment and implementing systematic performance monitoring and diagnostic testing of boilers, turbines, condensers, and auxiliary equipment can improve the efficiency of existing power plants. This can lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 22%.

Super-critical and Ultra Super-critical Technologies

Adopting more efficient super-critical and ultra super-critical technologies for power generation can significantly reduce emissions. These technologies have higher efficiency rates than conventional sub-critical plants, resulting in lower emissions.

Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC)

Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) is a well-established method of burning low-grade coals, biomass, and other waste fuels. FBC produces less NOx and SO2 compared to conventional coal-based power plants and is also more efficient.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide from thermal power plants and stores it away from the atmosphere. CCS can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80-90% compared to plants without CCS.

Renewable Energy Sources

While thermal power plants currently play a significant role in India's energy mix, the country is also actively pursuing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The transition to renewable energy will take time, but it is crucial for reducing emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Cut the use of solid fuel in households

Solid fuel use in households is a major source of air pollution in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015-16, 75% of rural Indian households reported using mainly solid fuels for cooking. Solid fuels include dung cakes and wood.

The use of solid fuels for cooking and heating has severe health implications. High levels of indoor air pollution can kill infants, hinder healthy child development, and contribute to heart and lung diseases. Respiratory health is worse on average among women who cook with solid fuels, and respiratory health for all adults is worse in villages where a greater fraction of households cook with solid fuels.

In May 2016, the Indian government launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which aims to promote the use of clean cooking fuel in rural India. The scheme subsidises liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections for rural households by providing a free gas cylinder, regulator, and pipe.

While the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has led to a substantial increase in LPG ownership, many households that have LPG continue to use solid fuels. This is due to several factors, including the relative costs of cooking fuels, gender inequalities in household tasks, and beliefs regarding the taste and health impacts of using solid fuels versus LPG.

To realise the full health benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, attention must be turned towards encouraging exclusive LPG use. Potential avenues to explore include larger subsidies for cylinder refills, informational campaigns that educate about the harms of air pollution exposure, and behavioural campaigns that change attitudes.

At the household level, there are several ways to cut the use of solid fuel:

• Switching to clean cooking fuel: One of the most effective ways to reduce solid fuel use is to switch to clean cooking fuel, such as LPG. LPG is a cleaner and more efficient fuel source that can help reduce air pollution and improve respiratory health.
• Improving ventilation: If solid fuel use cannot be eliminated, improving ventilation in the home can help reduce indoor air pollution levels. This can include opening windows and doors during cooking, using exhaust fans, and ensuring proper maintenance of ventilation systems.
• Using improved stoves: Improved biomass stoves can help reduce emissions and improve indoor air quality. However, it is important to note that the levels of exposure reduction achieved are still insufficient, and feasibility of sustained use remains a concern.
• Reducing the frequency of cooking: Reducing the frequency of cooking with solid fuels can also help reduce overall exposure to indoor air pollution. This can include batch cooking and preparing larger quantities of food that can be reheated.
• Adopting alternative cooking methods: Alternative cooking methods, such as solar cookers or electric pressure cookers, can also help reduce solid fuel use. These methods can be more energy-efficient and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

At the community level, there are several ways to support the reduction of solid fuel use:

• Education and awareness: Educating communities about the health risks associated with solid fuel use and the benefits of switching to clean cooking fuel can help encourage behaviour change. This can include informational campaigns and behavioural campaigns to address attitudes and beliefs that may hinder the adoption of clean cooking fuel.
• Improving access to clean cooking fuel: Improving access to clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, can help encourage its adoption. This can include providing subsidies, improving distribution networks, and ensuring a reliable supply of fuel.
• Promoting gender equality: Addressing intra-household gender inequalities can also play a crucial role in reducing solid fuel use. This includes increasing women's access to salaried work and decision-making power over household expenditure, as well as promoting men's involvement in household tasks such as cooking.

Improve public transport systems

Improving public transport systems is a crucial step in reducing pollution in India, particularly in highly congested cities like Delhi. Here are some measures that can be implemented to achieve this:

Increase Investment in Bus Infrastructure

Delhi, for instance, needs more buses to cater to the demand for public transport. The number of buses has decreased over the years, and currently, they constitute less than 1% of all registered vehicles in the city. Investing in more buses can help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

Enhance Bus Transport Efficiency

To make bus transport more attractive to commuters, it is essential to improve the overall efficiency and convenience of the system. This includes addressing issues such as low frequency, long delays, and overcrowding. Implementing smart solutions, such as a bus navigation app that provides real-time information about bus locations and trip planning, can enhance the commuter experience.

Promote Sustainable and Equitable Transportation

High-quality public transport systems can provide a fast, comfortable, affordable, and accessible mode of transportation for a large number of people. Shifting from private cars to high-capacity public transport will drastically cut emissions, eliminate traffic congestion, and better serve low-income communities.

Implement Innovative Solutions

Technology and innovation play a vital role in enhancing the public transport system. For instance, introducing feeder bus services can improve last-mile connectivity, attracting commuters who live off the main bus routes. Additionally, offering value-added services on buses, such as Wi-Fi hotspots, drop-boxes for utility bills, and light snacks, can make bus travel more enjoyable and convenient.

Encourage the Use of Electric Buses

To accelerate the reduction of air pollution, it is crucial to electrify bus fleets. India has already taken steps in this direction, with plans to deploy 50,000 electric buses by 2030. This shift will not only reduce emissions but also improve air quality, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities, who are disproportionately affected by pollution from diesel buses.

Strengthen Policy Frameworks

Strong policies and effective implementation are essential to combat air pollution. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in India aims to reduce key air pollutants by 20-30% by 2024. However, successful implementation requires legal enforcement, improved monitoring, and data-related solutions to address the urban-rural disparity in air quality monitoring.

Reduce stubble burning

Stubble burning is the practice of intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains such as rice and wheat have been harvested. It is a cheap and quick way to clear fields and combat pests and weeds. However, it is also a major cause of air pollution in India, particularly in the north of the country.

To reduce stubble burning, the Indian government has tried various methods, including pitching alternatives, implementing bans, fining farmers, and offering rewards. However, these efforts have largely failed, with farmers continuing to practice stubble burning due to the convenience and low cost of this method.

To effectively reduce stubble burning, the following measures can be implemented:

Provide affordable alternatives:

Farmers often resort to stubble burning due to the high cost of alternative machinery and methods. The government can subsidize the adoption of alternative technologies, such as the Happy Seeder, which is a machine that removes paddy straw while simultaneously sowing wheat for the next harvest. By making these alternatives more affordable, farmers will be less inclined to resort to stubble burning.

Encourage crop diversification:

Subsidizing and incentivizing farmers to grow crops other than paddy can help reduce stubble burning. For example, the government can provide incentives for farmers to plant more fruits and vegetables, which do not leave behind stubble. This will not only reduce stubble burning but also contribute to a more diverse and nutritious food supply in the country.

Improve awareness and education:

Many farmers are unaware of the harmful consequences of stubble burning on the environment and public health. The government, in collaboration with environmental organizations, can conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform farmers about the negative impacts of stubble burning. By empowering farmers with knowledge, they can make more sustainable choices.

Provide financial incentives:

In the past, the government has offered financial rewards to farmers who refrain from stubble burning. While this strategy has shown some success, it has also faced challenges with consistent funding and distribution of rewards. The government can explore other financial incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks for farmers who adopt alternative practices.

Strengthen enforcement and compliance:

While stubble burning is illegal in India, enforcement of this ban has been weak. The government can increase efforts to monitor and enforce the ban, including imposing strict penalties on those who continue to practice stubble burning. Additionally, the government can provide support and resources to help farmers transition to alternative methods.

Promote sustainable agricultural practices:

The government can encourage and support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as using agricultural waste for biofuel or particle board production. By providing resources and infrastructure for these alternative uses, farmers will have a viable option to dispose of crop residue without resorting to burning.

By implementing these measures, India can significantly reduce stubble burning and, consequently, improve air quality and public health in the country. It is important to note that a combination of these strategies, along with strong leadership and collaboration between the government, farmers, and environmental organizations, will be necessary to effectively address this complex issue.

Implement stronger vehicular emissions standards

Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to India's poor air quality, particularly in urban areas. To tackle this issue, India introduced the Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards in 2000, based on European standards. These standards are mandatory for all vehicles sold and operated in the country. Here are some measures that can be taken to implement stronger vehicular emissions standards:

Transition to BS-VI Emission Standards:

India has shown its commitment to reducing vehicular pollution by skipping the BS-V norms and directly adopting BS-VI emission standards in 2020, two years ahead of the initial deadline. BS-VI norms have much lower sulfur content compared to BS-IV fuel, with 10 parts per million of sulfur compared to 50 parts per million in BS-IV fuel. This change will significantly reduce the emission of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide.

Expand the Implementation of BS-VI Norms:

The transition to BS-VI norms needs to be accelerated across the country. Delhi became the first state to adopt BS-VI fuel in 2018, two years ahead of the nationwide implementation. However, there are still many vehicles on Indian roads that use BS-III or BS-IV engines. To fully realize the benefits of BS-VI fuel, there is a critical need to introduce vehicles that are compatible with BS-VI fuel into the market.

Stringent Enforcement and Compliance:

While India has made progress in implementing stricter emission standards, consistent monitoring, reporting, and stronger compliance are necessary. The Central Pollution Control Board and state pollution control boards must ensure that vehicle manufacturers and users adhere to the prescribed emission standards. This includes regular inspections and stringent penalties for violations.

Promote Electric Vehicles:

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a promising solution to reduce vehicular emissions. New Delhi has taken a lead in this area by finalizing one of India's most comprehensive EV policies in 2020. Other cities should follow suit and develop policies to encourage the adoption of EVs, including incentives and infrastructure development.

Improve Public Transportation:

Reducing the number of private vehicles on the road can significantly decrease vehicular emissions. Cities should invest in improving and expanding public transportation options, such as buses, subways, and trams. Making public transportation more efficient, affordable, and accessible will encourage people to opt for it instead of using private vehicles.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection:

Proper maintenance of vehicles is essential to keep emissions under control. India should implement a rigorous system of vehicle inspection and maintenance to ensure that vehicles meet the required emission standards throughout their operational lifespan. This includes regular emissions testing and strict enforcement of pollution under control (PUC) norms.

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