Helena Joyce
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country's 1.4 billion people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, the most harmful pollutant, which emanates from multiple sources, including thermal power plants, vehicles, industrial emissions, crop residue burning, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating. India has implemented various initiatives to address this issue, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality in 132 cities that fail to meet air pollution standards. Additionally, India is transitioning to solar energy, with 60% of Delhi Metro's daytime energy requirements now met through solar power. The Clean Air Fund is also working with the government, businesses, and research organizations to support India's efforts to reduce air pollution and innovate in air quality management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution levels in India | Among the highest in the world |
| India's population exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5 | 100% of 1.4 billion people |
| Number of cities in India with poor air quality | 100 |
| Number of cities in India that do not meet air pollution standards | 132 |
| India's economic losses due to air pollution in 2019 | $36.8 billion |
| India's economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution in 2019 | $28.8 billion and $8 billion, respectively |
| India's economic losses due to air pollution as a percentage of its GDP | 1.36% |
| India's clean air initiatives | National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), use of bio-decomposers to prevent stubble burning, installation of "smog towers", remote sensing technology to measure vehicle emissions |
| India's energy initiatives | Delhi Metro's daytime energy requirement is 60% met through solar power, saving over $170 million on its energy bill over the next 25 years |
| India's business initiatives | Confederation of Indian Industry's Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide, India CEO Forum for Clean Air with over 130 members |
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What You'll Learn
India's National Clean Air Programme
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country's 1.4 billion people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, which is the most harmful pollutant. To address this issue, the Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019.
NCAP is a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the problem of deteriorating air quality in India. The programme initially aimed to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 20 to 30% and overall pollution by 30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. However, the targets were later revised to be more ambitious, aiming for a 40% reduction in particulate matter pollution by 2026.
The programme focuses on 131 to 132 "non-attainment" cities, where air pollution standards are not being met. These cities prepared detailed clean air action plans to monitor, understand, and address local air pollution challenges. The plans also identify interventions to reduce pollution from various sources, including construction dust, industrial operations, and the transportation sector, with timelines for implementation.
To support the NCAP, the Indian government has allocated about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over five years for 42 cities with populations of over one million. Additionally, NCAP funds have helped expand air monitoring stations, with 180 additional stations in place since 2019.
The NCAP also aligns with India's broader efforts to address climate change and transition to cleaner technologies. India is spearheading a solar energy revolution, with projects like the 750 MW Rewa Solar Project reducing Delhi Metro's dependence on coal. The country has also increased its vehicle emissions standards, and the Central Government announced that all new vehicles sold from 2030 would be electric.
While NCAP has shown some progress in reducing PM 2.5 pollution in some cities, overall annual levels in 2022 still exceeded the national standard. More action is needed to achieve India's clean air goals and protect public health.
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India's clean energy transition
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 17 of the world's 30 cities with the worst air pollution. The air pollution in India poses a significant threat to the country's economy and health, causing over 2 million deaths per year.
To address this, India has implemented a range of measures to transition to clean energy and reduce air pollution. The Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, targeting 100 cities and aiming to improve air quality by 2026. The NCAP provides a framework for cities to develop air quality management plans and has set aside funding to fight air pollution. India has also introduced the Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES), which regulate air pollutants from ignition engines and motor vehicles, and removed subsidies for petrol and diesel while introducing them for electric vehicles.
In addition to these initiatives, India is also focusing on solar energy, with the Delhi Metro meeting 60% of its daytime energy requirements through solar power. India has also scaled up its renewable energy capacity, ranking fourth in renewable energy capacity worldwide. The country is also investing in energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy generation, and exploring green hydrogen for energy storage.
The transition to clean energy in India is expected to have both positive and negative impacts. It can create new livelihoods, expand job opportunities, and decentralize energy production. However, it may also negatively affect communities reliant on fossil fuel supply chains and those involved in extraction.
Overall, India's clean energy transition is well underway and is expected to benefit the entire world in the fight against climate change. India has set ambitious targets for itself, including installing 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and reducing its emissions intensity by 45%. These targets, along with policy measures and investments in renewable energy, signal a transformative shift in the country's energy sector.
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The role of businesses in India's pollution reduction efforts
India has the second-largest market for air pollution control in the world, valued at $4 billion in 2021 and expected to reach over $6 billion by 2029. This presents a significant opportunity for environmental technology companies to export to India. The country's air pollution control efforts are driven by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality in 100-132 cities.
Businesses have a crucial role to play in India's pollution reduction efforts. The Clean Air Fund, for example, works with businesses and research organizations to help achieve the country's clean air goals. The Confederation of Indian Industry has developed resources like the Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide to assist businesses in managing and reporting their emissions. The India CEO Forum for Clean Air, with over 130 members, aims to galvanize the private sector to address poor air quality.
The private sector's engagement with air quality issues has been minimal, but it plays a vital role in combating air pollution. Businesses can contribute by adopting clean technologies, reducing emissions, and supporting innovation in air quality management. For instance, the Delhi Metro has reduced its reliance on coal by meeting 60% of its daytime energy requirements through solar power, resulting in significant cost savings.
Additionally, businesses can collaborate with government initiatives like the NCAP, which calls for the expansion of air monitoring networks and capacity building for pollution management. U.S. companies can also explore export opportunities under the NCAP, such as the procurement of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS).
India's environmental regulations and initiatives create a steady demand for environmental technologies and solutions. The World Bank is aiding India in air quality management by introducing tools for airshed management and planning, enhancing knowledge, building capacity, and mobilizing finance for more effective government programs. Businesses have a role in supplying the required equipment and consultancy services to support India's pollution reduction efforts.
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The health impacts of India's pollution
India's pollution problem is well-known, with the country being home to 17 of the world's 30 most air-polluted cities. The air pollution levels in India are among the highest in the world, and the entire population of 1.4 billion people is exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5. This dangerous particulate matter, emitted by factories, cars, and other sources, poses a heavy threat to the health and economy of the country.
In addition to the direct health impacts, air pollution also has indirect social and economic consequences. Those working in the construction industry, factories, and unhygienic environments are disproportionately affected by poor air quality. They may experience reduced productivity at work, increased healthcare expenditures, and decreased earnings due to long-term morbidity. The overall economic impact of air pollution in India is substantial, with lost output from premature deaths and morbidity accounting for economic losses of US$36.8 billion in 2019. This figure represents 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).
To address the health and economic impacts of air pollution, the Indian government has implemented several measures. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to improve air quality across the country, with a focus on 132 cities that do not meet air pollution standards. The Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES) regulate air pollutants from ignition engines and motor vehicles, with progressively stringent phases rolled out over time. India is also transitioning to cleaner energy sources, with solar power meeting 60% of the Delhi Metro's daytime energy requirements, reducing its dependence on coal. These efforts, along with state-specific strategies, are crucial in mitigating the health and economic consequences of air pollution in India.
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India's progress in reducing pollution
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. The air pollution crisis poses severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, and it also translates into significant economic losses, accounting for US$36.8 billion in 2019, which was 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).
To tackle this issue, the Indian government has introduced the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality across the country, with a focus on 132 cities that fail to meet air pollution standards. The NCAP provides a framework for developing air quality management plans and encourages collaboration across local and national jurisdictions. The Indian government has set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years for 42 Indian cities with populations of over one million, provided they reduce their air pollution levels by 15% every year.
In addition to the NCAP, India has also implemented the Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES), which regulate the output of air pollutants from ignition engines, including motor vehicles. The Indian government has also set ambitious targets for reducing particulate matter pollution, with an initial goal of a 30% reduction by 2024, which was subsequently revised to 40% by 2026.
To achieve these targets, India is embracing solar energy, with 60% of Delhi Metro's daytime energy requirements now being met through solar power, reducing its dependence on coal. India is also working on improving air quality data and evidence to inform policymaking and is supporting sub-national governments in their air quality management efforts. The private sector is also playing a crucial role, with the Confederation of Indian Industry developing a Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide to help businesses manage and report their air emissions.
Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a significant challenge in India, with cities like New Delhi consistently facing hazardous levels of air pollution. Experts argue that a more proactive and reduction-based approach is needed, and that individual cities should not be looked at in isolation but in conjunction with state-level activities.
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Frequently asked questions
India is taking steps to address air pollution, such as implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to improve air quality across 132 cities that fail to meet air pollution standards. The Indian government has also set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years for 42 cities with populations of over a million. Other initiatives include the use of bio-decomposers to prevent the burning of crop residue, solar energy projects, and the development of clean air guides.
Air pollution has caused significant economic losses in India, accounting for US$28.8 billion in lost output from premature deaths and $8 billion in morbidity attributable to air pollution in 2019. This resulted in a total loss of $36.8 billion, which was 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).
The main sources of air pollution in India include thermal power plants, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, burning of crop residue, and the use of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating.
