Clean India's Air: Strategies For A Brighter Future

India is one of the countries hit hardest by air pollution, with some of the most polluted cities in the world. The country's poor air quality has led to a rapid increase in public health expenditure, diminished labour productivity, reduced agricultural yields, and millions of premature deaths. To address this crisis, India has implemented various policies and programmes, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the Air Quality Index (AQI) tool. The NCAP calls on 122 cities across India to develop city-level Clean Air Plans, while the AQI tool communicates air quality levels to the public. Other solutions include community-led air quality monitoring, green infrastructure initiatives, art and awareness campaigns, mobile health clinics, and the use of anti-smog guns and towers. To truly tackle the issue, a coordinated effort is needed, involving government policies, citizen engagement, and increased investment in specialized workforces and technologies.

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

India's air pollution problem is multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional, requiring an "airshed" approach that takes into account the various sources of pollution, including emissions from burning fossil fuels, biomass, windblown dust, and secondary particles formed in the upper atmosphere. To address this complex issue, India has introduced several initiatives, one of which is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The primary objectives of the NCAP are to:

• Reduce air pollution levels across the country, with a specific focus on reducing PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. These are the most harmful pollutants, contributing to deadly illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
• Implement effective air quality management practices at the city, regional, and national levels, recognizing the need for sub-national action and standardized tools for airshed-based management.
• Encourage public participation in pollution control efforts, empowering local communities to monitor air quality in their neighborhoods and advocate for policy changes.
• Promote sustainable urban planning, including the development of green infrastructure initiatives such as vertical gardens, green roofs, and urban forests to absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

The NCAP emphasizes the importance of collaboration and a unified effort from all stakeholders, including the government, industries, communities, and individuals. It recognizes that addressing air pollution requires a combination of stricter environmental regulations, investments in clean technologies, improved public transportation, and enhanced green spaces.

The success of the NCAP will depend on effective implementation, adequate resources, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. By addressing the diverse sources of air pollution and involving the public in decision-making, India can make significant strides toward improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.

Green sectors and clean technologies

India's air pollution problem is multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional, requiring a multi-pronged approach. Green sectors and clean technologies are essential to combating air pollution in India. Here are some ways India can adopt green sectors and clean technologies to improve air quality:

Green Sectors

• Clean energy sources: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels like coal and oil is crucial. India can invest in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to generate electricity, reducing the use of thermal power plants, which are significant contributors to air pollution.
• E-mobility: India can promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and improve public transportation infrastructure. This includes providing incentives for EV purchases, investing in EV charging infrastructure, and encouraging the development of zero-emission vehicles.
• Energy-efficient housing: Policies supporting energy-efficient housing can help reduce household air pollution. This includes promoting the use of clean cooking fuels, improving access to clean cooking technologies, and providing incentives for energy-efficient appliances.
• Waste management: Better municipal waste management practices can reduce air pollution from waste burning and landfill emissions. This includes investing in waste-to-energy technologies, promoting recycling and composting, and improving waste collection systems.

Clean Technologies

• Remote sensing technology: This technology allows for the real-time measurement of vehicle emissions, providing more accurate data than laboratory tests. It can help identify high-emitting vehicles and inform policies for reducing emissions from the transportation sector.
• Air quality monitoring: Community-led air quality monitoring using low-cost sensors and mobile apps can empower local communities to take ownership of the issue. This data can inform policy changes and interventions at a local level, ensuring they are tailored to specific needs.
• Green infrastructure initiatives: Implementing vertical gardens, green roofs, and urban forests can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality in urban areas. These initiatives also provide additional environmental benefits, such as reducing urban heat island effects and improving biodiversity.
• Art and awareness campaigns: Collaborating with local artists and influencers can create engaging campaigns that raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution. This can lead to increased public support for clean air initiatives and policy changes, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

Community-led air quality monitoring

India's air pollution problem is multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional, requiring an airshed approach that takes action at the sub-national level. Community-led air quality monitoring is an essential part of the solution, empowering local communities to monitor air quality in their neighbourhoods and drive positive change.

One successful example of community-led air quality monitoring is the use of Clarity's Node-S monitors in Richmond. These monitors provided the ability to site air quality devices in the locations that mattered most to community members. The data was reliable, real-time, and hyperlocal, and the network became a blueprint for a landmark regulation that empowered communities to take control of air pollution.

Another example is the use of Aeroqual's community air quality monitoring systems in over 70 countries. Their fixed and portable systems provide accurate, trusted data that communities can use to educate themselves and effect positive change.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

India's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, posing a significant threat to the country's health and economy. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for economic losses of $36.8 billion, accounting for 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP). The country's diverse and multi-sectoral nature calls for local solutions and active community participation in addressing this issue.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a pivotal framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. It is an emergency response mechanism triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches "poor" levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), oversees the implementation of GRAP.

GRAP consists of four stages, each with targeted actions to be undertaken by the necessary authorities and agencies:

Stage I – "Poor" air quality (Delhi AQI: 201-300)

• Strict enforcement of regulations on overaged diesel/petrol vehicles.
• Focused action in identified pollution hotspots.
• Limited operation hours for certain diesel generators.

Stage II – "Very Poor" air quality (Delhi AQI: 301-400)

• Strict regulations on the use and operation of diesel gensets (DG sets), depending on their power range.
• Citizens are advised to use public transport and minimise the use of personal vehicles.

Stage III – "Severe" air quality (Delhi AQI: 401-450)

• Restrictions on specific vehicles in certain districts.
• A possible shift to online classes for younger students.

Stage IV – "Severe+" air quality (Delhi AQI > 450)

• Stringent entry restrictions for vehicles from outside Delhi.
• Potential closure of educational institutions and non-essential businesses.

The dynamic nature of GRAP allows it to adapt to changing pollution levels, providing a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.

Education and subsidies for low-income households

India has taken several steps to address its air pollution problem, which poses a significant threat to the country's health and economy. One of the critical solutions is to focus on education and subsidies for low-income households, as indoor air pollution is a major issue in India, with solid fuel usage and tobacco smoke being the primary sources of pollution in homes.

Education

Educating the public, especially those from low-income households, about the causes and consequences of indoor air pollution is essential. Raising awareness about the long-term health impacts of indoor air pollution can help people understand the importance of adopting cleaner energy sources. For example, solid fuels used for cooking and heating contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health issues. Therefore, providing information about the benefits of cleaner alternatives, such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG), can encourage households to make the switch.

Additionally, community-led air quality monitoring can play a vital role in empowering local communities to take ownership of the issue. By using low-cost sensors and mobile apps to monitor air quality in their neighbourhoods, communities can advocate for policy changes and implement interventions tailored to their specific needs. This bottom-up approach ensures that solutions are relevant and effective for those who need them most.

Subsidies for Low-Income Households

Providing subsidies for cleaner energy sources, such as LPG, is crucial to making them more accessible and affordable for low-income households. In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a program aimed at improving access to LPG for women from low-income households. The program's goal was to provide subsidized LPG cylinders to 80 million women from poor households across India. However, concerns have been raised about the consistency of the government's commitment to providing these subsidies, with funding cuts in recent years.

To ensure the effectiveness of subsidy programs, several improvements can be made. Firstly, understanding the energy needs of low-income households and how they use fuel is essential for tailoring solutions. Secondly, addressing delays in subsidy payments and cylinder deliveries is crucial. Finally, mechanisms should be established to ensure that subsidies reach those who need them most and prevent their misuse by ineligible households.

By combining education initiatives and targeted subsidies, India can make significant progress in reducing indoor air pollution, particularly in low-income households, contributing to improved health and economic outcomes for millions of people.

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