India's Fight Against Pollution: Strategies And Initiatives

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 21 of the world's 30 cities with the worst air pollution. In recognition of this, the Indian government has implemented various policies and programmes to tackle the issue. One of the most notable is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was launched in 2019 with the aim of improving air quality in over 100 of India's most polluted cities. Despite these efforts, India's air quality has continued to deteriorate, with cities such as Delhi experiencing dangerously high levels of air pollution. To address this complex challenge, a coordinated effort is needed, involving government policies, increased investment, and citizen engagement.

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to improve air quality in over 100 of India's most polluted cities

India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a powerful step towards tackling the problem of poor air quality. The NCAP, launched in 2019, is a flagship programme with a clear and urgent aim: to improve air quality in over 100 of India's most polluted cities.

The programme provides a roadmap to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution, which is a pressing issue in India. In 2019, 1.67 million deaths were attributed to air pollution in the country, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths. The economic impact is also significant, with losses of $36.8 billion in the same year due to premature deaths and morbidity.

The NCAP sets a time-bound goal, targeting a reduction in levels of harmful particle air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. This is a much-needed start, and the programme's focus on coordinated action, evidence-based policymaking, public outreach, and accountability is encouraging. The NCAP also brings a much-needed focus on city-specific actions, with plans developed for 102 cities that exceed national air quality safeguards.

To achieve its goals, the NCAP emphasises close collaboration and cross-sectoral coordination among central ministries, state governments, and local bodies. Inter-sectoral groups with participation from various ministries, including Road Transport, Petroleum, Health, Agriculture, and more, will be formed. An Apex Committee at the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change will oversee implementation at the national level, with similar committees at the Chief Secretary level in the states.

The NCAP also facilitates partnerships with international organisations, philanthropic foundations, technical institutions, industry experts, academia, and civil society to accomplish its goals. It provides an overall framework for cities to develop air quality management plans, with guidance on policies across sectors. This includes specific sectoral interventions for key sectors contributing to air pollution, such as road dust control, construction dust, industrial and transport emissions, agricultural emissions, and unsustainable waste management practices.

The government is prioritising renewable energy and electric vehicles

India is the world's third-largest consumer of electricity and the third-largest renewable energy producer, with 40% of its energy capacity in 2022 coming from renewable sources. The country has committed to a goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 179 GW of installed renewable energy capacity as of May 2023. This includes solar, wind, small hydro, biomass, and other sources.

The government has demonstrated its support for renewable energy by setting ambitious targets and implementing policies and programs to encourage growth in this sector. For example, in 2019, India announced a target of 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and is working to establish itself as a manufacturing hub for solar photovoltaic cells. Additionally, India is a major hub for wind energy manufacturing and is one of only five countries capable of producing all six major wind turbine components.

To further promote the adoption of renewable energy, the government has introduced basic customs duties on solar photovoltaic cells and modules, encouraging indigenous manufacturing. India has also included solar manufacturing in its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, making imports more costly and providing greater incentives for domestic production.

In addition to its focus on renewable energy, the Indian government is actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs currently account for 45 of the cars on sale in India, with a range of options available at different price points. The government intends for EVs to make up 30% of private cars by 2030, and various levels of the government are offering tax benefits to reduce the cost of purchasing and owning EVs.

The popularity of EVs in India is growing due to their low carbon emissions, reduced noise pollution, and impressive fuel efficiency. The shift towards electric cars is also driven by the convenience of home charging, the responsiveness of electric motors, and the potential for more advanced technology compared to traditional combustion engines.

By prioritizing renewable energy and electric vehicles, the Indian government is taking significant steps to combat air pollution and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. These initiatives demonstrate India's commitment to creating a more sustainable future for its vast population.

LPG cooking fuel is being supplied to millions of households

India has been working to reduce its air pollution, which is among the highest in the world. One of the ways it has been doing this is by supplying LPG cooking fuel to millions of households.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the most popular clean cooking fuel in rural India. It burns cleanly, with very few emissions, and is much better for people's health than the traditional solid fuels such as biomass, coal, wood, dung, and kerosene. However, the cost of LPG, both for the initial connection and the monthly fuel, is a significant obstacle to its widespread adoption and use.

The Indian government has been trying to address this issue through various policies and initiatives. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (Ujjwala) scheme, launched in 2016, aims to provide free LPG connections to 80 million poor households by 2019. This builds on previous initiatives such as the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitaran Yojana (RGGLVY), which provided 1.5 million new LPG connections to rural areas between 2009 and 2012.

Despite these efforts, LPG is still not affordable for many households, and fuel stacking (using multiple types of fuel for cooking) remains common. Only about 60% of LPG-using households consider it their primary cooking fuel, and even they do not cook all their food with LPG. There is also a lack of consistent supply, with many households having to walk long distances to acquire LPG cylinders.

Overall, while the Indian government's efforts to supply LPG to millions of households are a positive step towards reducing air pollution, more needs to be done to make it affordable and accessible to all, especially in rural areas.

India is working to improve air quality monitoring and management initiatives

Secondly, India is strengthening its air quality monitoring network by establishing ambient air quality monitoring stations throughout the country. As of September 2022, India had approximately 54% of the targeted 2312 monitoring stations, with a mix of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) and manual stations. CAAQM stations provide real-time data on pollutant concentrations and meteorological conditions, while manual stations offer a more cost-effective, portable solution.

To further enhance monitoring capabilities, India is exploring emerging technologies such as sensor-based and satellite-based monitoring systems. These technologies provide real-time data at a lower cost and deliver granular-level spatial information. However, standardization and federal recognition of these emerging technologies are crucial to ensure consistent and accurate data.

Additionally, India is addressing the rural-urban divide in air quality monitoring. Recognizing that air pollution extends beyond city limits, India is working to equip both urban and rural regions with monitoring systems to achieve a holistic improvement in air quality. This comprehensive approach aims to capture the full extent of pollution and its sources.

Furthermore, India is committed to reducing air pollution through sector transitions, such as the adoption of renewable energy sources. For example, the Delhi Metro has significantly reduced its dependence on coal by utilizing solar power from the Rewa Solar Project, resulting in substantial energy cost savings. By addressing air quality management and promoting renewable energy, India is taking significant steps towards improving air quality monitoring and management initiatives.

Entrepreneurs are offering innovative solutions, such as low-cost air purification devices

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country has witnessed a rise in public awareness of air pollution, with a focus on the devastating health and economic impacts. In response, entrepreneurs in India are offering innovative solutions, such as low-cost air purification devices, to address this pressing issue.

Breathify, a startup founded by 19-year-old Krrish Chawla, has developed affordable air purifiers that are accessible to a wider range of the population. Their purifiers use a combination of fans and HEPA filters to effectively remove harmful pollutants from the air. With prices starting at ₹4,230, Breathify's products are designed to be simple and efficient, focusing solely on purification without unnecessary additional features. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of ultra-durable compressed wood, making their purifiers 98% plastic-free.

Another example is the Clean Air Fund, which works with the government, businesses, and the public to support India's clean air goals. They have collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to implement real-time measures for mitigating and addressing pollution sources. Additionally, the Clean Air Fund has engaged healthcare professionals to act as clean air champions and raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution.

The availability of low-cost air purification devices from domestic and international brands is also worth noting. Online retailers in India offer a range of air purifiers with advanced features, such as smart sensors and efficient energy use, at prices below ₹20,000. These devices utilize various filtration systems, including HEPA, activated carbon, and pre-filters, to combat indoor air pollution effectively.

The efforts of these entrepreneurs and organizations demonstrate India's commitment to finding innovative solutions to reduce air pollution and improve the health and well-being of its citizens. By making air purification technology more accessible and affordable, they are contributing to the country's clean air goals and helping to address the silent killer that is air pollution.

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