India's Pollution Problem: Where's The Plan?

India is facing a serious air pollution crisis, with 1.67 million deaths attributed to air pollution in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. The country's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, and it is estimated that all 1.4 billion people in India are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, the most harmful pollutant. To combat this, India has implemented the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce harmful particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. The NCAP provides an overall framework for cities to develop air quality management plans and guides policies across various sectors. Indian cities are leading the efforts to address the air pollution crisis, with actions including strengthening air monitoring networks, adopting electric vehicles, bolstering regulatory compliance, and better controlling industrial emissions.

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

India has launched an ambitious programme to tackle its air pollution crisis: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This programme is a powerful step towards acknowledging and addressing the problem of deteriorating air quality in the country. The NCAP provides a time-bound goal for improving air quality across India, with a specific focus on approximately 132 cities that are not meeting air pollution standards. These cities are referred to as "non-attainment" cities.

The NCAP offers an overall framework for these cities to develop air quality management plans, providing guidance on policies across a range of sectors. This includes a strong emphasis on expanding renewable energy sources, promoting electric vehicles, and supplying LPG cooking fuel to millions of households. The Indian government has also set aside approximately $1.7 billion to combat air pollution in 42 cities with populations of over a million. This funding is contingent on these cities reducing their air pollution levels by 15% every year.

The NCAP recognises the multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional nature of India's air pollution challenge. To effectively address this, an "airshed" approach is necessary, where a region with a common flow of air is managed to prevent uniform pollution and stagnation. Standardising tools and control strategies across India is crucial so that relevant data sets can be linked and effective air pollution control can be achieved.

The World Bank is aiding India in its Air Quality Management efforts by introducing tools for airshed management and planning to support state-level and regional-level air quality improvement approaches. These initiatives aim to facilitate the creation of India's first State-wide Air Quality Action Plans and a comprehensive Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP), covering seven union territories and states.

The NCAP is a significant step in India's efforts to reduce air pollution and improve the health and well-being of its citizens, as well as mitigate the economic impacts of air pollution, which accounted for a loss of $36.8 billion in 2019, equivalent to 1.36% of the country's GDP.

City-level interventions

India has launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. Under the NCAP, city-specific action plans will be developed for all 102 reported cities that exceed national air quality safeguards. City-level interventions are crucial for India to achieve its clean air goals.

Several cities are leading the efforts to address the air pollution crisis. For instance, the capital city of Delhi formed 52 cross-government teams to ensure the implementation of its Graded Response Action Plan during the peak pollution season. The city also halted all construction from November 1-10, 2018, and ordered the closure of the polluting Badarpur Thermal Power Plant, as well as banning the use of diesel generator sets.

Ahmedabad, another major city, has implemented a health-based plan to protect its citizens from high levels of air pollution. The city has procured 1000 electric buses and 30,000 electric rickshaws, and is addressing emissions from its largest landfill in Pirana.

Pune is also making significant efforts to reduce traffic congestion and near-roadway air pollution by promoting non-motorized transport. The city has secured 500 electric buses and procured 8000 bicycles, with the goal of making 20,000 such cycles available. Pune has also banned open dumping practices and adopted biomethanation plants to reduce waste burning and generate clean energy.

Nagpur, in partnership with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), has developed a comprehensive action plan targeting pollution from vehicular emissions, re-suspended road dust, industry, construction, solid waste management, domestic fuel burning, diesel generator sets, and bakeries.

Other cities such as Raipur have also achieved reductions in local particulate matter pollution by installing continuous stack emission monitoring systems in industries and enforcing legal restrictions on particulate matter emissions.

The World Bank's role

India's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, posing a significant threat to the country's health and economy. The World Bank has been aiding India in addressing this issue through its Country Partnership Framework, which includes a phased strategy for air quality management (AQM). The World Bank's role in reducing pollution in India can be summarised as follows:

Enhancing Knowledge and Building Capacity

The World Bank has been working to enhance knowledge and build capacity for air quality management in India. This includes providing technical assistance and knowledge products to help India understand and address the complex drivers and consequences of air pollution. The Bank has also supported the development of India-specific practices and the use of state-of-the-art tools to effectively understand, manage, and control the extent of the air pollution problem in the country.

Stakeholder Involvement and Expertise Transfer

The World Bank has been facilitating stakeholder involvement in India's air quality management efforts. This includes working with the Indian government, state governments, and various local and international experts. The Bank has also been transferring expertise in airshed management tools and facilitating analysis for policy adjustments.

Mobilising Finance for Effective Government Programs

The World Bank has been mobilising finance to support more effective government programs in India. This includes providing financing and investment loans to support specific projects and initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution. For example, the Bank has supported the Indian government's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the establishment of the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

Supporting State-wide and Regional Action Plans

The World Bank is helping Indian states move beyond city-wise planning to develop their first state-wide Clean Air Action Plans. For example, the Bank is working with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, two densely populated and poor states, to develop plans that prioritise actions to achieve air quality targets by 2024 and 2030. The Bank is also supporting the development of India's first large Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP), covering seven union territories and states.

Emphasising Clean Energy and Pollution Prevention

The World Bank has been emphasising the importance of clean energy and pollution prevention in India. This includes supporting India's solar-energy revolution, such as the Rewa Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh, which provides solar power to the Delhi Metro. The Bank has also promoted the adoption of electric vehicles, the use of LPG cooking fuel, and the implementation of renewable energy sources.

Overall, the World Bank has been playing a crucial role in supporting India's efforts to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and address the health and economic impacts of pollution. The Bank's involvement includes knowledge sharing, capacity building, financial support, and the facilitation of cross-sector collaboration.

India's solar-energy revolution

The Indian government has recognised the importance of solar energy in meeting the country's growing electricity needs while reducing its carbon footprint. The 14th National Electricity Plan (NEP14), introduced in May 2023, outlines a significant shift from coal to renewable energy sources, with solar power expected to contribute significantly. The plan projects a surge in solar power's share from 5% in 2022 to 25% by 2032, showcasing India's commitment to a sustainable energy future.

To achieve these goals, the government has implemented various initiatives and schemes. The PLI Scheme, with an investment of US$2.9 billion, aims to enhance domestic module manufacturing and reduce import dependence. Additionally, the Solar Park Scheme aims to establish 50 solar parks with a cumulative capacity of ~38 GW by 2025-26, fostering investments and making solar energy more affordable. The PM-KUSUM Scheme focuses on the agricultural sector, targeting the addition of 30.8 GW of solar power by March 2026 through decentralised solar plants and solar water pumps.

The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, launched in January 2024, aims to provide rooftop solar installations to 10 million households. India's solar revolution is also evident in landmark projects like the world's first fully solar-powered airport in Kerala and the largest solar rooftop installation on a cricket stadium in Mumbai. These initiatives reflect India's commitment to harnessing solar energy to power homes, industries, and even transportation.

The expansion of solar power in India brings multiple benefits. Solar energy is clean and green, generating electricity without harmful emissions. It reduces pressure on traditional energy sources, promotes energy independence, and offers cost savings to consumers. Additionally, solar technology has advanced significantly, with innovations like thin, flexible panels, solar farms on water, and solar paint, bringing us closer to a future where almost anything can produce clean energy.

Emission Trading Schemes

India has taken several significant steps to address its air pollution problem, which is among the worst in the world. One of the key approaches is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which has set a time-bound goal for improving air quality across the country, focusing on around 132 cities where air pollution standards are not being met. The NCAP provides an overall framework for cities to develop air quality management plans and offers guidance on policies across various sectors. This includes a strong emphasis on expanding renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and supplying LPG cooking fuel to millions of households.

In addition to the NCAP, India has also established a framework for a voluntary carbon market and is working towards the introduction of a domestic carbon market. The Indian government has taken several steps in this direction. Firstly, India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) presented a draft blueprint for the phased introduction of a national Cap-and-Trade system, starting with a voluntary market. This blueprint proposes three phases: increasing voluntary demand for carbon credits, boosting the supply of carbon credits through emission reduction projects, and eventually transitioning to a mandatory cap-and-trade system. Secondly, in July 2022, the Indian Lower House of Parliament adopted an amendment bill to the 2001 Energy Conservation Act, providing the legal basis for a voluntary carbon credit trading scheme. This bill grants the Indian central government or authorized agencies the power to issue "carbon credit certificates" for carbon emissions reduction, which can then be sold in the market.

The Indian government's efforts towards establishing a domestic carbon market and a Cap-and-Trade System are aligned with its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2070. This target is outlined in India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which aims to lower its greenhouse gas emissions intensity per GDP by 45% by 2030 relative to 2005 levels. India is also a significant exporter of carbon credits, having issued 278 million credits in the voluntary carbon markets between 2010 and 2022, accounting for 17% of the global supply.

While India's focus on creating a climate mitigation framework is commendable, it is important to recognize that air pollution in India is a complex issue with multiple sources. These include thermal power plants, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating. To effectively tackle air pollution, a multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional approach is necessary, as pollution often travels across cities, states, and borders. One suggested approach is the "airshed" approach, which involves managing air quality in regions that share a common flow of air. The World Bank is supporting India in this effort by introducing tools for airshed management and planning to facilitate the creation of State-wide Air Quality Action Plans and a Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP), covering seven union territories and states.

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