Policy Update
Shivashish Narayan
Air pollution is a critical challenge in India, affecting public health, the environment and economic productivity. With major cities consistently ranking among the most polluted globally the impact of poor air quality is evident in rising respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Winter Session of Parliament 2024 focused extensively on this issue addressing the effectiveness of existing frameworks like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), challenges in fund utilization and the socioeconomic burden on vulnerable population. This article examines parliamentary discussions and evaluates policy interventions aimed at mitigating air pollution emphasizing the need for sustainable and collaborative solutions.
Air Pollution Discussion in the Winter Session at Question Hour
In a Lok Sabha discussion, it was acknowledged that Delhi NCR faces critical air pollution levels particularly during winter due to adverse meteorological conditions. Key contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, stubble burning and waste fires. While initiatives under NCAP and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have been launched challenges persist particularly in fund utilization. For example, Delhi utilized only ₹13.56 crore out of the allocated ₹42.69 crore since FY 2021-22. The government has tied performance-based grants to quantifiable air quality improvements with measures such as promoting electric vehicles, enforcing construction dust controls and implementing sector-specific actions like the use of cleaner industrial fuels.
Despite these efforts, the health implications remain severe. The government recognizes the multifactorial nature of respiratory ailments exacerbated by air pollution but lacks conclusive data linking mortality directly to pollution. This highlights the need for more robust health impact studies. Additionally, initiatives such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) provide emergency measures supported by 1,524 air quality stations nationwide and real-time data dissemination.
National Clean Air Programme: Targets and Achievements
Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter (PM10) concentrations by 20-30% over 2017 levels by 2024 and up to 40% by 2025-26. The program targets 130 non-attainment and million-plus cities through comprehensive action plans. As of FY 2023-24, 97 cities have reported reductions in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18, with 18 cities achieving the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Financial allocations under NCAP total ₹11,211 crore converging resources from other schemes like the Smart City Mission and AMRUT. Despite these gains fund utilization varies significantly with several cities struggling to meet performance benchmarks.
Efforts in industrial pollution control have yielded measurable progress. Critically polluted areas such as Jharsuguda in Odisha and Raigarh in Chhattisgarh have adopted measures like Electrostatic Precipitators and Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems. These interventions have led to notable improvements in the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) scores demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted policies when implemented rigorously.
Stubble Burning and Agricultural Interventions
Stubble burning remains a significant seasonal contributor to air pollution particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Over the years, interventions such as subsidized machinery for crop residue management and the adoption of bio-decomposers have reduced stubble-burning incidents. For instance, ISRO’s satellite monitoring data indicates a significant reduction in such events between 2022 and 2024. Financial assistance amounting to ₹3,623.45 crore has been allocated since 2018 for machinery distribution and supply chain development.
The Ministry of Agriculture promotes in-situ and ex-situ management practices, including the use of paddy residue in power plants and palletization. However, regional disparities persist states like Punjab and Haryana have shown more significant improvements compared to Uttar Pradesh. Enforcement mechanisms including penalties for inaction need to be strengthened to achieve more uniform results.
Health and Socioeconomic Implications
The government acknowledges the substantial health and economic burden imposed by air pollution. Public awareness campaigns under the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) aim to build capacity and preparedness among healthcare workers and vulnerable groups. However, the lack of state-wise data on deaths and illnesses attributable to air pollution limits the ability to target interventions effectively. Health Adaptation Plans developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare must integrate more granular data to address regional health disparities effectively.
Economic productivity also suffers due to air pollution. The cost of lost labour hours and increased healthcare expenditure undermines national growth. Investments in cleaner technologies and stricter enforcement of emission norms are essential for reducing this burden.
Transportation Reforms and Urban Air Quality
Transportation is a significant contributor to urban air pollution. The adoption of Bharat Stage-VI emission norms coupled with incentives for electric mobility marks a significant shift towards cleaner transportation. Programs like PM e-Bus Sewa and the PM E-DRIVE initiative have facilitated the deployment of electric buses and the development of EV infrastructure. However, uptake remains uneven across states. To accelerate progress, exemptions on customs duties for lithium-ion cell manufacturing and the establishment of EV-specific industrial hubs have been prioritized.
Research in retrofitting older vehicles and developing affordable EV alternatives can further reduce vehicular emissions. Urban areas, particularly those categorized as non-attainment cities, require tailored solutions that integrate smart mobility and public transportation enhancements.
Conclusion
Air pollution in India is a multifaceted problem requiring urgent and sustained action. To achieve meaningful and lasting improvements it is imperative to enhance fund utilization efficiency under NCAP and other programs. Clear accountability mechanisms and regular performance reviews must be instituted at all levels of governance. Strengthening local-level interventions, such as community-led monitoring of pollution sources and public engagement campaigns can complement national initiatives.
Investments in research and technology such as affordable electric vehicle solutions, bio-decomposers and low-cost air quality monitoring systems should be prioritized. Additionally, stricter enforcement of emission norms alongside financial and technical support for cleaner industrial and agricultural practices can ensure compliance across sectors. Addressing regional disparities in air pollution through targeted state-specific measures is critical for equitable outcomes.
By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, leveraging data-driven insights and promoting sustainable development practices. India can effectively tackle air pollution as actionable steps supported by a unified commitment from government bodies, industries and civil society. It is essential to safeguard public health, protect the environment and secure a sustainable future for the nation.
References
- Zero safe zones: No Indian city meets WHO air quality standards, says Lancet study
- We knew what caused air pollution 25 years ago – but governments still won’t act | The Indian Express
- Delhi’s pollution crisis is not just an India problem | The Indian Express
- LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 195 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2024 Air Pollution in Delhi
- LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1948 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.12.2024; DEATHS DUE TO AIR POLLUTION
- LOK SABHA; UN-STARRED QUESTION NO. 69 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024 Air Pollution caused by Stubble Burning
- LOK SABHA; UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1; TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.11.2024; Steps to Check Air Pollution
- RAJYA SABHA; UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1179 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2024; Emergency Like Situation Caused by Air Pollution
- RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1168 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2024 Tackling air pollution in the cities
About the Contributor: Shivashish Narayan is an Intern at IMPRI. He is a law graduate from Indore Institute of Law. His interest areas are policy and legal.
Acknowledgment: The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Arjun Kumar, Asthasba, Riya Rawat and Deepa Baghel for their invaluable contributions into this article.
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