How is India trying to reduce air pollution?
India is actively implementing various measures and initiatives to reduce air pollution. Some of the steps taken by the Indian government to tackle this issue include:
1. Adoption of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): The Indian government launched the NCAP in 2019, which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution by 20-30% in 102 cities across the country by 2024. It focuses on a city-specific action plan with real-time monitoring and targets.
2. Promotion of cleaner fuels: The government has introduced several measures to promote the use of cleaner fuels. The introduction of the Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms across the country ensures the availability of cleaner fuels, including low-sulfur petrol and diesel, resulting in reduced vehicular emissions.
3. Development of electric mobility: The government is actively promoting electric mobility to reduce pollution from vehicles. It has introduced various incentives and subsidies to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and is setting up charging infrastructure across the country.
4. Strengthening industrial pollution control: Stringent regulations have been imposed on industries to control emissions and enforce pollution control measures. Initiatives like mandatory emission reduction technologies, monitoring systems, cleaner production techniques, and strict penalties for non-compliant industries are being implemented.
5. Improving public transportation: Expanding and improving public transportation systems, such as metro rails, buses, and suburban train networks, aims to reduce the reliance on private vehicles and thereby lower emissions from road traffic.
6. Encouraging waste management practices: The government is emphasizing proper waste management practices, including waste segregation, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives. This helps reduce the emission of pollutants from landfills and open burning of waste.
7. Afforestation and green initiatives: Promoting afforestation and green initiatives across the country helps combat air pollution. Initiatives like the National Afforestation Programme and planting millions of trees aim to increase green cover and reduce air pollutants.
8. Awareness campaigns and public participation: The government conducts public awareness campaigns to educate people about the harmful effects of air pollution and encourage public participation in efforts to reduce pollution. This includes measures like vehicle pollution checks, switching to cleaner cooking fuels, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
It is important to note that while these measures are being implemented at the national level, air pollution remains a significant challenge in India, and further efforts are required to address this issue effectively.