The cost of clearing the air

The cost of clearing the air

Government of India announced a ₹4,400 crore package for 2020-21 to tackle air pollution in 102 of India’s most polluted cities. India has been particularly vulnerable to air pollution over the last two decades, owing to population growth, increasing numbers of vehicles, use of fuels, inefficient transportation systems, poor land-use patterns, industrialization, and ineffective environmental regulations.

What is the scale of the problem?

Unclear scale: It is unclear if this amount is adequate to handle the task of improving air quality. The levels of particulate matter in the air and the resultant health issues it causes are something that needs to be urgently addressed. It is incredibly difficult to build any progress when the government refuses to acknowledge the issue and refuses action. Problems of this scale need political will.

Insufficient allocations: One of the main concerns is the taxpayer money that has actually gone into these projects far exceeds the allocations which find mention in the Centre and State government’s budgeting books.

Funds expenditure: The Union government’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was introduced last year to curb the country’s worsening air pollution. Several of the States with the most polluted cities that have been allotted NCAP funds are expected to spend a substantial fraction in the act of measurement.

An analysis by research agencies: A majority of Indian cities have no data available on the quality of the air they are supposed to be breathing in. 58 out of 122 cities had no data on PM 2.5, which is the tiny particulate matter that is causing the maximum damage.

Use of manual machine: The use of manual machines for measuring pollution is inadequate: Only three States had all their installed monitors providing readings from 2016 to 2018. It is essential that States report on the number and locations of installed monitoring equipment, including manual or automated.

Manual machine replacement: Although the reasons for this large-scale machine replacement are unclear, a number of analysts and industry stakeholders believe that the problem is in the quality of local machines, which are unable to deliver a consistently high rate of output over time. Now manual machines are being replaced by automatic ones and India is still largely reliant on imported machines though efforts are underway at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur to make and install low-cost ones.

Steps to be taken to reduce Air Pollution

Using public transports: The use of public transport has now been one of the most effective means of pollution control. Moreover, if we are talking about public transport, we have to discuss the mass transit systems which would include buses, subways, trams, etc.

Recycle and Reuse: Fortunately, we can do something to reduce air pollution by recycling and reusing. Recycling and reusing are two different processes that help in reducing harmful gasses.

Reduction of forest fires and smoking: Air pollution always affects on humans, but sometimes we realize the level of its impact. Reduction of forest fires and smoking is the best way to reduce air pollution.

Use of fans instead of Air Conditioner: The use of fans, both in homes and outdoors, is a very effective way to combat the obvious problem of air pollution.

Use filters for chimneys: To reduce air pollution we should always use the right kind of filters for chimneys. This will curb the entry of pollutants into our homes and also others’ homes. This helps to make our surroundings pollution-free.

Avoid usage of crackers: One of the recent measures taken to check air pollution is to reduce the usage of crackers by suspending the licenses. Though the air pollution due to black smoke has been reduced, but still various trees and plants are consumed in this process leading to higher chances of environmental pollution too. This needs a strong awareness campaign by our government.