WHO estimated that air pollution in India affected its GDP by 8% (approx) due to losses in labour output and monetarily cost a loss of about Rs 4 lakh crore. This decreasing air quality is also in violation of Right to life (Article 21) as “Right to Clean Air” is included within the ambit of this fundamental right.
To address this stark reality, the government of India formulated the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a medium term national level strategy to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.
Objectives of NCAP
Significance of the Programme
Criticism of the Programme
Way Forward (NITI Aayog’s “BREATHE INDIA” Action Plan)
1. Drive Mobility through ZEVs(Zero- Emission Vehicles)
2. Enact strong measures to curb vehicular emissions
3. Reduce emissions by optimizing the power sector
WAYU: New Device to Tackle Pollution The Ministry of Environment inducted an air pollution control device called “Wind Augmentation Purifying Unit (WAYU)”, in New Delhi. The device seeks to dilute the air pollution at high traffic zones like traffic intersections and parking areas by removing poisonous gases such as volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. The device works on two principles namely, ensuring constant air flow to dilute air pollutants as well as oxidizing the volatile organic compounds. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) the Nagpur-based laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), developed the device to tackle the “Street Canyon” Effect. “Street Canyon” Effect: It has been noticed that in most traffic density zones, emissions coming from vehicle tail pipes as well as road dust do not get diluted and remains suspended in the air. It was laterfound out that the presence of high rise building near these traffic zones restrict the flow of air, giving rise to a phenomenon called Street Canyon Effect. |
4. Reform regulatory framework for Industrial Air Pollution
5. Implement a National Emissions Trading System based on concept of “polluter pays”
6. Adopt Cleaner Construction Practices
7. Implement a business model to utilize crop residue
8. Implement an Integrated Waste Management Policy
9. Tackle City Dust through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
National Energy Storage Mission NESM was released by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy with the objective to strive for leadership in energy storage sector by creating an enabling policy and regulatory framework that encourages manufacturing, deployment, innovation and further cost reduction. The Mission has proposed three stage solution approach i.e creating an environment for battery manufacturing growth; scaling supply chain strategies and scaling up of battery cell manufacturing. The main areas where energy storage application would be vital include:
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10. Integrate efforts to tackle forest fires
11. Encourage clean cooking practices
12. Drive Public Ownership through Behavioural Change through a targeted, national-level IEC campaign
13. Develop Consistent and Quantified National, Sub-National and Sectoral Plan
14. Improve Air Quality Monitoring Systems
15. Develop Graded Contingency Action Plan that will serve as a response mechanism to the changing levels of pollution in urban agglomeration.