World Bank’s Comprehensive Program Targets India’s Air Pollution Crisis

World Bank's Comprehensive Program Targets India's Air Pollution Crisis

VoM News Desk | December 9, 2023 | 02:41 PM IST | Climate & Environment | Follow on Google News

World Bank’s Comprehensive Program Targets India’s Air Pollution Crisis

World Bank’s Comprehensive Program Targets India’s Air Pollution Crisis

In response to India’s soaring air pollution crisis affecting its 1.4 billion population, the World Bank has initiated a robust program to combat the devastating impact of ambient particulate matter (PM)2.5 pollution.

This multifaceted effort encompasses airshed management tools, the development of State-wide Air Quality Action Plans, and the creation of the first extensive Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), covering seven union territories and states.

PM2.5, a hazardous airborne pollutant with particles smaller than 2.5 microns, poses severe health risks, leading to ailments such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Recent data shows that every individual in India is exposed to unhealthy PM2.5 levels. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for 1.67 million deaths in India, constituting 17.8% of the total mortality rate, with economic losses of USD 36.8 billion.

PM2.5 emissions in India stem from diverse sources, including fossil fuel combustion, biomass burning, and windblown dust.

Over half of these emissions form in a “secondary” manner in the upper atmosphere, contributing to widespread and cross-border air pollution.

Recognizing the multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional nature of India’s air pollution challenge, the World Bank advocates for an “airshed” approach that extends beyond city boundaries, emphasizing coordinated efforts at the sub-national level.

India has taken significant steps to address air pollution, revising ambient air quality standards, strengthening emission standards for vehicles and industries, and promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles.

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a key government initiative, sets a time-bound goal to improve air quality across the country, focusing on around 132 “non-attainment” cities.

The World Bank’s involvement in India’s Air Quality Management (AQM) is part of a phased strategy outlined in its Country Partnership Framework.

The AQM initiative introduces tools for airshed management, facilitates the creation of State Air Quality Action Plans, and develops the first extensive Regional Airshed Action Plan for the IGP.

As the World Bank continues supporting Indian cities and states in implementing airshed plans, the goal is to reduce air pollution within a generation, aligning with India’s commitment to cleaner air, sustainable development, and the well-being of its citizens.

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