Delhi Technological University

(Formerly, Delhi College of Engineering)

Engineering Economics (HU 302)

PROJECT REPORT

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(Air Pollution in Delhi and Technological
Solutions)

Submitted by: Submitted To:

Name: Ebani Gupta Prof. Reenu Ahluwalia
Roll. No. 2K18/EP/025 Department of Humanities
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I’m extremely grateful to my mentor, Prof. Reenu Ahluwalia, who has helped me with their
liable suggestions and guidance, has helped in various phases of the completion of the
project. My heartfelt gratitude to our professor guide, for her valuable suggestions and
successful guidance, has served as the major contributor to the completion of this project
report.
I express my thanks to the Department of Humanities, DTU, for providing this opportunity in
the completion of the report.
Finally would like to thank my friends and respondents for their support and willingness in
bringing out this seminar successfully on time

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Serial No. Topic Page No.

1. ABSTRACT 3
2. INTRODUCTION 4
 Air Pollution in Delhi 4
 Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi 6
 Effects of Air Pollution in Delhi 8
3. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 10
 Connection between Air 11
Quality & UN-SDGs
4. AIR QUALITY IN DELHI DURING 13
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
5. GOVERNMENT POLICIES TO 15
PREVENT AIR POLLUTION
 Central Government Policies 15
 Proposed Policy Plan of Action 19
 Delhi Government Initiatives 23
6. TECHNOLOGY BASED SOLUTIONS 24
 By United Nations 24
 Tech Students’ initiatives to 26
prevent air pollution
7. R OADMAP TO C LEAN AIR : 27
C ONC LUS IVE
TECHNOLOG IC A L S OLUT I ONS

8. ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF TECH 31

SOLUTIONS: MY ANALYSIS
9. R EFER NC ES 33

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 ABSTRACT
Pollution of the air, water, soil and workplace is an important threat to human
development. Understanding the extent to which air pollution influences the process of
attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs) may help to estimate the benefit of
reducing air pollution for improving sustainable development and to evaluate the necessity
and urgency of reducing air pollutants and improving air quality. Air pollution is linked with
many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Strategies aiming at the
improved air quality interact directly with climate mitigation targets, access to clean energy
services, waste management, and other aspects of socio-economic development.

Air pollution in (urban and rural)

India is a growing public concern,
and city of Delhi (its capital) is one
of the most studied city with a
disproportionate share of media
attention. The magnitude of air
pollution is massive. It causes
devastating impacts on people’s
health, the city’s environment, and
economic well-being

Engineers are increasingly required to play a leadership role in sustainable development,

overcoming global challenges, such as depletion of resources, environmental pollution,
rapid population growth and damage to ecosystems. In the 20th century, engineering
achievements were developed without considering their impact on social, economic, and
environmental natural systems. One of the biggest challenges environmental and engineers
face is devising new techniques to
prevent the creation of additional
air pollution from manufacturing
and industry. The challenge is
compounded by industry owners
who do not want the added clean-
up steps than can slow down
and/or add cost to their
manufacturing processes. So,
engineers must be creative in
designing new pollutant recovery
methods and industrial
technologies that clean and
prevent air pollution.

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 INTRODUCTION

Air Pollution in Delhi

Delhi, a Union Territory that is home to India’s capital, New Delhi, is among the
world’s urban agglomerations with the most toxic air. The magnitude of air pollution
is massive. It causes devastating impacts on people’s health, the city’s environment,
and economic well-being. Despite overwhelming evidence of the severity of air
pollution and its consequences, however, India’s policy measures remain weak
The air quality in Delhi, the capital territory of India, according to a WHO survey of 1,650
world cities, is the worst of any major city in the world. It also affects the districts around
Delhi. Air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 2 million people every year; it is the
fifth largest killer in India. India has the world's highest death rate from chronic respiratory
diseases and asthma, according to the WHO. In Delhi, poor quality air irreversibly damages
the lungs of 2.2 million or 50 percent of all children.

On 25 November 2019, the Supreme Court of India made statements on the pollution in
Delhi saying "Delhi has become worse than narak (hell)". Supreme Court Justice Arun
Mishra said that it is better to get explosives and kill everyone.
Things went out of the hands when the Supreme Court of India had to intervene on
November 25, 2019. The Supreme Court Justice Arun Mishra compared Delhi situation to
living in hell and said that it would have been better to get explosives and kill everyone.

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Delhi Air Quality Index generally hovers from moderate to worse. It is rarely satisfactory and
never ‘good.’ During December to March- the months of winters when Sun is hard to spot, it
is the smog that affects the visibility to a great extent, and the quality reduces to very poor,
severe and eventually hazardous. From October to December, the pollution level worsens
exorbitantly due to stubble burning, dust storms, vehicle pollution, and gradually changing
weather.

Air Quality Index levels-

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Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi
 Overpopulation. Another reason of air-pollution is over-population in the capital.
Over-population only adds up to the various types of pollution, whether it is air
pollution or noise pollution.

 Lack of political priority. Investing less on public infrastructure is another reason of

air pollution. In India, investment in public transport and infrastructure is low
which leads to congested roads, and hence air pollution. There is a lack of Lack of
active monitoring and reaction by authorities.

 Motor vehicle emissions are one of the

causes of poor air quality. Pollution caused
by the traffic menace in Delhi is another
reason contributing to this air pollution
and smog. The air quality index has
reached ‘severe’ levels. Vehicular
emission is increasing the hazardous
effects of air pollution and smog. The
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
and the National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
have declared vehicular emission as a
major contributor to Delhi’s increasing air pollution.

 Wood-burning fires, cow dung cake combustion, fires on agricultural land, exhaust from
diesel generators, dust from construction sites, burning garbage and illegal industrial
activities in Delhi. Large scale construction in Delhi-NCR is another culprit that is
increasing dust and pollution in the air. Considering the dipping air quality, a
number of construction sites have stalled work, as directed by th e Delhi
Government.

 As the winter season sets in, dust particles and pollutants in the air become
unable to move. Due to stagnant winds, these pollutants get locked in the air and
affect weather conditions, resulting in smog.

 The Badarpur Thermal Power Station, a coal-fired power plant built in 1973, is another
major source of air pollution in Delhi. Despite producing less than 8% of the city's
electric power, it produces 80 to 90% of the particulate matter pollution from the
electric power sector in Delhi. During the Great smog of Delhi in November 2017, the
Badarpur Power Plant was temporarily shut down to alleviate the acute air pollution but
was allowed to restart on 1 February 2018. In view of the detrimental effect to the
environment, the power plant has been permanently shut down since 15 October 2018.

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 The drift/mist emissions from the wet cooling towers are also a source of particulate
matter as they are widely used in industry and other sectors for dissipating heat in
cooling system.

 Fire in Bhalswa landfill is a major reason for airborne particles in Delhi.

 Although Delhi is kerosene free and 90% of the households use LPG for cooking, the
remaining 10% uses wood, crop residue, cow dung, and coal for cooking. (Census-India,
2011)

 Heavy metal-rich fire-crackers. Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers were a
common sight this Diwali. It may not be the top reason for this smog, but it
definitely contributed to its build up.

 Agricultural stubble burning also affects Delhi's air quality when crops are being
harvested. National capital shares its border with the states of Haryana and Uttar
Pradesh. One of the main reasons of increasing air pollution levels in Delhi is crop
burning by the farmers in these states. Farmers burn rice stubb les in Punjab,
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. It is estimated that approximately 35 million tonnes
of crop are set afire by these states. The wind carries all the pollutants and dust
particles, which have got locked in the air.

Although pollution is at its worst from November to February, Delhi's air misses clean-air
standards by a wide margin for much of the year. It is a noxious mix of emissions from its 9
million vehicles, construction dust and burning of waste. On the worst days, the air quality
index, a benchmark ranging from zero (good) to 500 (hazardous), exceeds 400

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Effects of Air Pollution in Delhi
On November 1, 2019, Delhi’s Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority
(EPCA) declared air pollution a public health emergency. The declaration acknowledged the
severe impact of pollution on health. Although it provided for specific measures to
ameliorate pollutant levels and to prevent undue human exposure, it did not specifically
define “public health emergency,” specify duration, or provide for long-term systemic
changes.

Air pollution poses a major health risk and can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and
chronic and acute respiratory diseases. According to the WHO, 92% of the world’s
population lives in areas where the air quality is below the WHO standards. About 88% of
premature deaths occur in the low- and middle-income countries, where air pollution is
escalating at an alarming rate.

Ambient air pollution health effects:

 In children and adults, both short- and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution can
lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma
 Maternal exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with adverse birth outcomes,
such as low birth weight, pre-term birth and small gestational age births
 Emerging evidence also suggests ambient air pollution may affect diabetes and
neurological development in children

Household air pollution health effects:

 Exposure to indoor air pollutants can lead to a wide range of adverse health outcomes
in both children and adults, from respiratory illnesses to cancer to eye problems
 Members of households that rely on polluting fuels and devices also suffer a higher risk
of burns, poisonings, musculoskeletal injuries and accidents

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What are the harmful effects of smog?
 It can lead to the onset of allergies or aggravate existing allergies and decrease lung
immunity.
 It might be instrumental in causing premature birth.
 It can decrease lung function across age groups.
 It might aggravate pre-existing lung and cardiac functions along with uncontrollable
or chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

While the ongoing crisis in Delhi was born of the externalities of rapid urban and economic
development in the context of a shifting climate, it has been abetted by profound failure in
political will and coordination within a federal system of divided responsibilities ill-suited to
regulating air pollutants. Against this murky backdrop of failed public health and
environmental governance, the EPCA has proven to be a bright beacon shining amidst the
fog.

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 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable development is the organizing principle for meeting human development goals
while simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural
resources and ecosystem services on which the economy and society depend. The desired
result is a state of society where living conditions and resources are used to continue to
meet human needs without undermining the integrity and stability of the natural system.
Sustainable development can be defined as development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development is the idea that human societies must live and meet their needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The
“official” definition of sustainable development was developed for the first time in
the Brundtland Report in 1987.

Sustainability goals, such as the

current UN-level Sustainable
Development Goals, address the
global challenges, including
poverty, inequality, climate
change, environmental
degradation, peace, and justice.

The ecological stability of human settlements is part of the relationship between humans
and their natural, social and built environments. Also termed human ecology, this broadens
the focus of sustainable development to include the domain of human health. Fundamental
human needs such as the availability and quality of air, water, food and shelter are also the
ecological foundations for sustainable development; addressing public health risk through
investments in ecosystem services can be a powerful and transformative force for
sustainable development which, in this sense, extends to all species.
Environmental sustainability concerns the natural environment and how it endures and
remains diverse and productive. Since natural resources are derived from the environment,
the state of air, water, and the climate is of particular concern. The IPCC Fifth Assessment
Report outlines current knowledge about scientific, technical and socio-economic
information concerning climate change, and lists options for adaptation and mitigation.
Environmental sustainability requires society to design activities to meet human needs while
preserving the life support systems of the planet. This, for example, entails using water
sustainably, using renewable energy, and sustainable material supplies (e.g. harvesting
wood from forests at a rate that maintains the biomass and biodiversity)

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Connection between Air Quality & UN-SDGs

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a blueprint for achieving a
better future for the people and the planet. Air quality and air pollution are included
in many of the individual targets. Globally, cities and companies are committing to
action towards the goals alongside governments and civil society.

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 goals and 169 targets set by
the United Nations, which were adopted by all Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. They address global challenges including poverty,
inequality, economic growth, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

What is the connection between air quality and the UN Sustainable Development
Goals?
The subject of air quality is directly highlighted in three SDGs, where it is attributed to health
and environmental sustainability:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the
number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous
chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and
contamination
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to
household and ambient air pollution

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 Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita
environmental impact of cities, including by paying special
attention to air quality and municipal and other waste
management
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate
matter (i.e. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population
weighted)

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Target 12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound
management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their
lifecycle, in accordance with agreed international
frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air,
water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts
on human health and the environment. Aside from these
implications, the climate and social impact of air pollutants
is also attributable to other SDGs regarding clean water,
conservation, and industry innovation.

Air pollution is linked with many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Strategies aiming at the improved air quality interact directly with climate mitigation
targets, access to clean energy services, waste management, and other aspects of socio-
economic development. Continuation of current policies in the key emitting sectors implies
that a number of sustainability goals will likely not be met within the next two decades:
emissions of air pollutants would cause 40% more premature deaths from outdoor air
pollution than today, carbon emissions would rise globally by 0.4% per year, while nearly
two billion people would not have access to clean cooking

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 AIR QUALITY IN DELHI DURING
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India, The water quality of
the Yamuna and Ganges river basins have improved as industries are closed due to the
lockdown. The air quality has also significantly improved during the lockdown
During the lockdown period without any major relaxations — between March 25 and May
18 — pollution levels in Delhi reduced drastically and the air quality index (AQI) remained in
the “satisfactory” category for most of the time.

“In Delhi-NCR, one of the major factors that led to the drop in pollution was a 97% reduction
in overall traffic and 91% reduction in trucks and commercial vehicles entering the capital
during April, as compared to the pre-lockdown months of December-January,” the Centre
for Science and Environment said in a report. From May 18 to June 5, the AQI remained in
the “moderate” category. From July to September, monsoon rains kept pollution levels in
check. At an average AQI of 63.8, August was the cleanest month of the year in terms of air
quality. There were four “good” air days in August, the highest in any month since 2015,
when the CPCB began monitoring AQI.
By October end, the air turned "severe" again, raising concerns among health experts about
its impact on the coronavirus patients. It prompted the Delhi government to launch a
massive anti-air pollution campaign - "Yuddh Pradushan Ke Viruddh" - under the leadership
of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

In an effort to curb air pollution levels in the city, Mr. Kejriwal banned firecrackers in the
national capital ahead of Diwali, and promised to ramp-up critical health infrastructure in

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State-run hospitals, citing links between rising air pollution and a surge in coronavirus cases
in Delhi.
The Indian Medical Association said in November that “13% of the recent COVID-19 cases
may be linked to air pollution”. As pollutions levels breached the emergency threshold twice
in the month, a grey apocalyptic smog enveloped Delhi for days, blotting out the sun from
the sky and smudging landmarks from view.

According to the CPCB, the city recorded 10 “severe” air days this November, the maximum
number in the month in four years, largely due to lesser precipitation and large-scale
stubble burning. Pollution levels on Diwali this year and the day after were the maximum in
the last four years despite a ban on firecrackers.
Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting center of the India Meteorological
Department said, the air was fouler this November as there was lesser precipitation as
compared to last year. The other major reason was large-scale stubble burning, he said.
Farmers started burning crop residue early due to early harvesting this year. Also, the farm
fires raged for a longer duration. Punjab alone recorded 76,590 cases of stubble burning this
season, the highest in the last four years. The number was 55,210 last year.

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 GOVERNMENT POLICIES TO PREVENT
AIR POLLUTION

Central Government Policies

The maintenance and improvement
of Air Quality is a major
environmental challenge in the
backdrop of various developmental
activities. The air quality, therefore,
has been a major concern
particularly in urban and industrial
sites and their surrounding regions.
The contribution of various air
pollutants could be attributed to
vehicular emission exhaust,
developmental activities, and operations of DG sets, re-suspension of dust and burning of
fuel for domestic purposes. The management of indoor pollution is also an emerging
challenge.

The Ministry of Environment Forests (MoEF) has adopted a comprehensive National

Environmental Policy (NEP) 2006, based on overarching guiding principles that include
among others right to development, environmental protection as an integral part of the
development process, environmental standards setting, the precautionary principle and
polluter pay principle, preventive action, economic efficiency, and equity. For abatement of
pollution in general and air quality management in particular, various actions have been
suggested which inter-alia include an integrated approach to strengthening of monitoring
and enforcement of emissions standards for both point and non-point sources, preparation
of action plans for cities to address air pollution, promotion of R&D, formulation of national
strategy for urban transport and energy conservation.

In confirmation with the goals of the National Environment Policy, the primary
efforts during the eleventh five year plan period need to be develop science based air
quality management system and strengthen regulatory, institutional and enforcement
mechanisms with adequate resources and skilled human power to achieve the clean air
target as defined by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Currently, the provisions of
the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986 govern the air quality management and air pollution control.

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Over View of Current Air Quality trends and challenges

Status of air quality monitoring

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors ambient air quality in the country at
328 stations covering 115 cities/towns in 28 states and 4 Union Territories (i) to determine
the status and trend in ambient air quality; (ii) to ascertain compliance of air quality
standards (iii) to assess health hazard (iv) to continue the ongoing process of producing
periodic evaluation on air pollution situation in urban and industrial areas; (v) to obtain the
knowledge necessary for developing preventive and corrective measures; (vi) to understand
the natural cleansing process through pollution dilution, dispersion, wind movement, dry
deposition, precipitation and chemical transformation of the pollution generated.

Under this programme, sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen as NO2, suspended
particulate matter (PM) and reparable particulate matter (RSPM/PM10) have been
identified for regular monitoring at all locations. The additional parameters, such as,
reparable lead and toxic trace metals, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3) and
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also being monitored at selected locations.

Air Quality Management

(i) Ambient air quality standards

Under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the national
ambient air quality standards for the criteria pollutants (TSPM, PM10, SO2, NO2) have been
notified. These standards are based on land use and are different for residential, industrial
and sensitive areas. These standards need to be reviewed based on health consideration to
protect sensitive population with margin of safety.

There is further need for review of national ambient air quality standards to set
standards for new pollutants of concerns, including PM2.5, ozone and air toxics. CPCB has
initiated the process to adopt standards for hitherto unregulated pollutants. These include
PM2.5, and some air toxics like benzene, benzo (a) pyrene which is taken as a measure for a
range of PAH in the air. These initiatives along with a standard for ozone need to be
expedited urgently. Globally, the emerging science is consistently bringing down the safe
threshold of pollution especially the particulate, the cause of major concern.

(ii) Assessment of air pollution sources

Presently, with a view to ascertain contribution to RSPM from various sources of

pollution, Source Apportionment Studies have been initiated in six cities including Delhi,
Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Kanpur and Mumbai in coordination with the Central Pollution
Control Board and various technical institutions and IITs. The objectives frame work for
Source Apportionment Studies include preparation of emission inventory, emission profile,
monitoring of ambient air quality, assessment of data and its authentication and source
apportionment of

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RSPM (PM10) using factor analysis and receptor modelling. Application of Chemical Mass
Balance (CMB-8), Receptor model and ISC dispersion model have been included in the
study. The results of these studies would help in preparation of city specific Action Plans for
management of air quality.

Keeping in view the above, the management of ambient air quality system,
therefore, would require a reliable database consisting of information on sources of
emission, the local/regional meteorological conditions, air quality etc. The other inputs
required would be GIS based Decision Support System (DSS). The predictions for ambient air
quality are generally based on modelling of air pollutants and their transportation through
models such as Gaussian Model, Industrial Source Complex Short Term (ISCST 3) Model, Box
Model, Plume Model and Gradient Transport Model etc.

(iii) Health Risk Assessment

Comprehensively designed health assessment studies are needed to understand the

magnitude of health risk, and make regulations responsive and dynamic to reduce health
risks. More robust local data would help to evolve necessary action and enable decision-
making process.

Ministry of Environment and Forests has initiated a few projects and constituted a
committee to review the current status of environmental health. An Environmental Health
Cell has been set up, which is formulating and implementing health impact related projects.
A vision statement on environment and human health released by the MoEF in July 2003
states air pollution and health effects and stresses on the need for environmental health
risk assessments studies due to air pollution. Environmental epidemiological studies have
been initiated in 11 areas. These studies are at various stages and would help in further
refining the standards that have been notified and for development of future standards.

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(iv) Assessment of Regulations and Institutional Framework

In view of the enormity of the challenge that air quality management would face
given the rapid growth in economy, accelerated pace of industrialization, and motorization,
and growing scale of private participation in the implementation of the control measures,
organization of studies and research, and regulation building would play a very critical role
in the years to come.

The Environment protection Act of 1986 is an umbrella legislation that has

broadened the ambit of power of the central government with respect to environmental
management. Under the Sec 3 of this Act, schedule I lists the standards for emissions and
discharge from industries, Schedule II lists general standards for discharge and effluents,
schedule III lists ambient air quality standards and schedule IV lists standards for emissions
of smoke, vapour etc. from motor vehicles. The EPA Act provides a framework for the
Central Environment Ministry to coordinate activities of various Central and State
authorities.

Multiplicity of authorities both at the Central and State levels with no clear process
to harness science to support policy making, presents serious challenge. Under the current
regulatory framework, the authority to manage and control industrial pollution directly
rests with the MoEF and the pollution control boards. In practice, implementation of the
regulations related to the vehicular pollution, a significant contributor to the ambient air
pollution, does not fall within the jurisdiction of the CPCB and SPCBs. Thus the lack of
unified authority to deal emissions standards for all pollution sources impedes holistic air
quality planning, and enforcement of the ambient air quality standards. This requires urgent
review.

This city based action planning has proved to be effective in improving local
planning, implementation and also in controlling pollution levels. It is therefore
recommended that this model be developed further as the foundation of a more robust air
quality planning exercise nationwide. The cities are at different stages of progress. Though
many of these cities are working with common strategies, the constraints and barriers are
unique to each of these cities that require case by case approach.

(v) Training and Capacity Building and Regulatory Action

Currently, the capacity building programmes include organisation of the training,

strengthening of training facilities and workshops etc. There are a few agencies / institutes
which impart short-term courses. But this is not adequate. Training and capacity building
would require specific focus to be able to support regulatory development, monitoring,
scientific studies and research for rule making. Special attention needs to be given to
technical training for capacity building linked with air quality monitoring, instrumentation,
laboratory analysis, and calibration and quality audits among others.

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Proposed Policy Plan of Action
During the 11th Five Year Plan of India, the endeavour in air quality management would be
to integrate and consolidate the existing Plan, Programmes and activities at the National
level, city level and pockets of critically polluted industrial areas. For this purpose, following
thrust areas for National Air Quality Planning (NAQP) have been identified:

Air Quality Monitoring

 Air Quality Monitoring being the backbone for air quality management and priority
actions, following activities need to be considered; o The monitoring network need
to be expanded from the current 328 stations to about 1000 stations including
introduction of monitoring in new cities and intensification of monitoring in major
cities where monitoring is already carried out;

 The coverage for additional parameters need to be initiated and expanded through
continuous and real time monitoring of PM2.5, Ozone, VOC, PAH etc. to about 15
cities per year, so as to cover the 76 non-compliant cities over a period of five years;

 In addition to criteria pollutants (SPM, RSPM, NOx, SO2) for source monitoring, VOC,
BTX need to be introduced for developing necessary control measures;

 Compulsory source monitoring need to be introduced in all critically polluted areas

and hazardous industrial units and a transparent central data base may be created
based on monitoring results;

 GIS based decision support system may be introduced for scientific management of
air pollution along with networking of existing manual/continuous monitoring
stations.

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Air Quality Standards

• Review of the current National Ambient standards should be undertaken and

standards for additional pollutants (Ozone, PM10 and air toxics) need to be introduced
with necessary monitoring capacity;
• Both concentration and emission load based standards should be developed for
various industrial sources. The new standards need to be based on health
considerations to protect sensitive population with a margin of safety. The
supplementary standards may be introduced for protection of vegetation and
property.

Scientific Studies

• The CPCB may undertake multi-city studies on air pollution inventory and source
profiling, source apportionment, air quality modelling on an on-going process basis to
assess trend in sources of pollution, pollution load and assess the impact of various
abatement measures on air quality to strengthen the city specific Action Plans;
• A rigorous methodology and scientific protocol need to be developed to initiate
health studies based on time series epidemiological data and exposure levels for
proper health risk assessment due to air quality. The study should include specific
reference to risk factor associated with poor socio economic conditions.

Clean Air Action Plan for Cities

• The identified non-compliant cities should prepare a comprehensive action plan

covering criteria pollutants, air toxics and hazardous air pollutants along with
necessary priority investments required. The Action Plan may be a combination of
local, State and Central actions and emission controls needed for the area to bring
about compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards;
• It is recommended that the Action Plan should define the target reduction, control
measures, schedules and time tables for compliance that are necessary for the area
to meet air quality standards;
• The action plan may be prepared based on inventory of emissions, source
apportionment and modelling to demonstrate that the measures selected have
reduced the emission to meet the standard;
• The Air Quality Action Plans may be periodically reviewed by the Ministry in
consultation with CPCB and SPCB to incorporate new regulatory requirements at the
Central and State level, new information for change in the attainment status.

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Vehicular Pollution Control

• The road map proposed in Auto Fuel Policy may be accelerated and tightened to cover
wider urban areas, particularly the 35 million plus cities in addition to 11 cities already
brought under Euro-III emission standards. These may include key State capitals in
the priority areas with
introduction of Euro-IV emission
standards.
• As emissions depend on fuel
quality, ultra-low sulphur diesel
along with advanced emission
control technology should be
implemented concurrently by
avoiding use of harmful additives
and stoppage of adulteration of
fuel;
• The programme for alternate fuel may be implemented and expanded by
introduction of advanced vehicular technologies including hybrid technology,
rationalization of taxes etc.;
• The programme on bio-fuel may be promoted and encouraged while avoiding the
conflicts of use of wasteland with other competing demands;
• The in-use vehicle inspection programme may be strengthened and implemented as
they constitute major part of the vehicular population.

Industrial Pollution Control

• The existing standards would be

reviewed and new ones introduced
based on best available technology
and their economic feasibility. In the
first stage, the major polluting
industries like petrochemicals,
refineries, pesticides,
pharmaceuticals and others would
be considered;
• The industries should be advised
to provide rigorous data base, which would be audited by respective SPCBs for further
action, if non-compliance is observed. This may be supplemented by independent
monitoring and supervision by competent third party;
• The technologies for clean fuel and fuel substitution in combustion processes in
industries may be encouraged for air pollution control;

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 • Source monitoring need to be effectively followed for reduction in target and penalty
in case of default.

Fiscal Incentives

• Specific programmes would need to be designed and implemented for tax incentives
to promote clean technologies, clean fuels in industrial and transport sector;
• Dis-incentive should be integrated into industrial activity to discourage operation of
polluting units, vehicles etc.;
• Studies should be undertaken for promotion of alternative fuelled vehicles, use of
public transport. The results of source apportionment studies should be incorporated
in various programmes;
• The existing sectoral policies should be integrated for synergy on pollution control.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Quality Assurance(QA) and Quality Control (QC) being prerequisites for improved
results, the CPCB and its Zonal Offices should be strengthened for QA/QC, calibrations
of facilities for air pollution analysis, network audits, data review etc. along with
capacity building necessary for such activities.

Training and Capacity Building

• Keeping in view the scientific requirements for air quality monitoring, data analysis, handling
of instruments etc., it is recommended that institutional mechanism be created for medium
to long term training and capacity building in these areas including calibration, quality audit,
laboratory analysis, regulation development etc.;
• An institutional network and protocol need to be evolved to engage the research and
educational institutions, scientific agencies, recognized laboratories and public agencies to
share scientific information and experience;
• International experience in the areas of air pollution abatement and trans-boundary
movement should be shared
through participation in
workshops, seminars etc. and
dialogue be initiated with
Environmental Regulatory
Authorities in other countries
to assess good regulatory
models and harness science.

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Delhi Government Initiatives

The Key Factors

NON-POLLUTING INDUSTRIES

Two major thermal power plants in Rajghat and Badarpur have been shut down. Significant
restrictions have been imposed on the fuels permitted for use by industries with the use of
PNG/CNG being made
mandatory.

CURBING VEHICULAR
EMISSIONS

Odd/Even Policy has been

implemented to reduce
vehicular emissions. Restrictions
on truck movement within the
city using an Environment
Compensation Charge.
Progressive subsidies on E-
Rickshaws and a mandatory
switch over to BS-6 fuel.

AFFORESTATION

Increase in forest cover from 20.22% to 20.59% Mega Plantation Drive in 2018 resulting in 5 lakh
trees planted on a single day. Delhi Tree Challenge where each family is expected to plant and take
care of one sapling

Delhi air pollution has experienced a 25% drop in levels since 2014

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 TECHNOLOGY BASED SOLUTIONS

By United Nations
Technology and design-based
interventions
Technology-based approaches to
reducing reduce household air
pollution emissions, as well as related
risks of burns and poisonings, are
covered here. These include: cleaner
stoves and fuels; adequate ventilation
and housing design; and access to
clean household energy/electricity
sources.

Electric, induction cook stoves:

At point of use, electric stoves are the
cleanest option for health; although
due to their high energy demands,
these are often not considered a
feasible option in low- and middle-income countries households where the electricity
supply is often inadequate, unreliable and/or unaffordable. However, new lower-cost
and efficient “induction” cookers are entering the market and are proving to be a viable
option in countries like Nepal and India when an adequate electricity source exists.
However, if electricity supply is provided by a polluting source, such as household-based
diesel generators, then the reductions in household pollution may be offset by increased
pollution around the house, including fine particulate and carcinogenic emissions. If
induction stoves are powered by rooftop PV solar, a large array of panels is typically
required as induction stoves remain energy intensive.

Solar and wind-based electricity: In communities lacking reliable grid access but with
ample wind or sunlight, micro-grids
or home systems using photovoltaic
solar or wind energy can power a
household’s electrical lights, reducing
reliance on dirty kerosene lighting.
Such sources also can often power
light appliances, such as fans, radios,
mobile phones, computer devices
and TVs, reducing reliance on dirty
diesel generators that can pollute
inside and outside of the home. For

24
 more about the health benefits of solar PV electricity as well as the risks of diesel
generators see:
 Reducing global health risks through mitigation of short-lived climate pollutants
 Health co-benefits of climate change mitigation - Housing sector

Solar hot water & space heating: Rooftop thermal solar panels for water heating are
already widely available in the Middle East, parts of Africa, Europe and Latin America.
Access to hot water improves the conditions for bathing/personal hygiene as well as kitchen
sanitation. “Combi” thermal systems can provide space heating with hot water funnelled
into radiators. Improved ventilation and housing design can also reduce household pollution
exposures
Hooded stoves with chimneys vent pollutants outdoors: Ventilation can help reduce
inhabitants’ exposure to smoke indoors. For example, lung cancer incidence in farmers in
Xuanwei, China, decreased by more than 40% when they switched from unvented fire
pits to stoves with chimneys in their homes. However, in many cases vented smoke
outdoors can still linger in the immediate area and leach back inside. It also contributes
to community level air pollution, particularly in densely populated areas. Therefore
ventilation is most effective when paired with a low-emission stoves and fuels.

Implementing passive design principles: Passive solar heating and cooling techniques –
such strategic placement of windows, shading, insulated walls and reflective roofs can
reduce demand for space heating and the associated combustion of solid fuels and
kerosene in cool climates, as well as reducing heat stress and improving ventilation in
warm climates. Care must be taken to maintain adequate introduction of fresh air and
ventilation.

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Tech Students’ initiatives to prevent air pollution
The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-Delhi) has devised technological solutions to
combat air pollution in the country. With the establishment of Centre of Excellence for
Research on Clean Air (CERCA) in February 2018, the institute has come up with devices to
control polluted air.
The cost-effective devices, as per a release by IIT-Delhi, can provide temporary relief from
air pollution in the national capital
and other states of north India. One
such device, the Chakr Shield, helps
to convert pollutants to ink that can
be used for drawings. The retrofit
device by the IIT Delhi alumni can
trap 90 per cent of particulate
matter in the exhaust, thus reducing the pollution caused by the diesel generators.
Meanwhile, the Nasofilter, which was designed in 2017, can protect users from air
pollutants, including PM 2.5 particles, and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.

The start-ups by the alumni, students and teachers received the ‘Startup National Award’
2017 by former President Pranab Mukherjee, and also made it to the South Korean
government’s list of ‘Top 50 technical startups in the world’.

The device helped to keep away PM 10 particles by 100 per cent, and PM 2.5 particles by 95
per cent. The filters can last up to 8-10 hours.

Another start-up Kriya Labs developed a processing technology in an attempt to curb

pollution due to crop burning. The technology was developed to convert agro-waste like rice
straw into pulp, which can then be used to make several biodegradable products like cups,
plates and other tableware.
The Ezio air pollution monitor is designed to check the level of pollution in our local
environment, such as inside a room, car or outdoors. The device by the startup Aerogram
Private Limited can also help create a detailed map for entire cities and figure out the levels
of pollution in different areas.
Shudhvayu innovations is another startup which is working to remove PM10 in bulk by
installing the design 5) registered air purification device on a multitude of vehicles.

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 ROADMAP TO CLEAN AIR:
CONCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGICAL
SOLUTIONS
Delhi's environment situation cannot be resolved by fixing a single source of the pollutants
but through a coordinated exercise against every cause.

 Data of the Environmental Factors

The first step before fixing any problem requires the identification of it. While the causes of
the pollution are largely understood; how each factor interacts with each other, what is the
primary source of pollution in different areas within NCR along with understanding the
impact of the different efforts which are being taken to tackle this issue requires in-depth
statistical analysis.
There should be multiple sensors across the city that measures environmental factors such
as wind speed, direction, pollutants and toxins in the air. An integrated system that also
provides details on the policy being implemented or efforts being taken, can be developed
that publicly provides this information through an API in real time. This will enable
researchers across the world to analyse the various factors and provide solutions to the real
causes of the issue.

 AI-Based Traffic Monitor

While Delhi has passed certain notifications banning vehicles above a certain age from
plying on the roads, there are still plenty of vehicles defying this. AI systems have already
been developed and being utilized globally, which have the ability to read the license plate
number of vehicles. Such a system integrated with the Department of Motor Vehicles
database of RC's would enable officials in real time to keep track of the vehicles defying this
policy and especially those entering the city.
The added benefit of this system is that with an automatic electronic record of each vehicle
defying the cities policies, it should reduce the chances of corruption at the ground level.

 Market Visibility of Paddy Straw

While there have been efforts by the neighbouring states to discourage farmers from
burning their paddy straw, the majority of small farmers are helpless due to the costs
associated with the collection and disposal of the straw.
a. Average paddy straw from 1 acre of land = 2 tonnes
b. Cost of Utilizing a Harvester / machine to collect the straw from 1 acre of land = INR
3,000
c. Total Amount of Rice Straw Burned in Punjab = 12 mn tonnes

27
 To drastically change this prevailing practice, would require an economically viable
opportunity, where the farmers not only can dispose of this straw without any cost but
actually make money from it. There are few solutions, which can achieve this objective.
Few IIT-D graduates have developed a technology, which can convert rice straw into pulp
and further into biodegradable homeware. They will purchase paddy straw for INR
5,000/acre and then sell it to small entrepreneurs who would make it into the pulp. With a
high margin end product, it would end up being an economically viable model for the
farmer, the startup along with the entrepreneurs. Similar ventures need to be encouraged
and incentivized.
While plants that utilize paddy straw as fuel for creating energy are coming up in Punjab, it
would take time, before it reaches the capacity of the supply of the straw. However,
internationally there are a number of such plants which purchase the paddy straw for this
purpose in addition to utilizing the straw for pulp. Prices for this straw can be seen on global
platforms like Alibaba at over a $100/tonne. The collection and export of this straw would
enable further business opportunities for the farmers and interested parties.

 Smog Tower

China has already developed and been utilizing its smog tower in Xian, which is able to clean
10 mn cubic meters of air daily.
Essentially, this device is an
industrial size air purifier that is
used to filter the particulate matter
outside.
There are even few startups in India
that are developing similar
technologies to improve the air
quality. One such startup, Kurin
Systems have designed a 40x20 foot
smog tower that will have the
capacity to clean 32 mn cubic
meters of air per day. These towers
if strategically located at the borders
of the city along with heavy traffic
areas could bring down the
particulate matter of the wind flow
before it even enters the city.

 Using Artificial Intelligence to Sort Trash

Currently, there are four dumpsites in Delhi, spread over 70 acres and measuring 65 meters
in height. In addition to the other causes of pollution, this growing epidemic is also a major
environmental concern of the city. 3 of the sites, though declared as exhausted long time
ago, are still used for dumping garbage. Currently, 10200 tons of solid waste is generated
every day, of which 5,300 tons are disposed of through 3 waste to energy plants. There are
2 new plants with a capacity of 3,500 MT that is being set up along with a capacity

28
 expansion 1,500 of the existing facilities, which is expected to be completed by 2020.
However, certain technologies, which are already being used by multiple countries globally
can be used to reduce this trash and increase recycling.
AI-based robots have already been developed, which are able to distinguish between
different types of recyclable material from waste and separate them. This would assist in
solving one of the biggest issues from the amount of trash that is generated – sorting.
Example of this can be seen in the following video - 'AI robots Clarke Learn to Sort Trash'.
Countries like Sweden have even perfected their waste to energy to systems, till a point
where less than 1% of their waste actually ends up in a landfill. Additionally, due to the
overcapacity of their waste to energy plants, Sweden has actually begun to import waste
from other countries, resulting in a new revenue source for them.

 Construction

Construction of local infrastructure and private buildings is a constant in any major

metropolitan city across the world. A growing demand for infrastructure coupled with the
heavy usage of existing facilities requires construction to take place. It is estimated that 70%
of the buildings that will exist in India by 2030, are yet to be built.
However, by some estimates, this construction is one of the leading sources of pollution in
the city, with very little policies in place to maintain certain environmental standards. Within
the city, it is a common sight to see open piles of construction materials, construction sites,
which have not been fenced off and trucks carrying these materials, which are also not
covered.
In countries like Hong Kong, a netted mesh across the construction area can often be seen,
this would reduce the amount of material, which is blown into the air. While some of the
developers in Delhi, do follow these practices, more often than not, in an effort to save their
margins these practices will be ignored unless mandated to follow.

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 Cloud Seeding

Cloud seeding is the practice of creating artificial precipitation to take place by dispersing
substances like salts into the air through aircraft. This technology is already being used by
China, US, Israel, South Africa and Germany for years.
Precipitation would force the pollutants in the air to be brought onto the ground and hence
improve the air quality. The CPCB along with researchers from IIT-K have been planning on
conducting this within the city. Such practices should be quickly developed and become an
institutionalized practice if the pollution levels cross certain levels

India is a land of constant surprise, where through sheer will, people have the ability to
achieve the unimaginable. Over the past few years, we have made rapid developments
across ease of business, renewable energy, taxation, logistics and infrastructure. But it is
now time, to take action and to show the world that the country has the ability to not only
manage this pollution problem but in a similar manner, take leaps and bounds forward to
improve it.

30
 ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF TECH
SOLUTIONS: MY ANALYSIS

1. Monitoring and Analysis of the Environmental Factors

So far, there are 21 sensors in New Delhi, installed on the smart poles. These sensors
are being used to monitor PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO levels, besides the
temperature and humidity and the entire information is sent to the council app-
NDMC311.
Presently, these smart-sensors have been installed in areas like Khan Market, RML
Hospital, Sardar Patel Chowk, Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Connaught Place. The
government needs to install these sensors in other locations as well as along the
borders of the state of Delhi. These sensors are developed and fabricated in India
itself, so the overall cost of these sensors is less than the ones used before. The
monitoring station is already in action, so the only expenditure on this project is the
installation of more sensors to keep a check on air quality of all the divisions of Delhi.

2. AI-Based Traffic Monitor

The state of Delhi is already flooded with speed-sensing cameras which determine
the cars which are crossing the speed limit. These cameras also have the capability
to focus and read the registration plate of each vehicle which passes through its
vicinity. So, the hardware required for this setup is functional already. All that is
required is a software update in the monitoring rooms, the new software will have a
connected database containing the registration numbers of all the cars which are
older than the prescribed age.

3. Market Visibility of Paddy Straw

Research in the field of disposal of paddy straw has been going on for a long time
and as per the recent advancements, technologies have come up with techniques
and machines to convert paddy straw into biodegradable disposable cutlery. This has
immense scope because this will not only allow proper disposal of crop stubble but
also eliminate the use of plastic, which is presently the major component in
disposable cutlery. Farmers can sell their crop stubble to these industries as a raw
material at an estimated price of Rs.5000/acre, which is approximately the same
price as the crop itself, resulting in the prosperity of farmers and at the same time,
tackling a major factor for air pollution in Delhi.

4. Smog Tower
The Smog Tower is capable of removing upto 80 percent particulate matter (PM 2.5
and PM10 pollutants). The cost of building a smog tower with a size enough to purify
600000 cubic meters, is approximately INR 7 Lakh and a running cost of INR 30000.

31
 The total cost of installing and running a smog tower with a capability to purify all of
Delhi’s air is only a fraction of the budget sanctioned by the government for
environmental issues. Moreover, a smog tower is a one-time investment, and the
cost will be further cut down as the construction of the tower takes place in the city
itself.

5. Use of Artificial Intelligence to Sort Trash

The total expenditure for implementing this technology will be broadly classified into
two categories, the AI-Software and the sensors and camera hardware. The AI
firmware has already been developed, which can sort the various types of waste
materials into divisions according to their biodegradability and material. This will
result in less waste in incinerators and landfills, and the rest of it can be recycled.
The hardware doesn’t need to be installed at every checkpoint the waste hits, it
has to be only at the 7 dumpsites the city has. Each trashbot costs between INR
150000 to 500000. Installing just 7 of them will recover the cost in less than a year,
and will help recycle more than 85% of the plastic and metal that presently ends
up in landfills and incinerators.

6. Construction
Improving the existing guidelines and regulations for construction and construction
materials will ensure a better practice by the builders. Most of the construction
machinery and the trucks are old and use fossil fuels. Government can launch
campaigns to promote the use of electrical machinery and modern trucks which are
far less polluting and more efficient.

7. Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding costs around INR 4.8 crore, for covering an area of 100 sq.KM for 200
hours, which consists of an entire season. In Delhi’s case, there’s a very less amount
of area that needs cloud seeding for settling down the dust, out of the 1484 sq.KM of
the city.. Running this cycle during the crop seasons will result in drastic reduction of
dust and smog in Delhi’s atmosphere at a cost which is about 2% of Delhi’s budget.

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 REFERENCES

1. https://www.cidm.co.in/delhi-air-pollution-case-
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