Addressing hazardous PM2.5 pollution, the World Bank's programme in India includes airshed management, state-wide action plans, and a pioneering Regional Airshed Action Plan to mitigate health risks and economic losses from widespread air pollution
The World Bank has launched a programme to address the hazardous impact of ambient particulate matter (PM) 2.5 pollution in India. The country's escalating air pollution crisis affects 1.4 billion people. The programme will introduce airshed management tools, develop State-wide Air Quality Action Plans, and create the first extensive Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), consisting of seven union territories and states.
Recent data shows that every individual in India is exposed to unhealthy levels of PM2.5, an airborne pollutant. PM2.5 particles, which have a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, pose severe health risks, leading to ailments such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Air pollution accounted for 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019 alone, constituting 17.8 percent of the total mortality rate.
The economic loss was also significant, with premature deaths and morbidity caused by air pollution resulting in losses of USD 36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36 percent of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). PM2.5 emissions in India come from various sources, including the combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and windblown dust from construction sites and industrial plants.
Over half of these emissions are formed in a "secondary" manner in the upper atmosphere, where different gaseous pollutants from various areas mix, contributing to the widespread and cross-border impact of air pollution. Recognising the multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional nature of India's air pollution challenge, the World Bank advocates for an "airshed" approach.
India is facing a significant public health crisis due to hazardous levels of air pollution. The country has undertaken several measures to address this issue, including revising ambient air quality standards, strengthening emission standards for vehicles and industries, and promoting renewable and electric energy.
Regional cooperation and coordinated efforts at the sub-national level are necessary to combat air pollution. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a government initiative that aims to improve air quality across the country, focusing on 132 "non-attainment" cities where pollution standards are not met. As part of this initiative, the government has allocated approximately USD 1.7 billion to combat air pollution in 42 cities with million-plus populations.
The World Bank is also involved in India's Air Quality Management (AQM) as part of 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 Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Collaborative efforts with academic institutions and practitioners involve modelling to enhance regional air quality management.
The World Bank emphasises the importance of airshed-wide coordination to achieve substantial pollution reductions. India's convergence with climate change initiatives presents an opportunity for co-benefits. Focusing on air pollution could significantly reduce India's CO2 emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
The World Bank's comprehensive approach aligns with India's commitment to cleaner air, sustainable development, and the well-being of its citizens. The goal is to reduce air pollution within a generation by drawing on successful strategies from other countries facing similar challenges.