What are the causes of high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ozone pollution in India. How effective are the various steps taken by the government to mitigate particulate matter and ozone pollution?

Causes (High PM & Ozone Pollution)

1. Traditional Biomass burning releases unburnt carbon, ground level ozone, etc.
2. Poor prevalence of exhaust tech in vehicles (Ex: catalytic convertors)
3. Construction but without proper adherence to CPCB directives.
4. Winters: 'Parali' / Paddy waste burning due to multiple factors.

⑤ Energy generation

→ over 70% from Thermal units (energy) → coal oxidation, [SO₂ + NOₓ]

→ VOCs

→ Ozone + PhotoChemical Smog

⑥ Poor implementation of Norms for Industrial Emissions

Eg: Poor prevalence of scrubbing; Electrostatic Precipitation

Steps taken by govt & Analysis

① NCAP (National Clean Air Prog.)

a) → 132 non attainment cities wrt NAAQS

b) → 40% Emission (PM) reduction by 2026

② Promoting EVs (FAME scheme)

③ Ujjwala Yojana

Pending Issues

→ Efforts have failed to show desired results.

→ 12/15 cities in WHO's world's most polluted cities.

→ Lacking in implementation & monitoring.

1. Thermal unit norms wrt SO2, NOx
2. Fly Ash regulation
3. Green H2 Promotion
4. safer waste disposal norms.

→ Poor capacity of ULBs wrt waste mgmt → lack of Integrated Planning.

• Pie chart titled 'Fig: Emission sources'
  • 45% Coal & Thermal
  • 15% transport
  • 15% Agri & allied
  • 5% misc.
  • 20% Industry & constn

WAY AHEAD:

• Carbon trading (45% Emission reduction target by 2030)
• Implementation strengthening by Regulatory agencies
• LiFE approach Promotion
• Tech promotion:
  • subsidize Catalytic convertor
  • scrubbers, etc.