We have been grappling with severe air pollution for many years, and according to the 2022 IQAir report, India ranks 8th on the list of the most polluted countries in the world. Additionally, 12 out of 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia were in India. These statistics show the severity of the air pollution crisis in India. The Indian government has been implementing various initiatives to combat air pollution and promote clean air.

Image credits: Unknown

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to combat air pollution. One of those significant initiatives is the Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards, which regulate the emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles. India adopted the BS-IV standards in 2017, and in April 2020, it introduced the BS-VI standards, skipping the BS-V standard. Under the BS-VI fuel, for 1 KM, a car will emit 80% less PM and almost 70% less nitrogen oxide (in a diesel engine). In a petrol engine, the emission of nitrogen oxide would be less by 25%.

Additionally, The National Clean Air Program (NCAP), launched in January 2019, aims to improve air quality in 131 polluted cities by engaging all stakeholders. The program focuses on a collaborative and participatory approach involving Central Government Ministries, State Governments, local bodies, and other stakeholders. The objective is to have a comprehensive plan for prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution. The program targets a 20% to 30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) concentration by 2024.

Image credits: Green Peace

The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) launched in 2013 aimed to promote electric and hybrid vehicles' adoption in India. The plan sets a target to achieve 6-7 million sales of hybrid and electric vehicles year on year from 2020 onwards by providing fiscal incentives. The plan has been utilized by startups like Ather energy to induce the consumer shift. The main policy to achieve targets set out in the NEMMP is the "Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles" (FAME) scheme.

Moreover, India is pushing for hydrogen energy under the visionary leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. India is also pushing for hydrogen energy under the visionary leadership of Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. The government aims to use green hydrogen as a fuel source to power vehicles and industries in the future. The government is also considering developing hydrogen-powered fuel cells for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and buses. Leading by example, the Union Minister travels to parliament in a hydrogen-powered car.

Image credits: ANI

Additionally, India is one of the few countries in the world that has a scientific system of periodic forest cover assessment, providing valuable inputs for planning, policy formulation, and evidence-based decision-making. Since the early 1980s, India's forest cover has increased from 19.53% to 21.71% in 2021. Additionally, there is a notional 2.91% tree cover estimated in 2021, bringing the country's total green cover to 24.62% on paper. Forest cover has been constantly increasing since 1980, and these efforts have helped mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution to some extent.

Overall, the Indian government has taken significant steps to address the problem of air pollution, which is a significant public health concern in the country. The implementation of initiatives such as BS-VI, NCAP, NEMMP, and the promotion of hydrogen energy are positive steps towards a cleaner and healthier environment. Although more work is needed to tackle the issue, the government's commitment to promoting clean air and sustainable energy is a welcome development. But the only question is that with all these positive initiatives, can India tackle the problem? Only time will tell. But I am hopeful we will be able to overcome the issue and breathe fresh air!

Image Credit: Wallpaper Access