Mumbai 7 July 2023: Over the past five years, Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra have experienced a slower reduction in air pollution levels compared to other cities and states in India. An examination of the annual average carcinogenic particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels from 2017 to 2022 indicates a modest decline. The concentration of PM 2.5 in rural Maharashtra decreased by only 9.5% during this period, while urban areas, including Mumbai, saw a dip of 7.7%. PM 2.5 particles are known to impact the lungs and respiratory system, posing health risks to the population.
In a nationwide comparison, Maharashtra’s urban areas fared the worst in terms of PM 2.5 reduction among the states. Rural regions across the country witnessed a decline of 19.1% in PM 2.5 levels, while urban regions recorded an 18.7% decrease between 2017 and 2022, according to satellite data analyzed by Climate Trends, a research-based consulting and capacity-building initiative.
The data indicates that PM 2.5 levels have plateaued over the past five years in both rural and urban regions, albeit with a consistent decline. Uttar Pradesh (UP) demonstrated the most significant progress, with a reduction of 37.8% and 38.1% in urban and rural PM 2.5 levels, respectively, from 2017 to 2022. S.N. Tripathi, professor of civil engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and steering committee member of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the need for evaluation when reductions fall below 10%. He mentioned that state-level reductions ranging from approximately 7% to 38% were observed, with improvements above 10% being considered positive. However, achieving the NCAP’s projected decrease of up to 40% from 2019 to 2026 would require each state to aim for an average annual reduction of 7% in PM 2.5 levels. By the end of 2022, each state should ideally achieve a 20-25% reduction on the conservative side and 30-35% on the positive higher side.
Causes of Pollution and Government Initiatives in Maharashtra to Reduce Pollution
The slower reduction in air pollution levels in Mumbai and Maharashtra can be attributed to various causes, including industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction activities, and biomass burning. These factors contribute to the high levels of particulate matter, specifically PM 2.5, in the air, leading to adverse health effects and environmental degradation.
To address this pressing issue, the government of Maharashtra has undertaken several initiatives to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality:
- Implementation of the Maharashtra Clean Air Programme (MCAP): The state government has launched the MCAP to combat air pollution and improve air quality. The program aims to formulate and implement targeted strategies, policies, and action plans for pollution control and prevention.
- Stringent Industrial Regulations: The Maharashtra government has enforced stricter regulations on industries to control emissions and promote cleaner production processes. Industries are required to adopt cleaner technologies, install pollution control devices, and adhere to emission standards to minimize their environmental impact.
- Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs): Maharashtra has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions. The government offers incentives, subsidies, and infrastructure support for the purchase and use of EVs, along with developing charging infrastructure across the state.
- Introduction of Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS): The Eknath shinde Maharashtra government has focused on developing and expanding mass rapid transit systems like metro rail and high-capacity bus corridors. These systems aim to provide efficient and eco-friendly public transportation options, reducing the reliance on private vehicles and mitigating pollution levels.
- Strengthening Public Transport: The government has invested in improving the quality and capacity of public transport systems, such as buses and local trains, to encourage people to use public transportation and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Afforestation and Green Cover Enhancement: Maharashtra government has undertaken initiatives to increase green cover and promote afforestation through various NGOs. Plantation drives, conservation of existing forests, and restoration of degraded lands are being carried out to enhance the region’s natural carbon sinks and improve air quality.
- Waste Management Practices: The Maharashtra government has implemented measures to improve waste management practices, including waste segregation, recycling, and waste-to-energy projects. These initiatives help reduce air pollution from landfills and promote sustainable waste management.
Sagnik Dey, professor at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, emphasized the challenge of further reducing pollution levels, particularly as the National Clean Air Programme targets a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter levels by 2024. It is important to note that these initiatives require continuous monitoring, effective implementation, and public participation to achieve significant improvements in air quality. The government of Maharashtra, along with various stakeholders, continues to work towards reducing pollution levels and creating a cleaner and healthier environment for its residents. Efforts to combat air pollution in Mumbai and Maharashtra will need to intensify in order to meet these targets and improve the air quality for the well-being of residents.