India has some of the most polluted cities in the world. Rising air pollution is taking a heavy toll on the health and productivity of citizens. With recent studies pegging the death toll due to air pollution at 9 million, we need urgent, effective solutions.
At CSTEP, we are working with state pollution control agencies and the Central Pollution Control Board to scientifically identify the sources of pollution for effective and targeted interventions. With the use of emerging technologies such as low-cost sensors, mobile monitoring, and satellite-based monitoring of air pollution, CSTEP is looking at ways to make data on air pollution comprehensive, robust, and accessible.
The capacity-building measures initiated by CSTEP ensure that state agencies can scientifically assess, interpret, and formulate effective strategies to check rising air pollution.
Policy Matters [July-September 2022]
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Satellite-Based Mapping and the Quantification of PM2.5 in India
Regulatory air pollution monitoring in India is mostly limited to urban areas. Without a dense network of monitors, it is difficult to capture the fine spatial variations of PM2.5, one of the major pollutants with severe implications for human health. Using satellite-based products to estimate PM2.5 can help generate high-resolution gridded spatial maps at a significantly lower cost. However, there are challenges and limitations in converting the satellite columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) into surface PM2.5.
Mobile-Monitoring Campaign for Air Pollution Studies in Bengaluru
Stationary monitoring is the most commonly adopted method to understand the air pollution levels in India. However, these stations fail to capture local variations in concentration levels. In areas where the emissions and concentrations levels exhibit fine-scale spatial variability, understanding local sources will be key for policymakers to implement effective measures. Sensors installed in mobile platforms have been used to generate evidence at a more granular level.
Comprehensive Clean Air Action Plan for Gaya
Gaya is one of the well-known pilgrimage cities in India, attracting tourists from across the globe. Gaya is also known for its air pollution levels. It is one of the five most polluted cities in the world, in terms of particulate matter (PM) (WHO, 2018). It has also been identified as one of the non-attainment cities under NCAP. In this context, CSTEP collaborated with Urban Emissions, ADRI, and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) to prepare a clean air action plan.