Besides sources of pollutants, air quality is determined by meteorology, topography and land-use patterns. Effective air pollution control requires an airshed approach, against focusing on geographical or political jurisdictions.
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) by 20-30% from 2017 levels by 2024. It has been largely ineffective as it focuses on urban centres.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas attempts to go beyond administrative boundaries. States like Uttar Pradesh are taking measures to move away from an urban-centric approach. But this is not enough.
Given South Asia’s geography and weather patterns, pollutants can travel long distances – 46% of air pollution in 22 regions in India originates in another state. India has 9-11 airsheds. As a first step, urban centres in the same airshed must coordinate their air pollution control measures.
The Indo-Gangetic plains comprise two or more airsheds extending beyond national boundaries. Successful airshed management requires international cooperation. India should revive the Male Declaration to address trans-boundary pollution, agreed by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the late 1990s. Working collectively can improve air quality in the broader region, improve productivity and address developmental needs, whether in New York or New Delhi.
