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Strategies for Prevention and Control of Air

Pollution in India

Conference Paper · January 2000

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 Strategies for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution in India

Prashant Gargava, B. Sengupta and Dilip Biswas

Central Pollution Control Board, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi-110 032, India
(E-mail : cpcb@alpha.nic.in)

Abstract

Air pollution has become a matter of serious concern in many parts of the world. India is no exception

and facing critical air pollution problems, particularly in its urban centres. The problems as well as

solutions are complex due to presence of variety of sources and pollutants. Realizing the gravity of

the problems, the Government of India has formulated strategies for prevention and control

of air pollution. The paper presents these strategies along with statutory regulations,

administrative structure and various steps, initiated/taken by various Government Agencies

for protection of environment in India. The paper also discusses some of the pollution control

programmes, being implemented for reduction in air pollution levels.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests and Central Pollution Control Board at national

level and Department of Environment & State Pollution Control Boards at State level have

been established, which work in collaboration for protection of environment. The mandates

and administrative controls of these agencies are well defined and a strong linkage does exit

among Central & State Government agencies. With regard to the strategies evolved for

prevention & control of air pollution, the approach involves (i) tackling of the pollutants; (ii)

controlling the pollution at source; and (iii) tackling of the polluted areas. For implementing

the above strategies, a number of legislation has been enacted. Besides this, various pollution

prevention & control programmes are being implemented. The efforts made by Government

Agencies with public participation have started paying dividends in terms of checking the air

pollution levels.
1.0 Introduction

There is very little we can do about natural disturbances, we can definitely restrict our interventions

with the natural processes so that there are no known harmful impacts (short or long-term) of our

activities to our living and to the atmosphere. We should, therefore, limit the discharges of air

pollutants to the atmosphere only to an extent, which would have minimal adverse impacts on the air

environment. This is the basic philosophy of the air pollution prevention and control and should be the

key-point while planning any pollution control strategies. The strategies should focus, the extents to

which the development can be sustained by the local environment and also to decide on appropriate

technologies, designs and pollution control or amelioration measures.

The air pollution is now considered as a serious threat to the quality of our life and possibly to its very

existence. There has been, therefore, increasing pressures for the necessity of having proper strategy

for pollution control and its implementation. The Government of India has been fully conscious about

this as also evident from the various existing pollution control programmes under implementation.

2.0 Statutory Regulations

India is the first country, which has provided a provision for environmental protection in its

constitution. The constitution casts a duty on the State for taking steps for protection and

improvement of the environment and also makes obligatory on every citizen of India to protect and

improve the natural environment. The specific laws for the control of environmental pollution at

national level was taken in the year 1974, when the Water (Prevention & Control of pollution) Act

was enacted as a follow-up action of the United Nations Conference held in Stockholm in 1972. Since

then, the environmental laws in India have come through a long way. As on today, there are about 200

enactment which are linked to health, pollution and environment. However, there are following seven

legislation, which specifically relate to environmental pollution control:

(i) The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;

(ii) The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;

(iii) The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;

(iv) The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;

(v) The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988;

(vi) The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; and

(vii) The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995

The Government has formulated several rules, established many agencies and developed an

administrative mechanism for implementation of these Acts.

3.0 Administrative Structure for Environmental Protection

The administrative structure in India has a Central Government at the federal level and State

Governments at the State or provincial levels. The mandates and the administrative controls at Central

and State levels on various subjects have been well defined in the constitution of India. There are

strong linkages between the Central and State Governments for smooth functioning of the

Governments and implementation of various laws & Acts. With regard to the environmental pollution

control, the linkage between Central and State Governments are complementary. The administrative

structure for environmental protection in India is presented in Fig. 1.

National Level State Level

Ministry of Environment Department of

& Forests Environment

Central Pollution Control State Pollution Control

Board Board

Zonal/Regional
Regional Zonal Offices /Sub-regional
Offices Offices

Fig. 1 Administrative Structure for Environment Protection

The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) is the nodal agency, in the administrative structure of

the Central Government, for planning, promotion and co-ordination of environmental & forestry

programmes. Various tasks for protection of environment are being fulfilled through environmental
impact assessment; eco-regeneration; assistance to organisations implementing programmes on

environmental protection; promotion of research, training & education; international co-operation;

dissemination of environmental information; and creation of environmental awareness among all the

sectors of the country's population. The departments of environment, at State levels, have similar

functions in respective States.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was created in the year 1974 at the federal level under

the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Subsequently, the CPCB

was entrusted with the implementation of various provisions of the Air (Prevention & Control of

Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The CPCB, which is an autonomous

agency and fully funded by MoEF, is the nodal agency at the Central level for pollution control

planning & execution and formulating ambient environment & source-specific emission as well

effluent discharge standards at the national level. The mandates of CPCB include (i) advice the

Central Government on pollution control matters; (ii) collect, collate & disseminate information on

pollution and measures for prevention & control of pollution; (iii) formulate ambient and source-

specific standards; (iv) co-ordinate activities of State Pollution Control Boards; (v) sponsor

investigations and research; (vi) organise training and awareness programmes; and (vii) plan and

cause to be executed a Nation-wide programme for pollution control.

The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) were created at the State level with primary

responsibility of issuing of consent or permit for operating an industry subject to certain evaluation

and emission limits. Besides this, SPCBs also perform functions at State level similar to what CPCB

does at National level.

4.0 Strategy

The strategy for pollution control in India involves three different approaches: (i) tackling of the

pollutants; (ii) controlling the pollution at source; and (iii) tackling of the polluted areas. A

combination of these approaches is an effective way to protect the environment.

4.1 Tackling of the pollutants

This is aimed to minimise the quantity of the pollutants itself. The waste minimisation techniques

include process modifications, use of clean/low waste technologies, conservation of energy & natural
resources, recycling of wastes, recovery of valuable products out of wastes, etc. The reduction of lead

content in motor spirit, reduction of sulphur content in diesel, coal beneficiation, use of cleaner fuel in

the industrial processes, etc. are typical examples of the direct control of the pollutants. This approach

is well reflected in the policies & programmes of Government of India, particularly on environmental

auditing and promotion of cleaner technologies.

4.1.1 Environmental auditing

The Government of India has made environmental auditing mandatory and the industries are required

to submit environmental statements every year starting from 1992-93. Besides a regulatory

requirement, the industrial concerns should feel that they have a responsibility for abatement of

pollution and should use this tool as a self-regulatory mechanism. This not only assists in regulatory

compliance with laws & regulations but also helps in evaluating performance of process and pollution

control systems and serve as an eye-opener for waste minimisation. This would result in reduction in

losses and pollution load and, in turn, potential cost-savings. An annual statement, constantly, helps in

identifying and focussing attention on the areas of concern, practices, that need to be changed and

plans to deal with the adverse effects.

4.1.2 Cleaner production technologies

Small-scale industries are a special feature of Indian economy. However, at times, it becomes difficult

for the small-scale industries to afford the costs towards pollution control. As such, it is essential for

the industrial sectors to explore the possibilities of adopting better & cleaner process technologies

giving no/low pollution. Government provides financial assistance and technical support for

identification and demonstration of such technologies. The development and adoption of cleaner

technologies including environment-friendly biotechnology are also promoted.

4.1.3 tackling the pollutants generated from vehicles

Vehicular emissions, which is a cause of major concern in urban areas, is a deadly cocktail of

poisonous gases and particulate, which affect the human beings, vegetation and buildings. Realising

the gravity of the problem, CPCB has paid special attention towards the curtailment of emission

coming out of the vehicular exhaust. The strategy, for tackling the pollutants emitted from
automobiles, involves reduction of pollutants at two stages viz. (i) pre-combustion stage, where the

quality of fuel can be upgraded; and (ii) combustion stage, where engine modifications are required.

4.1.3.1 Improvement in fuel quality

In order to improve the fuel quality, based on the recommendations of CPCB, specifications for motor

gasoline and diesel have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These

specifications came into effect from April 1996. The specifications, prescribed in view of the adverse

effect of benzene, lead, sulphur and aromatic content on human health are provided in Tables 1 and 2.

CPCB also issued directions to various oil refineries for implementing these specifications. The

schedules for implementation of specifications for improved fuel quality with regard to sulphur in

diesel and lead content in gasoline are provided in tables 3 and 4.

Table 1 Specifications for motor-gasoline for emission related parameters

S. No. Characteristics Requirement Method of Test

(Ref. parts of IS-1448)
1. Reid vapour pressure at 380C, kpa 35 - 70 P:39

2. Benzene, 0% by volume max. 5.0* P:104

3. Lead content (as Pb) g/l max. 0.15** (low leaded) P:38
0.023 (unleaded)
4. Sulphur, % by mass, max. 0.10 (unleaded) P:34
0.20 (leaded)
5. Potential gum, g/m3, max. 50 ASTM 873.8

6. Gum (solvent washed), g/m3, max. 40 P:29

7. Oxygenates 15 -
Content : Ether (MTBE, ETBE),
Alcohol, % by volume, max.

8. Phosphorus Absent ASTMD 3231

* 3.0% Benzene by volume, maximum, in metro cities by 2000AD

** 0.15 g/l of lead by December, 1996 for entire country; 0.013 g/l of lead by April, 1995 in 4 metro-

cities, by December, 1998 in all State capitals, Union Territories and major metro-cities and by

December, 2000 for entire country.

 Table 2 Specifications of diesel fuel for emission related parameters

S.No Characteristics Requirement Method of Test

(Ref. parts of IS-1448)
1. Density at 150 c, Kg/m3 820 to 880* P:32

2. Cetane Number, min. 45.0** P:9

3. Distillation P:18
85% by volume recovery at Cmax 350
95% by volume recovery at Cmax 370

4. Sulphur, % by mass, max. 0.50*** P:33

* 820-850 by 2000 AD

** 48 by December 1998 (except in the refineries-Digboi, Guwahati and BRPL)

*** (i) 0.50% by mass by April 1996 in 4 metro-cities and Taj Trapezium; (ii) 0.25% by mass by

October 1996 in Taj Trapezium; and (iii) 0.25% by mass by April 1999 throughout the country.

Note: Above specifications apply to HSD only; and for new refineries coming during or after 1997

the specifications applicable by 2000 AD for existing refineries, will be applicable by 1997.

Table 3 Diesel sulphur phase out programme

Phase Target

Date Levels Areas

I April 96 Low Sulphur (0.5%) Four metros and Taj
Trapezium
II August 97 Low Sulphur (0.25%) Delhi and Taj Trapezium

III April 98 Low Sulphur (0.25%) Metro Cities

IV April 99 Low Sulphur (0.25%) Entire Country

On the recommendation of CPCB, the Ministry of Environment & forests notified the specifications

for 2T oil, which became effective from April 01, 1999. The specifications required use of low smoke

2T oil, which is one of the causes of pollution from 2 stroke engines. The specifications for 2T oil are

given in table 5. The excessive use of 2T oil in petrol used for two-stroke engines leads to emission of

excessive smoke, particularly fine particulate matter from exhaust which are harmful to human health

and environment. In order to prevent excessive use of 2T oil, pre-mixed 2T oil dispensers have been
installed in all the petrol filling stations of Delhi and sale of loose 2T oil has been banned from

December 1998.

Table 4 Gasoline lead phase out programme

Phase Target

Date Levels Areas

I June 1994 Low leaded (0.15 g/l) Cities of Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai and Calcutta
II April 01, 1995 Unleaded (0.013 g/l) Cities of Delhi, Mumbai,
(+ low leaded) Chennai and Calcutta
III January 01, 1997 Low leaded Entire country

IV September 01, 1998 Unleaded NCT Delhi

V December 31, 1998 Unleaded All other capitals of

(advanced to September states/UTs and other
01, 1998) major cities.

VI January 01, 1999 Unleaded only (0.013) NCR

VII April 01, 2000 Unleaded (0.013 + low Entire country

leaded)

Table 5 Specifications for 2T oil for emission related parameters

Performance parameter Standard index* (min.) Test procedures

Exhaust smoke 85 JASO M342-92

Reference oil
* Smoke index = ---------------- x 100
Candidate oil

4.1.3.2 Modifications in engine design

During 1990-91, for the first time, mass emission norms for vehicles at manufacturing stage have

been notified. The manufactures, for meeting these norms, did not require any major modifications.

The emission norms along with fuel quality specifications, laid down in 1996, required modifications

in the engine design particularly in regard to crankcase emissions and evaporative emissions control.

From April 1995, new passenger cars were allowed to register only if these were fitted with catalytic

converters. Emission norms for such cars were tightened by 50 percent as compared to 1996 norms.

The testing method for passenger cars' norms was changed to cold start from hot start from April
1998, which is a stricter procedure than the previous one. The norms for the year, 2000 notified in

August 1997 under the Motor Vehicle Rules, require major modifications in the engine design

specially in regard to fuel injection system in passenger cars and fitting of catalytic converters in two-

stroke engines. These standards are akin to EURO-I norms adopted in the European countries in 1992.

With the recent directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, passenger cars (both petrol and

diesel) are required to meet at least EURO-I norms from June 1999 and from April 2000 only such

vehicles meeting EURO-II norms are being registered in the National Capital Region. The mass

emission standards for diesel and petrol-driven vehicles are provided in tables 6 and 7 respectively.

Table 6 Mass emission standards for diesel driven vehicles

Category of CO (gm/kwh) HC (gm/kwh) NOx (gm/kwh) PM

vehicle (gm/
kwh)
1991 1996 2000 1991 1996 2000 1991 1996 2000 2000
Heavy vehicles 14.0 11.2 4.5 3.5 2.4 1.1 18.0 14.4 8.0 0.36
(3.5 tonnes
GVM & above)
Light vehicles 14.0 11.2 4.5 3.5 2.4 1.1 18.0 14.4 8.0 0.61
(less than 3.5 or or or or or or or
tonnes) 5.0- 2.75- 2.0- 0.97- 2.0- 0.97- 0.14-
9.0* 6.9* 4.0*+ 1.7*+ 4.0*+ 1.7*+ 0.25*

* in g/km

+ HC+NOx emissions

Table 7 Mass emission standards for petrol driven vehicles

Category of vehicle CO (gm/kwh) HC (gm/kwh) PM (gm/kwh)

1991 1996 2000 1991 1996 2000

Passenger cars 14.3-27.1 8.68-12.4 2.72 2.0-2.9 3.0-4.36 0.97

Two-wheelers 15.0-35.0 4.5 2.0 10.0-12.0 3.6 2.0

Three-wheelers 40.0 6.8 4.0 15.0 5.4 2.0

4.1.3.3 Use of cleaner fuel

The Government of India has also taken up use of CNG, an eco-friendly fuel, for use of petrol driven

vehicles and an action plan is being prepared for conversion of all the three wheelers plying in Delhi

to use CNG or other alternate cleaner fuels. In Delhi, most of the Government vehicles have already

been converted to CNG dual fuel mode. In addition, replacement of a part of existing fleet of city

busses with new busses having dedicated CNG engines has already been initiated and about 10,000

CNG-driven buses are expected to operate in Delhi by March 2001.

4.1.4 Clean coal initiatives

Among the fossil fuels, coal has acquired the dubious distinction of being the dirtiest one. Such an

attribute is on account of environmental damage and pollution problems caused during mining,

processing, end use and wastes of coal. Besides other problems, emissions of fly ash during

combustion of coal and huge quantities of ash generated from boilers of coal-based power plants and

industrial houses are of major concern. The problems are attributed, mainly, to the poor quality of coal

and use of such coal in power sectors. Due to drift origin of Indian coal, inorganic impurities are

intimately mixed in the coal matrix, resulting in difficult beneficiation characteristics. Though the

sulphur content in Indian coal is generally less than 0.6%, the ash content is very high. The

consumption of coal during 1996-97 was about 290 million tonnes, which is expected to increase to

416 tonnes during 2001-2002. . Over 200 million tonnes of coal reach the consumers with ash content

averaging 40%.

About 70% of total coal production is used in the power generation sector and 70% of the total

installed capacity of power generation in the country is from coal based thermal power plants. Only

20% of total coal, transported to the power plants, are of superior grade with ash content of 24% or

less and remaining 80% are of inferior grade with ash ranging from 24 to 45%. Increased dependence

of power sector on the inferior quality of coal has resulted into higher emissions of particulate matter

and generation fly ash. The fly ash poses land as well as air pollution. On the recommendation of a

committee, the Government of India has promulgated a Gazette Notification on use of

beneficiated/blended coal containing ash not more than 34% with effect from June 2001 in the power

plants located beyond 1000 kms. From pit head and located in critically polluted areas, urban areas
and ecologically sensitive areas. The power plants using FBC (CFBC, PFBC & AFBC) and IGCC

combustion technologies are exempted to use beneficiated coal irrespective of their location.

4.1.5 Fly ash utilization

In order to tackle generated fly ash, the Government of India has made a modest beginning for its

utilization. The Cement Corporation of India is already utilising about 100 million tonnes per day of

fly ash for manufacturing cement. Further, the Government has also finalized standards for bricks

made from fly ash. This is the major policy of the Government to enhance the use of fly ash in

building materials, road construction, etc. in coming years.

4.2 Controlling the pollution at source

After tackling the pollutants for minimising their generation, the next strategic approach is to control

the pollution at source. It is always better to control the pollution at source before it goes into the

environment. Under this strategy, many schemes & programmes including fixing of emission

standards, action plan for controlling the pollution from highly polluting industrial sectors, etc. have

been formulated and implemented.

4.2.1 Formulation of emission standards

The Central Pollution Control Board develops industry-specific standards for discharge of pollutants

including emissions. Generally, two main aspects are taken into consideration for development of

standards. One relates to the adverse effects on human health & environment and other to the

achievability of limits of pollutants by incorporation of appropriate pollution control measures. The

latter approach aims at the use of best available and economically feasible technology. The economics

of the available technology assures that the cost of pollution control measures will remain within the

affordability of the industrial units. The standards developed on these principles are techno-economic

standards and are uniform throughout the country. An advantage of the technology-based approach is

that within a specific group of industries the extent of pollution control measures are alike. In

addition, these standards serve to preserve the environmental quality in non-polluted areas without

modifications. These standards, of course, do not relate to the pollution potential or assimilative

capacity of the local environment but development of standards based on local environmental

conditions is not a practicable proposition for a country like India. However, in order to provide
safeguard to the local environment, the local enforcing authorities (SPCBs) are required to lower the

limit values of pollutants as per case to case evaluation of the local environmental conditions. On such

exercise, these standards serve both as specific for industry and location.

The Central Pollution Control Board, with the help of expert consultant(s), prepares industry-specific

comprehensive documents on environmental management. These documents are prepared on the basis

of thorough literature review; studies on process technologies, pollution potential, options for waste

minimisiation & reuse/recycle, pollution control technologies; and in-depth monitoring & assessment

of pollution levels in selective industries and, accordingly, a set of standards is proposed. A typical

flow-scheme of the methodology, which is used for arriving at the proposed emission standards for a

particular category of industries, is provided at Fig. 2. The proposed set of standards is presented

before Peer & Core Committee, which constitutes members from concerned industries, industrial

associations and experts on the subject. This is discussed by the committee with regard to its - impact

on environment, techno-economic feasibility, timeframe required for the implementation, etc. The

standards are again reviewed by a committee of experts at MoEF and then notified. As such, the

emission standards for a specific category industry are fixed with detailed deliberations & careful

considerations, supported by scientific studies. The emission standards for about 60 industrial sectors

have been notified so far.

In addition, the Government has made it mandatory to fit catalytic converters in passenger cars from

April 01, 1995 in four metros and notified the emission standards for such vehicles (table 8).

Similarly, emission standards for exhaust from in-use vehicles are also prescribed, which are

presented in table 9. As yet another step to tackle the pollution at source, 15-year old commercial

vehicles, which are grossly fuel inefficient & high polluters, are being phased out since December 31,

1998 in the capital city of Delhi.

Table 8 Emission standards for catalytic converter fitted vehicles

Cubic capacity of engine (cm3) CO (gm/km) HC+NOx (gm/km)

< 1400 4.34 1.50
1400 to 2000 5.60 1.92
> 2000 6.20 2.16
 Analysis of process
technologies used in
India

Listing of all significant pollutants from point Analysis of data (including the
sources as well as fugitive emissions and their data obtained from in-depth
quantification in respect of various individual studies) on emissions from
process units Indian industries

Analysis of the pollution control

technologies used in various process units
in Indian industries
Information on standards in
other countries
Expected emission levels for all the significant
pollutants from various process units

Analysis of process and pollution control

technologies used in other countries as well as
the state-of-the-art technologies
If No
Is it technically feasible and economically
viable to modify the process in Indian
industries (with objective to reduce the
emissions)?

Cost implications of such

If Yes
modifications and time frame If No

Is it technically feasible and economically

viable to adapt, in Indian industries, the
pollution control technologies being used in
other countries?

Cost implications of such

If Yes
adaptations and time frame

Expected emission levels (after considering the

process modifications/adaptation of pollution
control systems used in other countries) for all
the significant pollutants from various process Proposed set
units of standards

Fig. 2 Flow-scheme of the methodology for development of emission standards

 Table 9 Standards for emissions from in-use vehicles

Vehicles CO % by Absorption Bosch unit Haritridge unit

volume coefficient
Petrol driven

· 2/3 Wheelers 4.5 - - -

· 4 Wheelers 3.0 - - -
Diesel driven

· Full load - 3.25 5.2 75

· Free acceleration - 2.45 - 65

4.2.2 Action plan for highly polluting industrial sectors

With the aim of intensifying pollution control programmes in highly polluting industrial sectors, an

action plan was formulated in the year 1991. CPCB & MoEF identified 17 highly polluting industrial

sectors and a total of 1551 large industries belonging to these sectors for priority actions. CPCB, in

association with SPCBs, rigorously followed up implementation of pollution control programmes in

these industries and results have been quite encouraging. Out of 1551 industries, in the year 1991,

only about 150 had the requisite pollution control systems but now in a period of 9 years time the

number of industries having requisite pollution control systems has increased to 1320. While only 67

have yet to comply with the regulatory requirements, 164 units are closed either due to penal action or

due to some other reasons. The year-wise progress of pollution control status in these industries is

presented in Fig. 3.

4.3 Tackling of the polluted areas

The third strategy involves continuous monitoring of air quality in various parts of the country, taking

steps for improving air quality in critically polluted areas/hot spots and preventing other areas from

getting polluted using environmentally sound developmental planning.

4.3.1 Monitoring air quality

CPCB, as in integral part of the air pollution control programme, initiated a nationwide network of

National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring in the year 1984 with seven monitoring stations. Since then

the number of monitoring stations have increased, steadily, over the period and now 290 stations

covering 92 cities/towns are in operation. The programme is being carried out with the help of SPCBs
and some other agencies. The three criteria pollutants viz. sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen

(NOx) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are being monitored regularly at all the monitoring

locations. Besides this, in 10 metro-cities of the country, additional parameters such as respirable

particulate matter (RPM), respirable lead & other toxic trace metals, hydrogen sulphide (H2S),

ammonia (NH3 ) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are also being monitored. The

monitoring of pollutants is carried out for 24 hours' averaging period (4-hourly sampling for gaseous

pollutants & 8-hourly sampling for SPM) with a frequency of twice a week.

600 540

500
No. of defaulters

400
319
300 252
203
200 166 165 147

100 62

0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Year

Fig. 3 Year-wise progress of pollution control status in 17 categories of industries

The data, so generated, are scrutinized, statistically analyzed to get the information on air quality in

various parts of the country. The air quality trends for the period 1994-98 in the industrial areas of

four metropolitan cities in respect of three criteria pollutants viz. SO2, NOx and SPM are provided in

Figs. 4 through 6. This, clearly, indicates positive results of various initiatives and programmes taken

up by pollution control agencies for improvement in air quality.

60
Delhi
50 Calcutta
Chennai
40 Mumbai

30

20

10

0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Year
Fig. 4 Ambient Air Quality Trend for Sulphur Dioxide in four Metro
Cities
 60

50 Delhi
Calcutt
40
a
Chenna
30 i
Mumba

20

10

0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Year

Fig. 5 Ambient Air Quality Trend for Nitrogen Dioxide in four Metro
Cities

600
Delhi
500
Calcutt
400
a
Chenna
300 i
Mumba
200
100
0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Year
Fig. 6 Ambient Air Quality Trend for Suspended Particulate Matter in
four Metro Cities

CPCB also laid down standards for ambient air quality with regard to various pollutants in respect of

industrial, residential and sensitive areas. These standards, which are given in table 10, provide the

basis for protecting the public health, vegetation, animals and national heritage (monuments) from the

adverse effects of air pollution within adequate margins of safety. This helps in continuous evaluation

of air quality and deciding & taking appropriate actions for controlling the air pollution.
4.3.2 Action plan for critically polluted areas

The air pollution control in critically polluted areas is an integrated approach towards environmental

management through control at source. This involves concerted efforts in identified polluted areas/hot

spots through the various agencies concerned. This approach was initiated by CPCB in early 1989

with the identification of 10 critically polluted areas in the country. Subsequently, the number of such

areas was increased to 24. These areas have been extensively surveyed, the extent of pollution

assessed and sources contributing to the problem are identified. Subsequently, action plans, clearly

indicating the actions and the concerned agencies required to take these actions along with time-

targets, have been formulated. These action plans are being implemented and rigorously followed up.

Besides this, new industrial units in the problem areas are required to comply with location-specific

standards for stringent environmental quality objectives.

4.3.3 Zoning atlas for siting of industries

For a developing country like India, it can never be a question of choosing between environment and

development - the nation stands to lose if one were to be chosen at the cost of other. The interests of

the nation lie only with the development in a manner that it should not adversely affect environmental

quality in either short or long term. This is, particularly, important in case of industrial development,

which causes environmental problems if not done properly. Much of the problems of pollution and

costs thereof can be avoided by preventing indiscriminate siting of industrial units. An important pre-

requisite for judicious siting of industries is to consider the environmental profiles of the proposed

sites. In order to delineate the areas suitable for siting of industries of different categories based on the

existing environmental features, a project for preparation of district-wise Zoning Atlas has been taken

up by CPCB in collaboration with SPCBs and the German Technical cooperation (GTZ). Under the

programme, which was initiated in 1994, zoning atlases have been prepared for about 60 districts and

it is proposed to cover the entire country at the earliest. This would, surely, prevent the deterioration

of environmental quality caused by unplanned and haphazard siting of industries.

 Table 10 National ambient air quality standards

Concentration in Ambient air

Pollutant Time Sensitive Industrial Residential, Method of

weighted area area rural and measurement
average other areas
Sulphur dioxide Annual* 15 80 60 · Improved West &
(mg/m3) Gaeke method.
24-hours** 30 120 80 · Ultraviolet
Fluorescence
Oxides of Annual* 15 80 60 · Jacob &
nitrogen as NO2 Hochheiser
(mg/m3) 24-hours** 30 120 80 modified (Na-
arsenite) method
· Gas phase
Chemiluminiscenc
e
Suspended Annual* 70 360 140 · High volume
particulate Sampling (average
matter (mg/m3) 24-hours** 100 500 200 flow rate not less
than 1.1
m3/minute)
Respirable Annual* 50 120 60 · Respirable
particulate Particulate Matter
matter (size less 24-hours** 75 150 100 Sampler
than 10 mm)
(mg/m3)

Lead (mg/m3) Annual* 0.50 1.00 0.75 · AAS Method after

sampling using
24-hours** 0.75 1.50 1.00 EPM 2000 or
equivalent filter
paper
Carbon 8-hours** 1.0 5.0 2.0 · Non-dispersive
monoxide Infrared
(mg/m3) 1-hour 2.0 10.5 4.0 Spectroscopy

* Annual arithmetic mean of minimum 104 measurements in a year taken twice a week 24-
hourly at uniform interval.

** 24/8 hourly values should be met 98% of the time in a year. However, 2% of the time, it may
exceed but not on two consecutive days.

5.0 Conclusions

The above-mentioned approach for formulating the strategies and implementation of various

programmes for prevention & control of air pollution of air pollution has, definitely, been paying

dividends in terms of either improvement in air quality or at least preventing further deterioration.
 However, there is still a long way to go and the goal to have a cleaner environment can be achieved

through continuous dedicated efforts of the pollution control agencies, commitment of the polluters

and participation of public.

6.0 Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to all those, who directly or indirectly contributed to this paper.

7.0 References

1. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Status - 1997; CPCB Publication; NAAQMS/11/1999-2000;

CPCB, Delhi; 1999.

2. Annual report of Central Pollution Control Board, 1998-99; CPCB, Delhi; 1999.

3. Clean Coal Initiatives; CPCB Publication; CPCB, Delhi; 2000.

4. Parivesh News letter on Air Pollution & its Control; Vol. 2 (i); CPCB, Delhi; 1995.

5. Parivesh News letter on Vehicular Pollution; Vol. 4 (iii); CPCB, Delhi; 1997.

6. Parivesh News letter on Zoning Atlas for Siting of Industries; Vol. 3 (i); CPCB, Delhi; 1996.

7. Pollution Control Acts, Rules & Notifications issued thereunder; CPCB Publication;

PCLS/2/1992; CPCB, Delhi; 1992.

8. Standards for Liquid Effluents, Gaseous Emissions, Automobile Exhaust, Noise and Ambient Air

Quality; CPCB Publication; PCLS/44/1994-95; CPCB, Delhi; 1995.

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