New study suggests 13 measures that can reduce air pollution by 40 pc

A new study has suggested 13 measures, including reducing emissions from thermal power plants and cutting use of solid fuel in households, which, it said, can reduce air pollution levels by almost 40 per cent and avoid 9 lakh premature deaths in India every year.

According to a statement issued by Greenpeace India, the study said the implementation of these measures may also lead to 50-60 per cent reduction of PM2.5 levels across North India, including Delhi during winter, when it spikes.

The study was done by Louisiana State University (LSU) and Greenpeace also contributed to it. Greenpeace India said its campaigners - Sunil Dahiya and Lauri Myllyvirta were part of the study particularly in terms of suggesting policy measures.

"Based on our results, the policy measures with the largest potential for air quality improvements are reducing emissions from thermal power plants, instituting strong emissions standards for industries, reducing solid fuel use in households, shifting to zig-zag kilns in brick-making and introducing stronger vehicular emissions standards in an accelerated schedule," the statement said quoting Professor Hongliang Zhang, the author of report.

Zhang said, "A comprehensive set of policies, including all of the 13 measures are needed to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in air pollution levels and avoid a projected 9 lakh premature deaths per year."
The Greenpeace statement, quoting the study, said, "We identified a total of 13 emissions reduction measures that we judged feasible to implement by 2030 or earlier and that we expected to have significant air quality benefits."
In construction activities, it said dust control measures are assumed to reduce dust emissions by 50 per cent as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)