Air Pollution Crisis: IIT Delhi Brings Experts Together For Actionable Solutions

New Delhi, Dec 16, 2024: The Arun Duggal Centre of Excellence for Research in Climate Change and Air Pollution (CERCA), a part of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has convened an event on “Solution to Pollution,” that brought together eminent experts in the field of public health, climate change, energy efficiency, and sustainability to focus on actionable solutions to Delhi's ongoing air quality crisis.

Air quality index (AQI) levels in Delhi are soaring to alarming heights every year during the winter season and recent studies have confirmed that vehicular emission is the top contributor more than stubble burning, road dust or bursting of firecrackers. Over 50% of pollution from local sources has been conclusively linked to the city's fragmented transportation system. Air pollution causes about 1.8 million deaths every year while costs Indian business about USD 95 billion (INR 7 lakh crores) every fiscal year or around 3% of India's total GDP.

Speaking on the occasion held here recently, Arun Duggal, Founder, The Arun Duggal Centre of Excellence for Research in Climate Change and Air Pollution (CERCA), said, “The challenges we face in combating air pollution are immense, and the time for action is now. By embracing clean emissions technologies, carpooling, and using solar power, individuals can make a substantial impact. Together — governments, industries, and citizens — can create a comprehensive action plan that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of air pollution.”

Sumedh Agarwal, Director, Smart & Resilient Power and Mobility, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), called for a collaborative approach to drive the adoption of zero emissions practices. “The government’s proactive push for electric vehicle adoption, through initiatives like the PM E-Drive Scheme mark significant progress. With 25 states now embracing EV policies, we have the foundation for an EV-ready India. However, we must prioritize building charging infrastructure through collaboration among stakeholders. Setting clear bi-annual targets for charging stations, and facilitating access at petrol pumps, malls, and residential areas can not only enhance EV adoption but also create jobs and empower local entrepreneurs. This is the path forward for sustainable mobility in our country,” he added.

Dr K Madan Gopal, Advisor and Head, Public Health Administration, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), said, “Delhi's air quality crisis poses severe health risks, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases while reducing life expectancy. Addressing this crisis is critical—not just for environmental protection but also for safeguarding public health. Swift, collaborative action among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the community is essential to implementing effective solutions and securing a healthier future.”

Prof Sagnik Dey, Professor, Centre of Atmospheric Centre and Coordinator, CERCA, in a message, said, “Air Pollution can only be addressed by reducing emissions at source through sustainable mitigation measures implemented by the government, supported by technological innovation and adopted by community.”

The panels also featured experts like Jagjeet Sareen, Partner and Co-Lead, Global Climate Practice, Dalberg Advisors; Aparna Roy Fellow and Lead Climate Change and Energy at Observer Research Foundation (ORF); Swagata Dey, Policy Lead, CSTEP; Rajan Mehta, Climate Action Labs, Karthik Ganeshan,Fellow and Director, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Bhargava Krishna, Convenor, Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC).

The panel recommended the following actions:

-- Behavioral Nudging for Energy Efficiency: Encouraging long-term behavioral changes for energy-efficient practices through sustained nudging. Creating a supportive ecosystem for individuals to adopt energy-efficient habits.
Electrification of Feeder Buses: Encouraging individuals to use electric feeder buses for last-mile connectivity, reducing reliance on polluting personal vehicles dependent on fossil fuels.

-- Systemic Approach to Energy and Air Quality: Individuals can contribute by adopting cleaner mobility options like EVs. Further, zero-emission EVs charged with increasing percentage renewable energy are a viable solution to mitigate air pollution.

-- Greener Parking Solutions: Integrating renewable energy into parking infrastructure, such as solar-powered metro parking facilities. Creating a sustainable value chain with green electrification.

-- Electrification of Feeder Buses: Transitioning feeder buses to EVs requires infrastructural upgrades for charging stations and EV fleets.

-- Addressing Intercity Travel and Heavy Vehicles: Promoting flex fuels (e.g., ethanol-based alternatives) and subsidizing biofuels for vehicles entering urban areas.

-- Combatting Construction Dust: Adopting low-carbon construction practices and using prefabricated materials. Enforcing alignment with standards like the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).

-- Demand Response in Energy Management: Implementing regulatory frameworks and technologies to enable demand response in energy systems. Developing infrastructure for dynamic load management and carbon-efficient energy distribution.

-- Systemic Approach to Energy and Air Quality: Enhancing infrastructure for renewable energy integration and electrification to address air pollution and energy challenges holistically.