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INTERNATIONAL: FEBRUARY 2019 FACTSHEET

Clearing the Air: Highlighting Actions to Reduce Air in India

Air pollution is one of the highest-ranking environmental health challenges in the world, especially in developing countries such as India. is no longer just a problem in , but a major threat to other regions across the country. To address the threat of air pollution and associated health risks, national, state and city leaders are taking action. To mitigate the complex and widespread Delhi challenges of air pollution, it is important that successful strategies for addressing air pollution are highlighted and scaled effectively. This factsheet highlights actions that key regions in India are taking to improve air quality and protect Ahmedabad public health. Nagpur Raipur

Pune

Bengaluru

The air pollution interventions highlighted in this factsheet include Delhi’s response to its “air emergency”, Ahmedabad’s health-based and risk communication plan, and Chennai’s enhanced air quality monitoring and renewable energy initiatives. This factsheet also describes pollution mitigation efforts taken in Bengaluru, Pune, Nagpur, and Raipur. School children in Ahmedabad with their flag indicating the day’s air quality (Photo: © NRDC) RECENT UPDATES

• In January 2019, India launched a National Clean Air • In its proposed 2019-20 budget, Ahmedabad announced Program aimed to reduce particulate matter pollution by that it will dedicate funds towards actions for reducing air 20-30% (from 2017 levels) by 2024 pollution • Delhi officials undertook a number of emergency measures • Chennai increased generation of solar energy by utilizing to tackle air pollution: setting up inter-departmental metro rail rooftops vigilance teams, halting construction, and stopping • Raipur registered a reduction in particulate matter industrial activities pollution levels by effectively implementing industrial regulations

4 THE AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM urban air pollution. Particulate Matter (PM) describes a complex toxic mixture of solids and liquids. Particles of 10

Air pollution is a serious problem in India. Recent reports micrometers in diameter or smaller (PM10) and especially estimate that one out of every eight deaths in India is caused the even finer-sized PM2.5 are so small (much smaller by air pollution, a rise of almost 50% since 1990.1 Over half than the width of a human hair, for example) that they of these 1.24 million deaths in 2017 were in persons younger can penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause than 70 years. The average life expectancy in India would be serious health problems. Major sources of larger PM10 1.7 years higher if the air quality was improved.1 include windblown dust and construction, while smaller

PM2.5 stems from various sources including vehicles, power Ambient air quality is monitored by the Central Pollution plants, industry, waste burning, agricultural burning, and Control Board (CPCB) using manual stations in around cooking with solid fuels. 730 sites across 312 cities.2 There is also an existing network of 131 continuous ambient air quality monitoring Beyond the WHO standards, many Indian cities stations (CAAQMS) in the country.3 Many cities in exceed the country’s less stringent National Ambient India exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Air Quality Standards. The Central Pollution Control standards for particulate matter, a major component of Board has identified 102 such non-attainment cities

Transport emissions are a major source of pollution in Indian cities Photo: © IIPH-G

PAGE 2 NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE based on monitoring data from 2011-2015. Drawing Tropical Meteorology’s System of Air Quality and Weather on measurements and calculations as of 2016 from air Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) issued health advisories monitoring stations in 4,300 cities globally, WHO reported that asked people with heart or lung disease, elderly and in March 2018 that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels children to avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion when 5 9 of PM2.5 pollution were located in India. the air was bad.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful health Furthermore, some longer-term actions were envisioned effects of air pollution because of their still-developing to respond to , including a bodies and a higher dose of pollution inhaled per kilogram comprehensive electric vehicles (EV) policy. Delhi’s draft of body weight, compared to adults.6 Studies have shown EV policy sets a target for 25% of all vehicles to be EVs by irreparable harm to lung function in children due to air 2023 and suggests putting in place financial disincentives pollution exposures. Air pollution now contributes to more for buyers of petrol and diesel vehicles. The draft policy ill health in India than tobacco use, primarily through lower proposed that petrol and diesel vehicle users will pay a respiratory infections, chronic obstructive lung disease, “Pollution Cess” beginning April 2019. As part of this policy, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and lung .2 an air quality parking surcharge would be levied on the base parking fees on all non-electric vehicles, and additional road taxes would be levied on diesel and petrol vehicles. A DELHI congestion fee of up to 2.5% on fares is planned to be levied on all cab aggregator and taxi trips -- this tax will be waived Delhi is the capital of India with nearly 25 million residents for rides taken in an e-two-wheeler, electric auto, or electric across the larger metropolitan area – Delhi National Capital cab.10 Region. Severe air pollution episodes continue to plague the region, with major spikes observed during the winter season. Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. AHMEDABAD

Government officials, health experts, and civil society Ahmedabad is one of India’s largest and fastest growing groups, as well as the judiciary, through the Supreme Court cities with a population surpassing 7 million. The WHO appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), urban air quality database and several international and and the National Green Tribunal, have been engaged Indian studies have identified Ahmedabad as one of the in devising emergency response plans (like the Graded most polluted cities in India and it is one of the non- Response Action Plan, or GRAP) and longer-term strategies attainment cities recently identified by the CPCB in the to address Delhi’s air pollution woes. There have been a host National Clean Air Plan. of emergency actions taken during the winter season, when the pollution levels are highest. In 2017, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Tropical The national and Delhi government formed 52 cross- Meteorology’s System of Air Quality and Weather government vigilance teams to ensure implementation Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the Indian Institute of of the GRAP. The teams were empowered to take punitive Public Health-Gandhinagar, and the Natural Resources action against violators responsible for air pollution Defense Council, launched a city-wide Air Quality Index emissions. Based on recommendations made by the CPCB, (AQI) and Air Information and Response (AIR) Plan that the Supreme Court-appointed EPCA halted all construction provides publicly-accessible daily air quality reports and from November 1-10, 2018.7 It also ordered closure of all establishes an early warning pollution forecasting system stone crushers and hot mix plants for the same period. to alert residents about dangerously poor air quality.11 The Moreover, EPCA ordered closure of the polluting Badarpur AQI and AIR Plan also support an air quality awareness Thermal Power Plant and banned use of diesel generator program that reaches 140,000 children in over 90 schools. In sets in Delhi. EPCA instructed all industries using coal and addition to enhancing health risk communication, the AIR as fuel (excluding thermal and waste to energy Plan also facilitates city-level policy action on mitigation plants) to remain shut from during the peak pollution of air pollution. Supported by the AIR Plan, a voluntary season.8 expert working group comprising of experts from premier academic institutions has been formed in Ahmedabad to The Supreme Court also put restrictions on burning develop recommendations to improve air quality in the fireworks on Diwali (allowed only for hours between city.12 8:00-10:00 pm). To reduce exposure to high pollution levels in Delhi, both the CPCB and the Indian Institute of Recently, in the proposed budget for FY 19-20 the AMC earmarked funds to address air quality by improving roads

CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA PAGE 3 and traffic conditions, reducing fires at the Pirana dumpsite, together are expected to generate 3.06 MW of electricity.15 and deploying 1000 electric buses (over three years) in the The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is also playing its city.13 part in reducing fossil fuel use and has already installed 3.76 MW worth of solar rooftop capacity. Another 4.2 MW rooftop solar power installation is under progress which is CHENNAI expected to be completed by February 2019.16 The CMRL has also launched an electric feeder auto service, with the Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the fourth largest aim to deploy 100 such electric autos on the road.17 city in India. Tamil Nadu is a major contributor to India’s gross domestic product and is one of the country’s most urbanized states. Air pollution is an increasing concern BENGALURU in this city, with emissions from vehicles, industry, and thermal plants, among other sources. Focusing on improved A major technology hub and the capital of Karnataka, air quality monitoring, groups in the Chennai region are Bengaluru is increasingly in focus because of local air stepping up local efforts. pollution that regularly exceeds national health-based standards. A reputation for endless snarls of traffic The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board operates 11 air congestion and pollution motivated state and local quality monitoring stations in the Chennai region under administrations to take action on air pollution. According the National Air Quality Monitoring Program, with three to information on the CPCB website, the city currently has a continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations that network of 10 CAAQMS.18 generate a summary AQI throughout the day. The Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), the Launching a local air quality monitoring network, hospitals local power utility, has introduced the city’s second electric and other groups installed low-cost, real-time air quality vehicle charging infrastructure at the premises of Karnataka monitoring systems at five locations in Chennai in 2018 Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Millers Road. that display results online as part of a joint project by The first such facility was installed at the headquarters of Huma Lung Foundation, The Other Media’s Healthy Energy BESCOM in February 2018.19 Initiative, and UrbanSciences.14 The BESCOM has planned to set up a network of charging To reduce the city’s dependence on polluting thermal stations at 11 identified BESCOM-owned locations. In coal-fired power, the Greater Chennai Corporation has addition, the city Transport department will also tie up planned to install solar panels on 662 of its buildings under with BESCOM to develop 120 charging stations in the city the Smart City initiative. These buildings will include including in business parks, shopping malls, metro stations, government offices, schools, and hospitals and these and the airport. BESCOM has also proposed that the Urban Development Department make it mandatory for high rise structures to reserve parking for all EVs.20

Supported by Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, a Bengaluru Clean Air Platform (BCAP) has been launched to catalyse collective action against air pollution. The BCAP aims to showcase how stakeholder engagement and joint action can improve the air quality in a city. The BCAP’s approach involves three key elements: improving open data availability, increasing citizen engagement, and supporting state-led actions.21

PUNE

Pune is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra (after the capital, ) and is the ninth largest city in India. Traditionally known for its educational institutes that contribute to a highly skilled labour force, Pune has emerged as a strong industrial belt. Today, it is a booming Information, education and communication materials in English and Gujarati supporting the Ahmedabad AIR Plan automotive manufacturing and IT service hub.

PAGE 4 NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA Open burning of waste contributes to air pollution in India cities Photo: © IIPH-G

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Tropical The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), in partnership Meteorology’s SAFAR Program, Pune has a network 10 with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) CAAQMS and public electronic display boards that aim and National Environmental Engineering Research to generate awareness about local air quality and its Institute (NEERI) has developed a comprehensive action connection to health.22 The air quality data collected by the plan to reduce air pollution in the city. The plan identifies city is published for the public in an annual Environment responsibilities for different city and state agencies Status Report. including the NMC, MPCB, city Traffic department, National Highway Authorities of India, Nagpur Smart Cities The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has carried out a department, Road Transport Office Nagpur, Maharashtra succession of studies on air quality sources. Transport is State Government Commissioner of Transport, and clearly a major polluting sector – with the city having more NEERI.25 The actions suggested in the plan target reduction vehicles (3.62 million) than people (3.5 million) in 2018.23 of pollution from vehicular emissions, suspended road The city is making efforts to reduce and dust, industrial operations, construction, solid waste near-roadway air pollution by promoting non-motorised management (trash, biomass, landfill burning), domestic transport. fuel burning, diesel generator sets, and bakeries.

Recently, the city floated a tender for 500 electric buses, In 2017, Nagpur emerged as an EV innovation hub with procured 8000 bicycles, with the goal of eventually making ride-sharing firm Ola partnering with the city to launch 20,000 such cycles available. It is also improving the design a fleet of electric taxis. Though Ola’s EV fleet in Nagpur of its streets by building cycle-only tracks and developing was not a success, it provided the company valuable data a pedestrian movement policy. To curb burning of waste, insights on the challenges of promoting electric vehicles in the city has completely banned open dumping practices. the Indian market.26 Building on this experience, Ola has Pune has also adopted 20 bio-methanation plants that tweaked its EV strategy to focus more on three-wheelers. help reduce trash burning and polluting emissions from landfills, while also generating clean energy. To reduce dust The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd particles generated during construction activities, the PMC (MSEDCL) is leading efforts to set up ten electric vehicles is providing ready-mix concrete.24 charging stations in the city. Each MSEDCL electric vehicle charging station will be set up at a cost of around ₹250,000 NAGPUR (~$3,520). A vehicle would be charged completely in about 45-60 minutes at these stations.27

Located at the heart of India, Nagpur presents another example of how Indian cities are trying to improve air RAIPUR quality. With a population of 2.5 million, Nagpur is the third largest city in the state of Maharashtra and faces severe Raipur is the capital and largest city of Indian state air pollution problems from vehicular traffic and clusters Chhattisgarh, with a population of 1 million. Raipur is home of neighbouring industrial operations and thermal power to one of the biggest and largest steel markets in India and plants. also one of the biggest industrial centres. Raipur has more than 200 steel mills and six steel plants. Apart from these industrial operations, the city also has aluminium, power generation, and coal industries.

CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA PAGE 5 Raipur ranked high on the list of cities with a high degree polluting categories (identified by the CPCB) and 118 rolling of air pollution in 2014 but has since dramatically reduced mills while enforcing a legal restriction on particulate its particulate matter pollution over two consecutive years. matter emission to less than 50 µg/m3. The CPCB notes that in 2014, the average particulate matter level was 325 µg/m3, compared to 190 µg/m3 in 2015 and Furthermore, notices for closure were issued to ten 150 µg/m3 in 2016.28 industries and 40 rolling mill units in 2017 for violating environmental standards. Power was disconnected for To improve the city’s air quality, local authorities prepared several violators and notices were served to 163 others an air pollution master plan. As part of this plan, ambient in non-compliance with Chhattisgarh Environment air quality monitoring stations were established at strategic Conservation Board regulations.29 These efforts are locations that considered the location of industrial complemented by interventions taken to reduce emissions operations in the city and adjoining areas. from vehicular sources, construction activities, burning of crop residue and biomass, and household waste burning. Continuous stack emission monitoring systems were installed in over 145 industries that fall under the 17 highly

NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAM (NCAP)30

India launched a National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in January attainment cities that currently exceed national air standards. 2019. The NCAP lays out a roadmap to prevent, control, The Smart Cities Program will be leveraged to launch the and reduce unhealthy air pollution. Specifically, the NCAP NCAP in the 43 smart cities that are amongst the overall 102 will expand the national air quality monitoring network, build non-attainment cities. capacity for air pollution management, and strengthen public awareness about the dangers of air pollution. The NCAP is a Similar to India’s mitigation efforts, the NCAP comprehensive strategy to bring down levels of deadly particle will be institutionalized by respective ministries. Inter-sectoral

air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10) by 20-30% by 2024 (compared groups will be organized comprised of relevant ministries to 2017 levels). Initially launched as a five-year action plan, and experts from the industry, academia, and civil society. the NCAP may be further extended after a mid-term progress The plan provides an institutional framework at centre and review. state levels (comprised of an Apex Committee at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Centre The approach for NCAP includes collaborative, cross-sectoral and at the Chief Secretary Level in the states) to drive coordination amongst the relevant central ministries, state implementation of the NCAP. governments, and cities. It aims to leverage existing policies and programs including the National Action Plan on Climate The program will further partner with multilateral and bilateral Change and other central government efforts to mitigate international organizations, philanthropic foundations, and climate change. leading technical institutions to achieve its goals.

The NCAP brings increased focus on local actions to reduce air pollution by requiring action plans from 102 non-

Resuspended dust contributes to air pollution in Indian cities Photo: © IIPH-G

PAGE 6 NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA SOLUTIONS FOR CITIES

There are a host of actions cities can take to address rising 6. Clean cooking and heating: Use clean fuels – electricity, air pollution levels in India, and the National Clean Air Plan natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cities, and highlights a number of solutions that local authorities can LPG and advanced biomass cooking and heating stoves in implement. The United Nations Environment Programme rural areas; substitution of coal by briquettes (UNEP) has also endorsed a list of such actions that cities can 7. Renewables for power generation: Use incentives to foster take in its report. The list provided below is excerpted from extended use of wind, solar and hydro power for electricity Table A of UNEP’s 2019 report, Air Pollution in Asia and the generation and phase out the least efficient plants Pacific: Science-based Solutions.31 These solutions include: 8. Energy efficiency for households: Use incentives to 1. Post-combustion controls: Introduce state-of-the-art improve the energy efficiency of household appliances, end-of-pipe measures to reduce sulphur dioxide, nitrogen buildings, lighting, heating and cooling; encourage roof-top oxides and particulate emissions at power stations and in solar installations large-scale industry 9. Electric vehicles: Promote the use of electric vehicles 2. Vehicle inspection and maintenance: Enforce mandatory 10. Improved public transport: Encourage a shift from private checks and repairs for vehicles passenger vehicles to public transport 3. Dust control: Suppress construction and road dust; 11. Solid waste management: Encourage centralized waste increase green areas collection with source separation and treatment, including 4. Agricultural crop residue: Manage agricultural residues, gas utilization including strict enforcement of bans on open burning 12. Wastewater treatment: Introduce well-managed two-stage 5. Residential waste burning: Strictly enforce bans on open treatment with biogas recovery burning of household waste

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CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA PAGE 7 rECoMMEndatIons to sCalE ClEan n r eport jobs data: Given the importance of employment in the Indian market, increasing the transparency and in-bengaluru/articleshow/66225610.cmsEnErgy In IndIa (accessed January 21, 26 The News Minute, Ola’s electric vehicle pilot in Nagpur fails to take off, 2019) The overall key recommendations from NRDC and2018 https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ola-s-electric-vehicle-information about the number of jobs created in the 20 Bangalore Mirror, HighCEEW’s rises analysisto make way are for as E-vehicles, follows: 2018 pilot-nagpur-fails-take-drivers-return-vehicles-77782renewable energy sector (wouldaccessed strengthen January public support https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/high- 21, 2019) and lender confidence in clean energy. n rises-to-make-way-for-e-vehicles/articleshow/67048817.cms?utm_Boost Financing: To inject new liquidity and27 reduce Times theof India, Ten electric vehicles charging stations in the city n source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppstcost of capital, the Indian government should develophttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/ten-electric-vehicle- Timely Policy implementation: Policy delays and (accessed January 21,innovative 2019) financing solutions, such as green banks,charging-stations-in-city/articleshow/65892686.cms unpredictable shifts, such as wind energy’s accelerated 21 Bengaluru Clean Air Platform:green bonds, A collaborative and infrastructure platform to improve debt air funds for28 renewableDaily Pioneer, Drastic depreciationFall in air pollution policies in Raipur and since long 2014, delays 2018 in solar policies, quality in Bengaluru, 2019energy. https://cleanairplatform.org/#responses The government must diligently enforcehttps://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/drastic-fall-in-air- have recently slowed solar and wind market growth. (accessed January 21, 2019) pollution-in-raipur-since-2014-cpcb.htmlBoth national and (accessed state programsJanuary 21, must2019) continue to 22 Indian Institute of TropicalRenewables Meteorology, Purchase System ofObligations Air Quality and (RPOs) and29 supportThe New Indian Express, Raipur emerges successful at countering pol- Weather Forecasting Andfurther Research, development 2019 http://safar.tropmet.res.in/ of the Renewable Energy Certificatelution unlike Delhi, 2018increase http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesun market momentum through timely- program map_data.php?city_id=1&for=current(REC) market (accessedto send clear January market 21, 2019) signals. daystandard/2018/may/06/raipur-emerges-successful-at-countering-implementation, with predictable timelines for guidelines, 23 India Today, Vehicles figure in Pune overtakes population, 2018, pollution-unlike-delhi-1810721.htmlauctions, and (accessed payments. January 21, 2019) https://www.indiatoday.in/auto/auto-news/story/vehicles-figure-in- 30 Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, The National pune-overtakes-human-population-1206311-2018-04-06 (accessed Clean Air Programme, 2019 http://envfor.nic.in/sites/default/files/ January 21, 2019) press-releases/NCAP%20Report%20Full.pdf (accessed January 21, 24 Mangesh Dighe, Pune Municipal Corporation, PMC’s actions on air 2019) pollution, PresentedFor at “Workshopmore information on Role of Cities and in toaddressing download air these31 UN reports, Environment, please Air Pollution visit: in Asia and the Pacific: Science- pollution to protectwww.nrdc.org/international/india/renewable-energy-jobs.asp public health”, Ahmeabad, December 04, 2018). based Solutions, 2018 http://ccacoalition.org/en/file/5689/ 25 Times of India, NMC, NEERI, RTO plan could cost Rs 38,016 crores, download?token=qAsWDG2Y (accessed January 21, 2019) 2018 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nmc-neeri-rto- plan-to-curb-air-pollution-could-cost-rs38016-cr/articleshow/62761504. international: india auguSt 2014 report Reenergizing India’s Solar Energy international: india auguSt 2014 iSSue paper Creating Green Jobs: Employment cms (accessed JanuaryReeneRgizing i ndia’s21, solaR ene2019)Rgy Creating green Jobs: employment Created MaRket thRough Financing by Kiran energy’S 20 megawatt Solar plant in rajaSthan, india

india’s rapid growth has resulted in energy demand that consistently outstrips supply. in 2010, as part of its plan to address the urgent and growing demand for energy by advancing clean energy solutions, the government of prepared by: india’s ministry of new and renewable energy (mnre) launched the jawaharlal nehru national Solar mission (nSm) Council on energy, environment and Water natural resources defense Council to promote grid-connected and off-grid solar energy. the mission’s goal is to establish india as a global leader in Market Through Financing solar energy through policies that lead to the deployment of 20 gigawatts (gw) of solar power by 2022, enough Created by Kiran Energy’s 20 Megawatt © b haskar d eol to meet the peak demand of delhi—a city of 16 million people—3.5 times over.1 recognizing the vast potential for Solar panels at a nSM employment generation in the indian renewable energy sector, the central government has also cited job creation commissioned power plant as part of its rationale for the Solar mission. at Jaisalmer, rajasthan www.nrdc.org/international/india/files/renewable- © K iran e nergy Solar Plant in Rajasthan, India energy-solar-financing-report.pdf www.nrdc.org/international/india/files/renewable- energy-solar-jobs-kiran-ip.pdf pdf

Highlighted Resources: Supported in part by: Supported in part by:

international: india auguSt 2014 iSSue paper A Second Wind for India’s Energy international: india auGuSt 2014 iSSue paper Making Use of the Roof: Employment A Second Wind for indiA’S energy MArket: Making Use of the Roof: employment Financing MechaniSMS to Support india’S Generation from Hero motoCorp’S 80 kW Protectingnational Wind energy MiSSion Health from Increasing Air Ahmedabadrooftop Solar Air projeCt in HInformationaryana india and india is struggling with skyrocketing energy demands, declining energy supplies, and peak load blackouts and as prices of solar photovoltaic (pV) electricity approach grid parity with fossil fuels, solar pV is rapidly becoming shortages that limit energy access.1 the country’s recent economic growth has depended largely on fossil fuels, an economically viable source of electricity. the escalating costs of electricity from coal, gas, or diesel-based resulting in greater energy security concerns, higher electricity pricing, and increased pollution. at the same time, generation, coupled with attractive government rooftop solar programs, are motivating leading companies to the Indian government recognizes that wind energy can be a significant clean energy resource. Supported by take advantage of their roofs to generate electricity for industrial and commercial applications. as companies are initial government policies, India is already the fifth-largest wind energy producer, achieving 20 gigawatts (GW) of Market: Financing Mechanisms to learning, not only do rooftop solar projects increase reliable energy supply, but they also create much needed jobs. Generation from Hero MotoCorp’s 80 kW Pollutioninstalled wind power. Yet, much more can be achieved. India’sin wind energy productionAhmedabad can grow at least four to five Responsethis report takes(AIR) a close look at clean energy employment generation,Plan using the Hero motoCorp’s 80 kW rooftop times its current level to achieve the country’s 100 gW wind energy potential.2 to achieve the higher potential, the pV project in , installed by Hero future energies, as an illustrative example. government announced plans in 2014 to launch a national Wind energy Mission. designing strong policies and programs that attract investment is essential to scale wind power to reach 100 gW and to breathe new life into india’s wind energy market. © b haskar d eol

India’s renewable energy capacity is nearly 13 percent energy installations. Wind energy is also vital to diversifying www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/ahmedabad_of total generation capacity. Of the total renewable energy India’s energy mix and is a viable means to meet demands for www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/ahmedabad_air_plan_ generation, wind energy currently makes up the majority clean, affordable energy that creates jobs as discussed in the with nearly 70 percent. The country’s 100 GW wind energy 12th Five-Year Plan. Support India’s National Wind Mission Rooftop Solar Project in Haryana India potential—almost half of India’s total electricity generation Investments in the Indian wind market have fluctuated capacity in 2013—reveals tremendous opportunities for as have government policies. Financiers invested more than solving India’s energy crisis through a resurgence in wind Rs 18,700 crore ($3.9 billion) in wind energy to add 3,200 MW © b haskar d eol

Wind mills in Jath, Sangli district aqi_-_final.pdfin Maharashtra, india feb_2017_final_pdf.pdf www.nrdc.org/international/india/files/renewable- www.nrdc.org/international/india/files/renewable- energy-wind-financing-IP.pdf energy-solar-jobs-hero-ip.pdf

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international: inDia august 2014 report Solar Power Jobs: Exploring the international: india auGuSt 2014 iSSue paper Creating Green Jobs: Employment Solar Power JobS: Creating green Jobs: employment Generation exPloring the emPloyment Potential by GameSa-renew power’S 85 meGawatt wind in india’S grid-ConneCted Solar market project in jath, maharaShtra Getting the Word Out: Health Risk DevelopmentFacing rising fuel prices, threats to energyof security, and the needAhmedabad’s to manage economic growth with pragmatic Air Information and consideration of climate change, renewable energy offers a critical solution to india’s burgeoning energy demand prepareD by: challenges. Further, renewable energy technologies are more labor-intensive than more mechanized fossil fuel Council on energy, environment and Water natural resources Defense Council technologies, as demonstrated in more mature markets, and can provide a tremendous opportunity to create Employment Potential in India’s domestic jobs.1 wind power, constituting the largest share of india’s installed renewable capacity at 68 percent, Generation from Wind Energy in India © b haskar D eol is price competitive with conventional thermal power in india. this robust, 30 year old market is expected to be Communication Strategies for Responsevital to realizing(AIR india’s goal of doubling renewable energyPlan) capacity in the country by 2017, as outlined toin india’s Protect Public Health 12th Five Year Plan. This maturing sector also presents an added opportunity to generate significant employment in the country. Ahmedabad’s AIR PlanGrid-Connected Solar Market www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/7/1460© b haskar d eol www.nrdc.org/international/india/files/renewable- www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/iec_issue_ www.nrdc.org/international/india/files/renewable- energy-wind-jobs-ip.pdf brief_2018_dec3.pdf energy-solar-jobs-report.pdf

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Authors CEEW team: Arunabha Ghosh, Rajeev Palakshappa, Rishabh Jain, Shalu Aggarwal, Poulami Choudhury NRDC team: Anjali Jaiswal, Meredith Connolly, Bhaskar Deol, Nehmat Kaur, Avinash Kar natural resources Council on Energy, Copyright © 2019 Natural Resources defense Council Environment and Water Defense Council 40 West 20th Street thapar house All rights reserved. No part of this new york, ny 10011 124 Janpath publication may be reproduced, stored copyright © 2014in a cretrievalouncil on system energy, or e nvironmenttransmitted, and in Water and natural 212 727-2700 110001 resources defenseany form council or by any means, electronic, Fax 212 727-1773 +91 11 40733300 mechanical, photocopying, recording or all rights reserved.otherwise, no part without of this priorpublication permission. may be reproduced, stored in www.nrdc.org Fax: +91 11 40733399 a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, www.ceew.in mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission.

PAGE 8 NRDC INTERNATIONAL: INDIA CLEARING THE AIR: HIGHLIGHTING ACTIONS TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN INDIA