Study: Over 50% of PM2.5 in Ludhiana, Varanasi from Uncontrolled Fuel Burning
A new study has found that more than half of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in Ludhiana and Varanasi come from fuel burnt without adequate pollution controls. The report, released by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST), highlights a major gap in current clean air strategies.
The study, titled 'Reducing Emissions from Unmitigated Fuel Usage: Data-Driven Strategies for Air Quality and Climate Action in IGP', is the first district-level assessment in India to quantify emissions from unmitigated fuel use across sectors. 'Unmitigated fuel' refers to any fuel burnt without air pollution control devices.
According to the findings, Ludhiana produces about 21,000 tonnes of PM2.5 annually, with 54% coming from unmitigated sources. Varanasi emits around 14,000 tonnes per year, 62% of which is unmitigated. The study also notes that 65-70% of PM2.5 emissions originate outside city boundaries.
The research suggests that targeted interventions could reduce total PM2.5 emissions by 60-70% in both districts by 2035. This would require cleaner fuels, better technology, and stronger enforcement of regulations.
The findings have implications for India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Experts say the study provides a new framework for identifying hidden emission sources and could reshape how clean air plans are developed. The report was launched during a webinar titled 'The Missing Piece in India’s Clean Air Puzzle: Unmitigated Fuel Use and the Hidden Emissions Challenge'.
