Patna Ambient Air Quality (AAA) Report

Transcription

1 Patna Ambient Air Quality (AAA) Report Level of Air Pollution between 15th May till 31st May, 2016 Authors; Ramapati Kumar Ankita Jyoti JUNE 2016 CENTR FOR ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT (CEED) Copyright to CEED Analysis and errors are sole responsibility of authors 1

2 Patna has come down from the second to the sixth position in the latest WHO report (May, 2016) with new world rankings. 1. Introduction; The capital of Bihar, Patna is the largest city with a population of about 2.1 million habitants. Patna is also one of the fastest growing economies in India. Bihar has witnessed a double digit growth in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate in last five years. However, this growth has come with a heavy price. The city s environment has suffered majorly in terms of its air quality, making Patna one of the most polluted cities in the country and across the globe. In a recent report produced by WHO, thirteen Indian cities are placed amongst worlds twenty most polluted cities. Evidently, the report identifies ambient air pollution as a compelling national problem in India. The ranking was based on the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which plays is also the cause of most of the respiratory diseases and other major health risks such as cancer, asthma, heart stroke, diabetes, obesity, and symptoms linked to dementia. There have been several researches that reveal that the highly potent toxic effects of chronic exposure of particulate matter not only affect the lungs but also hamper the cardiovascular system. The effects are insidious and are rapidly increasing the number of potentially life-shortening health problems. The ambient air pollution, which is categorized as the fifth largest killer, has seen a substantial increase in Patna since The Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database by World Health Organization (WHO) has documented Patna s ambient air as the third worst in terms of particulate matter. The air pollution in city largely comprises of small and ultra-fine particles i.e. PM10 and PM2.5.More often than not, these particulate matters cannot be seen or smelled, but the high level of particulate matter 2

3 concentration is adversely affecting the people in the city. The chief causes of the rampant deterioration of the air quality in the city are population growth, traditional cooking practices, power plants, dirty bricks making practices, industries, solid waste burning, increased vehicle use and construction activities in Patna. The report by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board in 2014 allegedly indicates a major share of these named sources as the reason behind increasing particulate matter concentration. The WHO report in 2014 led to a startling realization on the seriousness of air pollution issue in Patna and also warrants for measures to dramatically reduce the emissions. But over the years substantial impacts on the air pollution have remained intact and Patna is far from achieving CPCB s standard of air quality. Patna has come down from the second to the sixth position in the latest WHO report (May, 2016) with new world rankings. While the new ranking is indicative of an improvement, it cannot be entirely trusted as the current listing is based on data from the year 2013, which is similar to the last listing of WHO (May 2014). The ranking thus, are quite deceptive. The first step to improve the state of air quality in Patna is to monitor, communicate and expand the access to air-quality data. This will not only keep the citizens well informed about the ambient air quality but also help to track the sources and progress of mitigation efforts. The communication and easy access to data will give appropriate health warnings to the public, which in turn will alert them on taking appropriate precautions to improve health conditions and also motivate the people to become proactive about adopting measures to cut down pollution. In addition, monitoring helps in identifying sources of pollution and come up with targeted and timetabled plans to cut that pollution. To address the concern efficiently, CPCB introduced the National Air Quality Index(NAQI) in 16 cities including Patna in the year But the status and functioning of NAQI in Patna is not favoring its principle and with this situation it is difficult to validate the improvement or trend in level of particulate matter in atmosphere. The present study aims to assess and communicate the status and recent trend of air quality in Patna. It provides an updated fortnightly (15th May-31st May, 2016) report on air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) based on the data acquired from its five installed monitoring stations. The study not only illustrates the AQI and real time concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) but also 3

4 explains the diurnal variation of particulate matter concentration in last 15 days. In addition, the report includes an overview of the required policy development and implementation in improving air quality. 2. Objectives Patna s worsening air quality causes substantial loss: for its economy, the productivity of its workforce, and citizen s health. Healthy air is vital and essential because a person breathes about 250 million liters of air daily. The analysis of air pollution condition in Patna was done to keep a tab on the current level of pollution, inform government to work towards clean air action plan and to strengthen the policy to improve the ambient air quality in Patna. The study focuses to understand the following: Concentration of particulate matter in Patna (15th-31st may,2016), Spatial variation of particulate matter concentration, No. of days when air pollution is good, moderate to severe category and, Diurnal variation of particulate matter concentration. However, this report doesn t compare the ranking of Patna in relation to other polluted cities in the world. The main purpose of this study is to inform and work towards an enabling framework to develop a Clean air action plan for Patna. 3. Study area and Methodology; The particulate matter concentration was monitored in Patna Urban Agglomeration Area, using air quality monitoring devices at five different places. The five areas, where the monitoring devices are installed to check ambient air quality are Patna City, NIT More (Gandhi Maidan), Ashok Rajpath, Danapur Bus Stand, Phulwarisharif and Patna Junction. These areas were specifically chosen because they are the busiest junctions in Patna and witness a large inflow-outflow of population. The sites receive particulate matter from the vehicular activities, smoke from kitchens that use traditional cook stoves, diesel generators and from the nearby solid waste dumping sites and construction activities. The traffic volume is also reasonably high in these areas with mostly local vehicles on the road. 4

5 Danapur Phulwarisharif Patna Junction NIT, Gandhi Maidan Patna City Figure 1: Map showing the area of installed air quality monitors 3.1 Monitoring devices The air quality was monitored in real time data through an online portal. These monitoring devices automatically measure and record the data of the ambient air quality including PM10, PM2.5 and meteorological parameters; temperature and humidity every hour for the entire day. The monitoring devices are installed by Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) in collaboration with India Spend. India Spend is the country's first independent streaming air quality monitoring network built on low cost devices. The basic purpose of installing this device is to inform the public about the real time situation. Over 45 such devices are installed in various parts of the country to assess the real time data of air quality. 3.2 Data Collection and analysis The data for this study were obtained from the monitoring devices; the value is sampled every 5 minutes and aggregated on an hourly basis. The obtained value is then converted into particulate matter, with a 24hour concentration value, as prescribed by CPCB. Data is computed and further analyzed using varied statistical tools and techniques. Going by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) standardized protocol, the average concentration of particulate matter in ambient air for each day was computed. The stipulated concentration was then paralleled with CPCB standards that are nationally accepted. 5

6 The equation followed to calculate the average is: Average particulate matter concentration=sum of concentration noted in all monitoring stations / Total Number of Sampling Stations The 24hour average of particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) for each location was also evaluated and compared to identify the spatial variation of pollution. this process will identify the most polluted areas and relatively safe areas among the five chosen spots. Serial No. Pollutant Time weighted average Concentration in ambient air Industrial, E c o l o g i c a l l y Residential, sensitive area Rural and other area 1 PM10 Annual hours PM2.5 Annual hours Table 1- CPCB Standard 3.3 Air Quality Index The study referred CPCB s AQI to illustrate Patna s urban air quality category during a period of a fortnight. The monitored AQI within the given period was used to illustrate/quantify the number of days during which the air quality remains in critical categories. Figure below provides the AQI category of CPCB. 6

7 Figure 2: Air Quality Index 3.4 Diurnal Variation Particulate matter concentration, both PM2.5 and PM10 follow the diurnal pattern, which is mostly induced by human activities and traffic. Higher levels of particulate matters are usually observed in the morning and the evening rush hours when the traffic is at its peak. Likewise, the lowest concentrations often occur between midnight to dawn when the traffic is at its minimum. The diurnal pattern s findings help to understand and issue emergency alerts and also assist in planning a workable immediate mitigation plan. To derive the diurnal pattern of particulate matter for over a period of fortnight in Patna, an average data was evaluated and computed for four phases (morning, afternoon, evening and midnight). 7

8 4. Current Air Pollution status in Patna (Findings) 4.1 Average concentration of particulate matter in Patna urban ambient air The continuous monitoring in the stations indicated a high level of air pollution for all days with the values of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeding much above the national permissible limit (60 μg/m3 and 100 μg/m3) by two to three times. The average particulate matter concentration was found to overshoot the CPCB standard during the research period; PM10 and PM2.5 were noted in range of (350.2 μg/m μg/m3) and (316.1 μg/ m μg/m3) respectively in the last 15 days May 18-May 20-May 22-May 24-May 26-May 28-May 30-May PM 10 PM 2.5 PM 2.5 Limit PM 10 Limit Figure 3- PM10 and PM2.5concentration in Patna (15th May-31st May) 4.2 Air quality index of Patna urban ambient air The overall air quality index for Patna in the last fifteen days (15th May to 31st May, 2016) was between poor to severe category (12 days) and only four days were observed as moderate days in terms of Air Quality Index. 70% of the total monitored days witnessed an alarming condition of air pollution which can cause respiratory illness due to prolonged exposure. Moreover, the analysis has not illustrated a single day with good air quality in Patna. 8

9 AQI AQI /5 17/5 18/5 19/5 20/5 21/5 22/5 23/5 24/5 25/5 26/5 27/5 28/5 29/5 30/5 31/5 Date Figure 4- Air Quality Index for Patna (15th May-31st May, 2016) 4.3 Which part of Patna is more polluted (Spatial variation) A spatial analysis of particulate matter concentration was done to determine the parts of Patna that have a higher level of air pollution. The data analysis of particulate matter concentration in the last 15 days indicates the area around Patna Junction as the most polluted area, followed by Patna City and Gandhi Maidan. The area around Phulwarisarif was found to be the least polluted area among all the five areas under study. The most polluted area i.e. Patna junction, witnesses the maximum population flow during most hours of the day.also the area has a huge construction site in its vicinity. Even though Patna Junction is the most polluted area amongst the five screened area, the other four areas also bear an alarming quantity of particulate matter concentration. This level of concentration is courtesy the high level of vehicular movement, smoky kitchens, nearby dumpsites and construction activities. While these sources give a preliminary idea to the probable sources of pollution, there needs to be a further mapping of sources to critically analyze the situation. The level of PM10 in the area around Patna Junction was observed to be the highest. It has crossed over the level of 450 on five occasions. Likewise, Phulwarisharif has lower level of PM10 concentration, but it was observed that due to frequent power cuts the monitoring device was not functional for few days. 9

10 600.0 NIT MORE, GANDHI MAIDAN PATNA JUNCTION AREA PHULWARI SHARIF DANAPUR STAND AREA PATNA CITY PM /16/20 5/17/20 5/18/20 5/19/20 5/20/20 5/21/20 5/22/20 5/23/20 5/24/20 5/25/20 5/26/20 5/27/20 5/28/20 5/29/20 5/30/20 5/31/20 Date Figure 5- Spatial variation of PM10 concentration (15th May-31st May) The concentration of PM2.5 was highest in near the Patna junction area. The pollution level observed in the last fifteen days has remained mostly under the severe category. the rest of the city has also observed high level of concentration, above the permissible level, as per CPCB standard NIT MORE, GANDHI MAIDAN PATNA JUNCTION AREA PHULWARI SHARIF DANAPUR STAND AREA PATNA CITY PM /16/20 5/17/20 5/18/20 5/19/20 5/20/20 5/21/20 5/22/20 5/23/20 5/24/20 5/25/20 5/26/20 5/27/20 5/28/20 5/29/20 5/30/20 5/31/20 Date Figure 6: Spatial variation of PM2.5 concentration (15th May-31st May) 10

11 4.4 When Patna Breathe easy (Diurnal variation) The study also examined the diurnal variation of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in Patna. Citizens of Patna were exposed to high level of air pollution throughout the day. It was observed that the concentration level of both the pollutants was found the highest during afternoons followed by nights. However, the mornings were equally bad but slightly better than the nights. The concentration of PM10 was observed to be the maximum during the afternoons followed by the nights. Throughout the fifteen days of study (15th to 31st May), the nights and the afternoons had high level of PM10. Only thrice during these fifteen days did the PM10 concentration showed a moderate level Midnight Morning Noon Night PM /16/20 5/17/20 5/18/20 5/19/20 5/20/20 5/21/20 5/22/20 5/23/20 5/24/20 5/25/20 5/26/20 5/27/20 5/28/20 5/29/20 5/30/20 5/31/20 Date Figure 7: Diurnal variation of PM10 concentration (15th May-31st May) Likewise, the PM2.5 concentration was observed the highest during the mornings, afternoons and midnights. The concentration was much above the permissible limit almost 70% of the time Midnight Morning Noon Night PM /16/20 5/18/20 5/20/20 5/22/20 5/24/20 5/26/20 5/28/20 5/30/20 6/1/20 Date Figure 8: Diurnal variation of PM2.5 concentration (15th May-31st May) 11

12 5. Conclusion and Way Forward; Patna s air quality has increasingly become more polluted and non-breathable. The city cannot afford to ignore the severe issue of air pollution. Unfortunately, several measures taken in the past have been ineffective and hence, need a fresh perspective. The government cannot be a moot spectator and must take up immediate actions to curb the air pollution in the city. Several studies have already proved severe health risks from air pollution. As per a study performed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on children in Delhi, every third child in the city has reduced lung functions. It s quite clear that the Delhi Government needs to act fast and proactively so. In order to control air pollution in Patna, the Bihar Government needs to develop a clean air action plan to tackle air pollution in the city. Some of the measures suggested are following; Emergency Measures; Governments across the globe take emergency measures based on the quality of air in their cities. The health advisories must be on issues based on the level of air pollution on a daily basis. A health advisory should reach out to the most vulnerable such as those who are suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular ailments and asthma. There has to be an alarm system in the city to inform people of level of the level of pollution in the particular area. This will protect the vulnerable population from exposure and also alert them to take measures to keep a control on the air quality. There can be red alert days when pollution level is high. This will help many institutions to take proper action. Real time data monitoring and transparency should be shared with the media and the people. Efficient transport system; A clear focus should be given to develop an efficient public transportation system and encourage the public to use the system must be on priority. Government must work with the Central government to cut down the emission standard for new vehicles. Bharat stage IV should be implemented in Patna before the prior-scheduled date of enforcement i.e. from April 1, Bihar government must also push the central government to implement Bharat stage VI by Retrofitting emissions reduction technology in older 12

13 commercial vehicles will cut particulate matter emission. All new forms of commercial transportation like taxi, auto rickshaw and small buses must be allowed to run only on clean source of fuel such as CNG. All auto rickshaws in Patna must be penalized, if they are found using kerosine oil. A clear program to convert existing auto rickshaws with CNG must be implemented in a phased manner. Delink Diesel; Patna economy is mostly driven by diesel. As energy starved state, most of the population, including industry and agriculture sector are heavily dependent on diesel. As per the WHO report, Diesel is class 1 carcinogen, and is responsible for lung cancer. Emphasis on clean energy resources and clean energy technology like solar must be adopted on priority. The efforts should be strengthened for substitution of fossil fuels in Patna. Solar roof top program should be taken up on priority in order to phase out diesel consumption for non-domestic users. Such a system must also be extended for individual household through net metering. Energy efficient devices like LED lamps and other energy efficient appliances must be implemented on war footing basis. The energy efficient appliances live longer, consume less electricity, which in turn produce lower electricity bills, and starkly helps reduce pollution by consuming less energy Industrial emission; Though Bihar doesn t have major share of its own generation through thermal power plant, however, it must have a clear roadmap to shut down the polluting thermal power plant. The Kanti Thermal Power Plant located in Muzzarfurpur is the most polluted of all. The government must come with a plan either to improve the efficiency or to close the plant. All the polluting brick kiln units need to be identified and must be closed. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board order on clean bricks method must be implemented on priority. Ring fencing and transition to clean brick production must be implemented in a phased manner The brick kiln unit should not be allowed in two sq. km radius of vegetation. Open Burning; Open burning is banned by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board. However, one can observe regular fire in the dumpsite on a regular basis. Even though there is a rule, the enforcement of the rule remains a challenge. Stringent enforcement and public awareness with innovative methods of waste disposal are needed to reduce the problem. Immediate implementation of Access to Clean fuel must be taken up to phase out charcoal and bio-mass burning from both domestic and non-domestic sector. 13

14 Dust Pollution; Dust is one of major sources of pollution in Patna. The geographical location of Patna is such that even small wind can lift the top loose soil from the river bed of Ganges and get easily absorbed in the atmosphere. High level of construction activities and vehicular pollution on dusty roads contributes hugely to dust pollution. At the same time, construction and demolition waste is enormous. Well-framed strategies need to be developed for proper disposal. Vegetative barriers on the road with signs or guidelines for footpaths and cycle tracks can be established. On polluter pay principle, the developers should be made obligatory to provide the evidence of disposal of building debris. Clean bricks or materials that can be recycled must be used for construction. All commercial vehicles carrying construction materials need to be covered and strict measures must be taken up against any violators. All construction activities in the city must be cordoned off as hazardous and all construction sites and activities must be carried inside a closed environment to avoid more leakage of particulate matter. Concrete measures must be taken up to remove particulate matter out of the air by developing greener infrastructure in the city; the foliar surface area serving as a sink to dilute the pollution intensity. 14

15 About CEED Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) is a solution driven non-profit organization that works towards creating inspiring solutions to maintain a healthy, rich and diverse environment. CEED is dedicated to finding solutions for Clean Energy, Clean Air, Clean Water and for toxics free future. The idea of CEED was conceived by a group of young professionals with vast amount of experience in the filed of environment. CEED was registered in November 2012 as non profit organization under section 25, Companies Act, 1956 Contacts: B/ 194, 2nd Floor Shri Krishnapuri Patna Visit: Write to us at info@ceedindia.org 15