Report
on Air pollution in Bhiwadi town of Rajasthan
(Winter Season 2017-2020)
Introduction
Industrialization is on the increase and so is the environmental pollution due to emissions and waste discharges from the industries. Industrial pollution has the potential to cause irreversible reactions in the environment and may pose a risk to human health. Since the carrying capacity of the environment is not unlimited and some areas or ecosystems are more susceptible to adverse environmental impacts than others, the unplanned and haphazard location of industries might substantially increase the risk. It is desirable that for existing industrial areas stressed under high ambient pollution levels, a systematic and effective action plan is developed and implemented in a time-bound manner rather than considering the closure of the industries.
Air
pollution is an important environmental component and requires an action plan
that should be based on cause-effect analysis. However, this is not simple. The problem becomes more complex due to the
multiplicity and complexity of the air polluting source mix, automobiles,
generators, domestic fuel burning, roadside dust, construction activities,
etc., which co-exist with industries.
Since the enactment of the Air Act 1981, air pollution control programs have focused on point and area source emissions, and many communities have benefited from these control programs. Nonetheless, most cities in the country still face continuing particulate non- attainment problems from aerosols of unknown origin (or those not considered for pollution control) despite the high level of control applied to many point sources. It is in the latter case that an improved understanding of source-receptor linkages is especially needed if cost-effective emission reductions are to be achieved. Determining the sources of airborne particulate matter is a difficult problem because of the complexity of the urban source mix. The problem is often compounded by the predominance of non-ducted and widely distributed area (fugitive) sources and the lack of understanding of the sources of secondary aerosol, their formation, and transport.
The city of Bhiwadi (28.21°N, 76.87°E; population: 1,04,921) in the state of Rajasthan has witnessed a high level of air pollution (http://cpcb.gov.in/caaqm), believed to have been caused from industrial emissions from large industrial areas (RIICO and Bhiwadi Phase I to IV Industrial area). The city has attracted many large industries because of government policies, being strategically situated in the Nation Capital Region (NCR), and a direct approach from NH-8. Moreover, Bhiwadi comes under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor mega- project which has brought investment from both government and private sectors. It is noteworthy that industries in Bhiwadi city co-exist with multiple activities in surrounding areas (Dharuheda, Tijara, etc) extending beyond the administrative boundary, which results in the overall degradation of air quality of the region.
The city witnesses high pollution levels; Source: Bhiwadi CAAQMS data). The national air quality index (NAQI) in Bhiwadi during the winter season is in the worst category, Critical (https://app.cpcbccr.com/AQI_India/). Therefore, there is a need to identify and quantify the sources and develop an air pollution control action plan to achieve NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards).
i)
Sources of
Air Pollution located in NCR
ENVIS had conducted a study on account of
RSPCB on ‘Air Pollution Emission Inventory and Control Plan for Bhiwadi City’ in
2017-2020 and presented its final report in November 2020 which clearly mentioned
all the identified sources of air pollution in Bhiwadi, their contribution and
measures to control air pollution from these sources. As per the report
following are the major sources of air pollution in Bhiwadi:-
Ø Road Dust
Ø Municipal solid waste burning
Ø Vehicles
Ø Construction & Demolition waste
Ø Hotels/Restaurants
Ø Domestic sector
Ø Industries & DG Sets.
As per
Chairman, EPCA field visits and complaints received on SAMEER Complaints, major
source of air pollution is municipal & industrial solid waste dumping &
burning.
ii) Air Pollution Scenario in the City of Bhiwadi
The city of
Bhiwadi has a complex industrial environment with respect to air pollution and
faces severe air pollution of PM10, PM2.5, SO2,
and NO2. There are several prominent sources within and outside
Bhiwadi contributing to pollution levels in ambient air; these pollutants can
be taken as a surrogate of other pollutants also, as most of the pollutants
coexist and have common sources.
Bhiwadi is considered as one of the major industrial hubs in the region. In addition to industrial and automobile pollution, there is a significant emission from fugitive sources. Clusters of small and medium scale industries are also responsible for air pollution. In most of the institutions, hotels, and offices, the diesel generators are used at the time of power failure. Unlike other cities, at several locations, garbage burning is a common practice; it is also seen that not only garbage burning, the industrial waste is also burnt at several places within the city, which can be an important contributor to air pollution. The road condition in the town is quite bad as roads are broken, poorly maintained and partially paved surfaces and it is observed that movements of the vehicle may cause non-exhaust road dust emission in a significant amount. The area outside the factories is poorly managed and has become a dumping ground of non-hazardous wastes. This report presents various air pollution control options and their effectiveness in improving air quality.
Observation
Ambient Air Quality
(A) Analysis of Air quality Data in terms of Specific
Pollutants
Ambient Air (AQI) data of Bhiwadi city
from September 2017 to December 2020 data: 06.00 a.m. to 06.00 a.m. The
ambient air quality AQI data of Bhiwadi city from September 2017 to December
2020 for comparison of four years in various parameters such as PM10,
PM2.5 and AQI in winter season are presented in the Table 1.
Table 1 - Average concentration
Monthly Air Quality Data in Bhiwadi City from September to February (2017-2020)
|
Months |
2017-2018 |
2018-2019 |
2019-2020 |
2020 |
||||||||
|
PM10 (µg/m3) |
PM2.5 (µg/m3) |
AQI (µg/m3) |
PM10 (µg/m3) |
PM2.5 (µg/m3) |
AQI (µg/m3) |
PM10 (µg/m3) |
PM2.5 (µg/m3) |
AQI (µg/m3) |
PM10 (µg/m3) |
PM2.5 (µg/m3) |
AQI (µg/m3) |
|
|
September |
295 |
105 |
272 |
201 |
68 |
177 |
117 |
54 |
118 |
177 |
78 |
184 |
|
October |
360 |
171 |
364 |
348 |
128 |
317 |
233 |
94 |
226 |
333 |
160 |
331 |
|
November |
392 |
223 |
394 |
386 |
165 |
380 |
295 |
145 |
320 |
371 |
196 |
386 |
|
December |
346 |
175 |
352 |
374 |
179 |
369 |
278 |
150 |
303 |
323 |
180 |
350 |
|
January |
364 |
163 |
349 |
280 |
158 |
314 |
231 |
120 |
266 |
- |
- |
- |
|
February |
346 |
165 |
337 |
223 |
123 |
266 |
216 |
121 |
272 |
- |
- |
- |
Figure 2 - Trend of PM2.5 of
Air Quality Data in Bhiwadi City from September to February (2017-2020)
Figure 3 - Trend of AQI of Air Quality
Data in Bhiwadi City from September to February (2017-2020)
It is observed that if compared with
September to February 2017-2020 and 2020 (September to December) winter months at Bhiwadi. It may be inferred that higher
pollution levels in comparison to previous year are due to meteorological
conditions and perennial issue of deteriorated air quality during November in
Bhiwadi, and not on account of fire-cracker bursting. On Deepawali day
(14.11.2020), almost all the pollutants reported higher values as compared to
2019 Diwali day. Bhiwadi recorded
increase in PM10 and AQI are 329 µg/m3 and 344 µg/m3
indicating impact of firecracker bursting on Deepawali festival.
It is observed
that if compared with September 2017 to December 2020 were found that Minimum
values of PM10, PM2.5 and AQI were 295µg/m3,
105 µg/m3 and 272 µg/m3 in 2017-2018 (Sept- Feb), 201
µg/m3, 68 µg/m3 and 177µg/m3 in 2018-2019
(Sept- Feb), 117 µg/m3, 54 µg/m3 and 118 µg/m3
in 2019-2020 (Sept- Feb) and 177 µg/m3, 78 µg/m3 and 184
µg/m3 2020 (Sept-December), respectively.
It is observed
that if compared with September 2017 to December 2020 were found that Maximum
values of PM10, PM2.5 and AQI were 392 µg/m3, 223
µg/m3 and 394 µg/m3 in 2017-2018 (Sept- Feb), 386 µg/m3,
179 µg/m3 and 380 µg/m3 in 2018-2019 (Sept- Feb), 295
µg/m3, 150 µg/m3 and 320 µg/m3 in 2019-2020
(Sept- Feb) and 371 µg/m3, 196 µg/m3 and 386 µg/m3
2020 (Sept- December), respectively.
It was
inferred that September have least pollution level due to meteorological
conditions. It may be inferred that higher pollution levels in comparison to
previous year are due to meteorological conditions and perennial issue of
deteriorated air quality during November in Bhiwadi.
(B) Comparative study with Percentage reduction
1. Percentage
reduction as compared to previous year from September to February (2017-2020)
at Bhiwadi City
The air of percentage reduction in Bhiwadi city as
compared to the previous year from September to February (2017-2020) is
presented in Table 2. Most of the parameters, including all three, PM10,
PM2.5 and AQI have been observed to be higher by 2020 than in
2018-2019 and 2018-2019.
Table 2(a) - PRCENTAGE REDUCTION AS COMPARED TO
PREVIOUS YEAR FROM SEPTEMBER TO FEBRUARY (2017-2020)
|
Table
2(a): PRCENTAGE REDUCTION AS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEAR FROM SEPTEMBER TO FEBRUARY (2017-2020) |
|||||||||
|
PM10 |
PM2.5 |
AQI |
|||||||
|
2018-2019 |
2019-2020 |
2020 |
2018-2019 |
2019-2020 |
2020 |
2018-2019 |
2019-2020 |
2020 |
|
|
September |
-32% |
-42% |
52% |
-35% |
-20% |
44% |
-35% |
-33% |
55% |
|
October |
-3% |
-33% |
42% |
-25% |
-26% |
69% |
-13% |
-29% |
47% |
|
November |
-2% |
-24% |
26% |
-26% |
-12% |
35% |
-4% |
-16% |
21% |
|
December |
8% |
-25% |
16% |
2% |
-16% |
20% |
5% |
-18% |
16% |
|
January |
-26% |
-29% |
- |
-10% |
-22% |
- |
-18% |
-25% |
- |
|
February |
-32% |
-43% |
- |
-2% |
-42% |
- |
-20% |
-44% |
- |
Table 2(a) shows that
percentage reduction of PM10 in between -32% to 8.0% in September to
February 2018-2019, PM2.5 in between -35% to 2% in September to February
2018-2019 and AQI in between -35% to 5% September to February 2018-2019 as
compared to September to February 2017-2018.
Figure 4 - Percentage Reduction as
Compared to Previous Year of PM10 from September to February
(2017-2020)
Figure 5 - Percentage Reduction as
Compared to Previous Year of PM2.5 from September to February
(2017-2020)
Figure 6 - Percentage Reduction as
Compared to Previous Year of AQI from September to February (2017-2020)
From this Table 2(a), it is
concluded that PM10, PM2.5 and AQI are peak values in the
months of November - December of 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020. A major reason
behind the spike in air pollution of Bhiwadi is the sewage being burnt by
farmers in Punjab and Haryana, due to which there is an increase in air
pollution in November-December. PM10, PM2.5 and AQI have
the highest 52%, 44% and 55% respectively in September 2020.
Another possible option is
the Pusa bio-decomposer developed by scientists at the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, which converts crop residues into manure by accelerating
the decomposition process in 15–20 days.
2. Percentage
reduction as compared to 2017-2018 from September to February (2018-2020) at
Bhiwadi City
The air
quality on Percentage reduction as compared to 2017 from September to February
(2018-2020) at Bhiwadi City are presented in Table 2(b). Most of the
parameters, including all three, PM10, PM2.5 and AQI have
been observed to be higher by 2020 than in 2018-2019 and 2018-2019.
Table 2(b) PERCENTAGE REDUCTION AS
COMPARED TO 2017 FROM SEPTEMBER TO FEBRUARY (2017-2020)
|
Table 2(b): PERCENTAGE REDUCTION AS
COMPARED TO 2017 FROM SEPTEMBER TO FEBRUARY
(2017-2020) |
|||||||||
|
|
PM10 |
PM2.5 |
AQI |
||||||
|
2018 -2019 |
2019 -2020 |
2020 |
2018 -2019 |
2019 -2020 |
2020 |
2018 -2019 |
2019 -2020 |
2020 |
|
|
September |
-32% |
-60% |
-40% |
-35% |
-49% |
-26% |
-35% |
-57% |
-33% |
|
October |
-3% |
-35% |
-8% |
-25% |
-45% |
-6% |
-13% |
-38% |
-9% |
|
November |
-2% |
-25% |
-5% |
-26% |
-35% |
-12% |
-4% |
-19% |
-2% |
|
December |
8% |
-20% |
-7% |
2% |
-14% |
3% |
5% |
-14% |
-1% |
|
January |
-23% |
-37% |
|
-3% |
-27% |
- |
-10% |
-24% |
- |
|
February |
-36% |
-38% |
|
-25% |
-27% |
- |
-21% |
-19% |
- |
It has been observed that if
comparing the winter months of September to February 2017 in Bhiwadi from December
2020 then higher values have been reported by almost all the pollutants during
these winter days of 2020. The increase in PM10 in 2018-19
(December), PM2.5 in 2020 (December), and AQI 2018-19 (December), in
Bhiwadi was recorded at 8%, 3% and 5% respectively, indicating the effect on
the winter season.
Figure 7 - Percentage Reduction As
Compared To 2017 of PM10 in Winter Season
Figure 8 - Percentage Reduction As
Compared To 2017 of PM2.5 in Winter Season
Figure 9 - Percentage Reduction As
Compared To 2017 of AQI in Winter Season
It has been observed that if the winter months of September to February
2017 in Bhiwadi are compared up to December 2020 then lower values were
reported by almost all pollutants in September (2019-2020). The decrease in PM10,
PM2.5 and AQI at Bhiwadi was recorded at -60%, -49% and -57%
respectively.
(C) Impact of Various AQI Categories
The ambient air quality AQI data
of Bhiwadi city from September 2017 to December 2020 data for comparison of
number of days in various Air quality index Categories in winter season on
September 2017 – December 2020 days are presented in the Table 4.
It is observed that if compared
with September 2017 to December 2020 were found very poor days i.e. 96 very
poor days in 2017-2018 (September, October, November, December, January and
February) 84 very poor days in 2018-2019 (September to February), 63 very poor
days in 2019-2020 (September to February) and 60 very poor days in 2020
(September, October, November and December).
Table 3 - Air Quality on the basis
of Various AQI Categories in Bhiwadi city from September 2017 to December 2020
|
AQI |
Possible Health
Impacts |
Sept-Feb (2017-18) |
Sept-Feb (2018-19) |
Sept-Feb (2019-20) |
Sept-Dec (2020) |
|
|
0-50 |
Minimal
impact |
Good |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
51-100 |
Minor breathing
discomfort to sensitive people |
Satisfactory |
1 |
5 |
14 |
5 |
|
101-200 |
Breathing
discomfort to the people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases |
Moderate |
21 |
24 |
45 |
11 |
|
201-300 |
Breathing
discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure |
Poor |
20 |
43 |
53 |
30 |
|
301-400 |
Respiratory
illness on prolonged exposure |
Very Poor |
96 |
84 |
63 |
60 |
|
401+ |
Affects
healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases |
Severe |
42 |
22 |
7 |
16 |
Here AQI is 301-400, while
42 severe days in 2017-2018, 22 severe days in 2018-2019, 7 severe days in
2019-2020 and 16 severe days in 2020 respectively at AQI data of Bhiwadi city
from September 2017 – December 2020. It may be inferred that only 1
satisfactory day in 2017-2018, 5 satisfactory days in 2018-2019, 14
satisfactory days in 2019-2020 and 5 satisfactory days in 2020 respectively.
Figure 10 - AQI Comparison between Good
to Severe Days from September to February (2017-2020)
Figure 11 - AQI Comparison between Good
to Severe Days from September to December (2020)
It may be inferred that
higher pollution levels in comparison to previous year are due to
meteorological conditions and perennial issue of deteriorated air quality
during 2017-2018 in Bhiwadi (September to February).
Figure 12 - AQI Comparison between Good
to Moderate Days from September to February (2017-2020)
Fig. 12 shows the comparison
of AQI between Good to Moderate days from September to February (2017-2020) in
Sept-Feb (2017-2018), Sept-Feb (2018-2019) and Sep-Feb (2019-2020) 22, 29 and
59 days have been found respectively.
Figure 13 - AQI Comparison between Poor
to Severe Days from September to February (2017-2020)
Fig. 13 shows the comparison of AQI between poor to Severe days from
September to February (2017-2020) in Sept-Feb (2017-2018), Sept-Feb (2018-2019)
and Sep-Feb (2019-2020) 158, 149 and 123 days have been found respectively.
Figure 14 - AQI Comparison between Good to Moderate Days from September to December (2020)
Figure 15 - AQI Comparison between Poor
to Severe Days from September to December (2020)
Fig. 14 shows that in
September to December (2020) 16 days were observed from Good to Moderate while
Good to Moderate Days have been compared to AQI. Fig. 15 shows that in
September to December (2020) 106 days were observed from Poor to Severe while
Poor to Severe Days have been compared to AQI.
(D)
Cluster Approach- Information of PM fractions
Table 4(a) - Clustering of Months
on Particulate Fractions September-February (2017-2020)
|
Clustering of Months on
Particulate Fractions September-February (2017-2020) |
||||||||||||||||
|
PM2.5 /
PM10 % |
PM10 (µg/m3) |
|||||||||||||||
|
<250 |
>250 |
|||||||||||||||
|
110 |
130 |
150 |
170 |
190 |
210 |
230 |
250 |
270 |
290 |
310 |
330 |
350 |
370 |
390 |
410 |
|
|
<50% |
Cleaner
Quadrant-Coarse Dust |
Polluted
Quadrant |
||||||||||||||
|
Focus
on Continual Dust measures |
Extensive
Efforts required to control dust sources ( Road Dust) |
|||||||||||||||
|
September-2018,
September -2019, October-2019, September -2020 |
September
-2017, October -2017, January-2018, February-2018, October -2018,
November-2018, December-2018, November -2019, October -2020 |
|||||||||||||||
|
>=50% |
Moderate Quadrant -Finer Fraction |
Critical Quadrant |
||||||||||||||
|
Extensive efforts required for controlling combustion sources
(Open burning and Vehicular emissions) |
Extensive Efforts and multidimensional intervention required |
|||||||||||||||
|
February -2019, January -2020, February-2020 |
November -2017, December -2017, January -2019, December -2019,
November -2020, December -2020 |
|||||||||||||||
Table 5(a) shows the clustering of months at partial fractions in
September – February (2017–2020). Compared to September 2017 to December 2020, it has been found that if less than 50% of
ratio of PM2.5/PM10 and less than 250(µg/m3) unit
of PM10, then months of September-2018, September-2019,
October-2019, September 2018 are cleaner quarter. Fall within the category that
focuses on continuous dust measures.
If PM2.5/PM10 ratio is less than 50% and PM10
unit is greater than 250µg/m3 then September-2017, October-2017,
January-2018, February-2018, October-2018, November-2018, December-2018,
November-2019, October-2020 months fall in the polluted quadrant category so
extensive efforts are being made to control the sources of dust (road dust).
If PM2.5/PM10 ratio is greater than 50% and less
than 250µg/m3 unit of PM10 then February-2019,
January-2020, February-2020 months fall in the middle quartile range (finer
fraction), so here combustion is controlled Extensive efforts are required to
do this such as open burning and vehicle emissions.
If PM2.5/PM10 ratio is greater than 50% and PM10
unit is greater than 250µg/m3 then the months November-2017,
December-2017, January-2019, December-2019, November-2020 and December-2020 months
fall into the important IV category. There are widespread efforts and
multidisciplinary interventions are required.
Table 4(b): PM10 (µg/m3) and
Ratio (PM2.5/PM10) from Sept 2017 to December 2020.
|
Months |
PM10(µg/m3) |
Ratio(PM2.5/PM10) |
|
Sep-17 |
295 |
36% |
|
Oct-17 |
360 |
47% |
|
Nov-17 |
392 |
57% |
|
Dec-17 |
346 |
50% |
|
Jan-18 |
364 |
45% |
|
Feb-18 |
346 |
48% |
|
Sep-18 |
201 |
34% |
|
Oct-18 |
348 |
37% |
|
Nov-18 |
386 |
43% |
|
Dec-18 |
374 |
48% |
|
Jan-19 |
280 |
56% |
|
Feb-19 |
223 |
55% |
|
Sep-19 |
117 |
46% |
|
Oct-19 |
233 |
40% |
|
Nov-19 |
295 |
49% |
|
Dec-19 |
278 |
54% |
|
Jan-20 |
231 |
52% |
|
Feb-20 |
216 |
56% |
|
Sep-20 |
177 |
44% |
|
Oct-20 |
333 |
48% |
|
Nov-20 |
371 |
53% |
|
Dec-20 |
323 |
56% |
Control Options
It may be noted that air polluting sources are plenty and efforts are required for every sector/source. In addition, there is a need to explore various options for controlling air pollutants for increased emission in the future. The assessment of efficacies of control options and development of these tables is the outcome of thorough modeling exercise and further analyses and interpretation to arrive at improvements in ground-level air quality throughout the city. The description of control options is given below:
Action taken as per
EPCA directions:
GRAP is being implemented in NCR sub region of Rajasthan as per EPCA
orders.
Ø The State has
prepared Action plan for NCR area and for hotspot Bhiwadi to combat air
pollution problem in the present winter season on the basis of action plans
received from various departments. The main action points are:
a.
Greening and paving of open land and unpaved
roads.
b.
Measures to prevent fires at
dumpsites/landfill sites- for this purpose, teams have been constituted by
RIICO/Municipalities to monitor the sites regularly.
c.
Measures to stop open burning of
domestic/industrial waste in industrial and unplanned industrial areas-
vigilance team has been constituted for regular watch.
d.
Measures to stop open dumping and unregulated
construction activities (dumping of constructed & demolition waste in open
space, storage of construction material in open).
Regular action
is being taken by concerned departments on above mentioned points.
Steps taken for curbing Air Pollution in NCR sub region of Rajasthan
Ø The
State is carrying out extensive air quality monitoring in the NCR areas for
which stations are located in Bhiwadi,
Ø Continuous
Ambient Air Quality Stations are functioning in NCR areas at Bhiwadi.
Ø RSPCB has issued mechanism for environment management
of critically polluted areas including Bhiwadi which also mentions specific air
pollution control measures to be adopted by projects located in CEPI areas like
stringent air pollutants standards i.e. 80% of existing process emission
standards, Use of only liquid (other than FO), gaseous fuels. Green belt in 40%
of the plot area, wall to wall carpeting in vehicle movement areas.
Ø
Committee is regularly holding its meetings and has identified hot spot
points in Bhiwadi wherein maximum air polluting activities happen. Chairperson
of committee directed all stakeholders for monitoring of these hotspot points.
Committee has decided to identify C&D waste dumping sites soon. Committee
has further constituted a vigilance team comprising members for RSPCB, RIICO,
BIDA, and Municipal Council for monitoring of identified hot spot points &
disposal of SAMEER App complaints.
Environmental Surveillance
1. A system should be developed for monitoring environmental quality in order to detect areas of pollution concentration in time for remedial measures.
2. GRAP System (Graded Response Action Plan) should be developed: It is an emergency plan through which pollution control strategies to act according to air quality status suitable and rapid action that can be implemented quickly.
3. Pollution Control Board should take regularly do visits to check the status of road dust as it is seen that road dust is a major emission source for particulate matter.
4. Visual emissions must be informed and properly documented so that data of industries or sectors is causing pollution can be identified.
SUMMARY
- It is desirable that for existing industrial
areas stressed under high ambient pollution levels, a systematic and
effective action plan is developed and implemented in a time-bound manner
rather than considering the closure of the industries.
- In most institutions, hotels, and offices, diesel
generators are used at the time of power failure.
- Unlike other cities, at several locations, garbage
burning is a common practice; it is also seen that not only is garbage
burning, the industrial waste is also burnt at several places within the
city, which can be an important contributor to air pollution.
- The road condition in the town is quite bad as roads
are broken, poorly maintained, and partially paved surfaces, and it is
observed that movements of the vehicle may cause non-exhaust road dust
emission insignificant amount.
- AQI data of Bhiwadi city from September 2017 to
December 2020 for comparison of four years in various parameters such as
PM10, PM2.5, and AQI in the winter season are presented in Table 1.
Raed More
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