BENGALURU: Owing to its central location in the South Asian region, Karnataka sits bang in the middle among South Indian states in terms of emitting and receiving air pollution, acting as somewhat of a conduit. This finding comes from Bengaluru-based research agency Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), whose study has unearthed that about 38 per cent to 65 per cent of annual average pollution in each of these states originates locally, from the state in question.
The study notes that the region has 25 of India’s 131 non-attainment cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). “Unlike the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), state contributions to air pollution in South India vary with prevailing meteorological conditions and geography.
As per the study, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are net contributors, exporting more pollution to neighbouring states than they receive. On the other hand, Kerala and Telangana are net receivers, receiving more pollution than they export, whereas Karnataka both receives and exports moderate amounts of pollution owing to its central location within the region,” the study states.
The study by CSTEP used chemical transport modelling, assessing pollutants such as particulate matter, to estimate how much pollution moves between the five South Indian states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala – and how much originates within each state. Telangana accounts for 38 per cent of the pollution, Andhra Pradesh accounts for 44 per cent, Karnataka occupies middle position with 47 per cent, Tamil Nadu accounts for 61 per cent, and Kerala tops with 65 per cent.
“The states could establish a statutory body called Peninsular Air Quality Regional Coordination (PARC) by consent under Article 252 of the Constitution. PARC would set binding regional targets, while implementation would remain with the states,” the study suggests, urging governments of the respective states to arrive at a consensus on emission goals for the region, and abide by them through cooperation.