A recent study conducted between 2019 and 2022 in Uttar Pradesh, with technical support from the World Bank, has shed light on the significant role of traditional cooking practices in exacerbating air pollution levels in the state.
According to the study’s findings, traditional cooking methods utilising firewood, coal, crop residues, and similar materials as fuel contribute substantially to the concentration of PM2.5 in the air, with severe implications for public health. The study, commissioned by the state government, revealed that traditional cooking practices account for approximately 12.5 micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5, making it the highest contributor among identified sources of ultrafine particulate matter in the air across Uttar Pradesh. Despite its prevalence and adverse effects on air quality, traditional cooking remains a relatively overlooked aspect of the state’s air pollution challenge, necessitating urgent attention and intervention. Furthermore, the study highlighted the significant impact of sources lying outside city limits, attributing 40% to 60% of air pollution in urban areas to external sources. In response, the study underscored the importance of promoting cleaner alternatives such as LPG for domestic cooking. Initiatives like the Centre’s Ujjwala scheme, which provides free LPG connections to eligible households, have emerged as crucial measures in mitigating air pollution from traditional cooking practices.
To address the issue comprehensively, the Uttar Pradesh government has embarked on interventions under the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission, focusing on educating and incentivising households to adopt cleaner cooking technologies. These efforts include promoting improved stoves, solar induction stoves, bio pellets, and individual biogas plants, aimed at reducing reliance on polluting cooking methods and enhancing environmental sustainability. Additionally, the study identified the livestock sector as another significant contributor to air pollution, particularly through the release of ammonia from livestock fertiliser. The implementation of the airshed approach, emphasising regional cooperation and coordinated air quality management, emerged as a crucial strategy to address cross-boundary air pollution challenges in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region, encompassing Uttar Pradesh and several neighbouring states.
“The focus has to be on controlling air pollution levels in the rural and urban areas together,” said Ashish Tiwari, secretary, department of environment, forest and climate change, UP. Similarly, if the air quality in IGP has to be improved, there must be a common plan implemented by every state in the region, he added. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of traditional cooking practices and other sources of air pollution in Uttar Pradesh. By adopting cleaner technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering regional cooperation, the state can make significant strides towards improving air quality and safeguarding public health.
