To bridge the gap in the policy landscape and strengthen India's air quality management, the Air Quality Policy and Outreach group provides evidence-based policy inputs through rigorous scientific research, techno-economic assessments, and collaboration with key stakeholders. We also organise workshops for government stakeholders to enhance their capacity and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to address air pollution challenges proactively and efficiently.
Consultant
We are seeking candidates with expertise in air pollution to generate evidence-based insights that can inform and drive mitigation efforts. The role calls for proficiency in statistical techniques and mathematical modelling, coupled with a strong understanding of core air pollution concepts. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyse and visualise data effectively, drawing actionable conclusions that can support policy and practice.
Intern
We are seeking highly motivated interns to support ground surveys in the industrial areas of Bengaluru. The role involves conducting ground-level surveys, engaging with stakeholders, and systematically recording survey results into structured MS Excel databases. This role offers valuable hands-on experience in field data collection, industry-focused surveys, and stakeholder engagement.
Open Positions
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Press release: Heavy duty, high impact: Mitigating heavy commercial vehicle emissions in India
• By 2035, the number of heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) will rise by 27%.
• Except in a few states and union territories, such as Delhi and Puducherry, the majority of PM2.5 emissions come from trucks.
• Super-emitters constitute only 23% of the fleet, but they contribute to 62% of PM2.5 emissions.
• Targeting super-emitters can reduce HCV emissions by ~60%.
• Implementing low-emission zones can reduce HCV emissions by 15%–30%, but it is still in a pilot phase in India.
Heavy duty, high impact: Mitigating heavy commercial vehicle emissions in India
Air pollution, a pressing public health crisis in Indian cities, is significantly driven by the transport sector. Heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs; e.g. buses, trucks, water tankers, and dumpers), comprising only 1.74% of all vehicles, contribute to over 70% of vehicular pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Further, trucks, which constitute the majority of HCVs, dominate HCV emissions due to their high registration numbers and vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT).
Switch on, smoke off: Reducing emissions from diesel generator sets
Diesel generator (DG) sets, used for power backup across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, are prominent hyperlocal sources of air and noise pollution throughout India. The current study estimated that a total of 14.7 lakh DG sets, with a capacity of over 5 kVA and a cumulative capacity of 2,72,576 MVA, were operational in India in 2022. These DG sets contributed to 42 Gg of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5), 23 Gg of black carbon, and 877 Gg of nitrogen oxides (NOX) in India.