India faces significant air pollution challenges, driven by rapid urbanisation, increased industrial activity, vehicular emissions and agricultural practices. In a recent interaction with Renewable Watch, Aota Yuka, Project Formulation Adviser, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India Office, outlined how JICA is addressing this crisis by supporting clean energy adoption; strengthening urban transport through metros, intelligent transport systems and transit-oriented development; and tackling industrial pollution. Edited excerpts…
How does JICA view the challenge of air pollution in India compared to other developing countries where it operates?
India faces some of the most severe air pollution challenges globally, driven by rapid urbanisation, industrial growth and agricultural practices. The country consistently ranks among the top five most polluted nations, with an average particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentration, nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Cities like Delhi frequently experience hazardous air quality, especially during the winter months when the combination of crop burning and stagnant weather conditions worsens pollution.
The major sources of air pollution in India include vehicular emissions, coal-based power generation, industrial activities, construction dust and seasonal agricultural burning. Indoor air pollution also remains a concern in rural areas due to the use of biomass fuels for cooking, although government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana have helped promote cleaner alternatives. In comparison, other developing countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nigeria also face high pollution levels but often lack comprehensive monitoring infrastructure. In many African and Southeast Asian nations, indoor air pollution from cooking fuels is a more dominant issue than outdoor pollution. Limited data availability and underreporting in these regions make it difficult to assess the full extent of the problem.
Health impacts are significant across all developing countries, with increased rates of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases and reduced life expectancy. India’s large population and dense urban centres amplify these effects, making air pollution a major public health crisis. While India has implemented policies like the National Clean Air Programme and adopted stricter vehicle emission norms, enforcement across the nation is not an easy task and will require continued efforts in various areas. Other developing nations often struggle with policy implementation due to resource constraints and lower public awareness.
Beyond infrastructure financing, how do you ensure these projects translate into measurable air quality improvements?
JICA’s support for urban transport infrastructure plays a significant role in improving air quality in India.
Metro systems offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative to conventional road transport, which helps reduce the reliance on fuel-based vehicles. For example, Delhi Metro, supported by JICA in Phases I, II and III, has significantly reduced vehicle usage and fuel consumption, contributing to lower emissions. According to a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Delhi metro alone helped eliminate the daily use of over 500,000 vehicles and saved 255,000 tonnes of fuel annually, resulting in substantial reductions in harmful pollutants. The total economic benefit, including savings in time, fuel costs and pollutant reduction, was estimated at $700.05 million (TERI, 2022). In fact, JICA’s financing has increasingly integrated climate co-benefits such as air quality as part of the appraisal process.
From a digital innovation perspective, JICA has supported the development of a platform for real-time transport information, aimed at encouraging greater use of public transport such as buses, metros and railways, as well as last-mile connectivity. As part of this effort, JICA organised a business pitch contest called the Delhi Transport Stack, which invited innovative solutions to make transport data more accessible and useful for the public.
Many JICA-supported metros adopt energy-efficient systems such as regenerative braking systems, saving 30-35 per cent of traction energy. The introduction of energy-efficient rolling stock, LED station lights and rooftop solar panels reduces the carbon footprint further, reducing indirect emissions from power generation. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has become the world’s first metro to be certified to receive carbon credits under the clean development mechanism.
How does JICA plan to link cleaner energy adoption (renewables, energy efficiency, storage) with air pollution mitigation strategies?
JICA is actively working to integrate cleaner energy adoption, encompassing renewables, energy efficiency and storage technologies, into India’s broader air pollution mitigation strategies. Through its energy portfolio, JICA has supported the installation of more than 7 GW in the renewables sector, contributing to the diversification of India’s energy mix and strengthening the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable power sources.
JICA has extended loans to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited for the promotion of new and renewable energy development projects and energy efficiency. We have also supported the construction of the 900 MW Purulia pumped storage project (PSP) in West Bengal and are currently supporting the state’s construction of the 1 GW Turga PSP.
JICA also facilitated the collaboration between Mitsubishi Power and Hygenco for green hydrogen innovation in India. The Neev Fund II, supported by JICA, invested in Hygenco, and now, the two companies aim to collaborate in using green hydrogen and ammonia in existing gas turbine combined cycle plants.
In addition, JICA is collaborating with the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority to build capacity for the low-carbon transition of the electric power sector. This initiative is designed to promote technology and knowledge transfer to guide stakeholders in aligning clean energy investments with national goals for sustainability, resilience and air quality improvement.
Industrial pollution is a major contributor to India’s air quality crisis. What specific interventions is JICA supporting in this space?
JICA has played a key role in tackling air pollution in India through various sectoral projects. One of JICA’s early contributions was the Industrial Pollution Control Project and Programme in 1995, which enhanced the capacity of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board. The programme also promoted capital investment for local companies to adopt more efficient and environmentally friendly equipment, in partnership with ICICI Bank. This laid an important foundation for pollution monitoring and the introduction of advanced technologies. JICA also provides training programmes on air quality monitoring to Indian government officials and has been in discussion with Japanese and Indian entities on how JICA can further contribute to controlling industrial pollution.
What solutions is JICA exploring to help farmers adopt sustainable alternatives to crop residue burning?
JICA’s initiative in the agriculture sector supports farmers in diversifying crops and income sources by developing production infrastructure and improving access to markets. JICA is exploring the possibility of utilising agricultural residues for biofuel production, aiming at advancing a circular economy approach that benefits both the agricultural and energy sectors. JICA has also been in discussion with the Indian government and Japanese firms to explore sustainable circular ecosystems for farmers in India.
What kind of blended finance or risk-sharing models does JICA see working best in India?
JICA recognises that blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms are important to mobilise private capital for inclusive and sustainable development. By combining concessional financing with commercial investments, JICA aims to de-risk critical sectors and expand financial access, particularly for underserved communities and climate-relevant initiatives.
What is JICA’s long-term vision for improving air quality in India, and how does it link with India’s climate and renewable energy goals?
JICA’s vision is captured in its Clean City Initiative, part of its broader Environmental Management Global Agenda. This vision targets the creation of “clean cities” that guarantee a healthy environment through the proactive prevention of waste, water and air pollution in an integrated manner. The focus is on building strong institutional and technical capacity, such as better monitoring systems and regulatory enforcement, while also supporting technological innovation and public awareness.
This vision aligns with India’s climate and renewable energy goals, because reducing air pollution ultimately requires lowering the dependence on fossil fuels. JICA is supporting this shift by financing renewable energy projects and providing technical cooperation.
JICA’s air quality vision complements India’s targets of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and its broader net zero ambition by 2070. Cleaner air and clean energy are deeply interconnected, and JICA is working to bridge these agendas by aligning pollution control with renewable energy growth in India
