Publications·October 31, 2017
The UNEP report “The Central-SouthAsia Air Quality Regional Report” (2016) provides a comprehensive overview of legislative, regulatory, and technological measures implemented across thirteen countries to address air pollution. Prepared in response to United Nations Environment Assembly Resolution 1/7, the document identifies ten key categories of action including industrial emission controls, transport sector reform, waste management, and indoor air pollution reduction. The report highlights significant variation in the maturity of air quality frameworks across the region, noting that Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have ambient air quality standards, though not all are aligned with WHO guidelines. Six countries — Afghanistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — have national legislation or policies directly addressing air quality management. Despite this progress, enforcement and monitoring remain inconsistent, particularly in managing open waste burning and controlling emissions from transport and industry. The assessment identifies household solid fuel use as the leading source of air pollution and related mortality, accounting for nearly 70% of premature deaths linked to poor air quality within the subregion. Indoor pollution from cooking and heating with biomass remains prevalent, particularly in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. In contrast, countries such as Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka demonstrate relatively better air quality owing to smaller populations or progress in electrification and renewable energy integration. The transport sector emerges as a major contributor to ambient air pollution due to outdated vehicle fleets, high sulfur fuel content, and limited emission controls. While only Tajikistan had achieved Euro 4-equivalent standards by 2016, several others were advancing gradually — Bangladesh importing lower-sulfur diesel (500 ppm), Sri Lanka offering tax incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles, and Pakistan expanding bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in Lahore and Islamabad. The report also cites India’s odd-even license plate scheme in Delhi as an innovative policy that temporarily reduced black carbon levels by half. Industrial emissions remain a persistent challenge in Central Asia and Bangladesh, where outdated plants and brick kilns are major sources of particulates and sulfur dioxide. However, the study documents encouraging examples of policy innovation, including Bhutan’s enforcement of clean technology standards for cement plants, Bangladesh’s Brick Manufacturing and Kiln Construction Act (2013), and Nepal’s introduction of vertical shaft brick kilns. The region’s energy transition is accelerating, with over half of power generation in Afghanistan, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Tajikistan derived from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. Several governments — including India, Maldives, and Kazakhstan — have adopted fiscal incentives, duty exemptions, and investment subsidies to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The report concludes that while legislative frameworks have expanded and several countries are making tangible progress, sustained improvements depend on enhanced implementation capacity, intersectoral coordination, and stronger regional cooperation. It emphasizes the need for continuous tightening of standards, promotion of clean fuels, expansion of public transport, and adoption of cleaner industrial technologies. UNEP recommends integrating public awareness campaigns, strengthening data collection and monitoring systems, and leveraging successful case studies to replicate best practices throughout Central and South