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Clean Air Project in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (CAP IGP) - Phase 2


The Indo-Gangetic Plain is the most affected region by air pollution globally with severe health, economic and climatic impacts. With Swiss expertise, this project addresses transboundary air pollution with a financial contribution to the World Bank’s regional Air Quality Management program to provide cleaner air to 680 million people, by developing states and regional plans and supporting coordinated sectoral measures by decision-makers in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
SouthAsiaregional
Climate change and environment
Biosphere protection
Environmental policy
01.11.2024 - 31.10.2028
 CHF  8’200’000
The project in brief
Background Air pollution is causing one in every nine deaths worldwide. The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), spanning five countries, is the most critically polluted region globally, and affecting the health of 875 million people, primarily the poor and vulnerable, including women. Each year, air pollution results in 2 million premature deaths, reduced life expectancy, and a loss of almost 7.4% of the region’s gross domestic product. Transboundary pollution is a significant factor, with more than 50% of air pollution in Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu originating from outside these cities. This project adopts an airshed approach to develop state and regional plans for the IGP and establish a convening platform for Air Quality Management (AQM) in the region. It supports advanced air quality monitoring, demonstrates and prepares sectoral intervention strategies, mobilizes financing, and devises coordinated actions. This will be achieved through a contribution to the World Bank (WB) AQM initiative in the IGP, focusing on Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. SDC’s experiences from clean air project in India (CAP India) and the results achieved will be scaled up across the IGP countries through the WB regional program. Switzerland’s long-standing experience in brick, foundry, cement and other sectors will also be roped in managing air quality and climate change issues in IGP. The presence of SDC in 3 countries is an advantage to ensure alignment of Swiss support in the national context and its high relevance in the IGP.
Objectives Governments of Bangladesh, India and Nepal prioritize air quality management by working together and investing in technologies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Target groups The target group will include: Environment Ministries of Bangladesh, India and Nepal, Central/State Pollution Control Boards as well as other Sectoral ministries/departments (Transport, Power, Industry, Health, Agriculture and Livestock, Renewable Energy, Science and Technologies, Housing and Urban Affairs, Infrastructure, etc.). Academic Institutions, Thinktanks, Private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO). Indirect beneficiaries will include the inhabitants of IGP in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
Medium-term outcomes
  • Air Quality Management (AQM) analytics and governance at the national and state level is strengthened. 
  • Countries and states adopt the air pollution reduction technologies and advanced monitoring solutions demonstrated. 
  • Cross jurisdictional (interstates and transboundary) coordination and cooperation in IGP strengthened for effective AQM. 
Results

Expected results:  

  • 650 key people in 3 countries trained on state/country level emission inventories and air quality modeling.
  • 4 decision support systems made operational (2 national and 2 state level)
  • 4 technologies (3 mitigation and 1 monitoring) assessed, analytical products developed, demonstrated and disseminated with government partners.
  • 5 National and State level action plans adopt common measures to reduce transboundary air pollutants. 
  • 1 regional and 1 country airshed platform established and 8 regional/transboundary convenings and events supported.
  • 4 joint decisions/declarations/commitments made within the framework of the regional/transboundary air quality management exchange platform.
  • About 18-20% air pollution reduction between 2024-2028 (PM2.5 62 µg/m3 in 2024 to 50.4 µg/m3 in 2028).
  • Around 26 MT CO2e net GHG reduction between 2024 (as the baseline year) and 2028. 


Results from previous phases:   In four cities in India: 1) Emission Inventories developed and published 2) Advanced Source Apportionment techniques to measure concentration of air pollutants, applied Swiss expertise in Pune and Lucknow cities  3) Cities Clean Air Action plans strengthened based on scientific assessment 4) 4 pilot projects with high potential of air quality improvement implemented 5) Optimisation of air quality monitoring network plans developed by the Swiss experts 6) 500 officials trained on technical aspects of air quality management. 7) Awareness raising on health impacts of air pollution.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
International Financial Institution (IFI)
Private sector
  • Other WB
  • Foreign private sector South/East


Coordination with other projects and actors SDC Bangladesh, CDE section, India (lead CDE/India) and Nepal; SDC Capacity Building for Low Carbon and Climate Resilient City Development in India (CapaCITIES); Clean Air China (CAC); Nepal’s Green, Resilient and Inclusive Development (GRID) approach; International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); Foreign, Common Wealth and Development Office (FCDO); World Health Organisation (WHO); United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC); Philanthropies and Academic Institutions. Environment Ministries and sectoral departments in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    8’200’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    2’800’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   4’561’440 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   18’700’000
Project phases Phase 2 01.11.2024 - 31.10.2028   (Current phase) Phase 1 01.07.2018 - 30.09.2024   (Completed)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation GENERAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
    GENERAL ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Biosphere protection
    Environmental policy and administrative management
    Aid Type Basketpooled multi-donor fund
    Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project number

    7F10093

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Last update 23.10.2024