The widespread use of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) can significantly reduce PM2.5 pollution, improving both environmental and public health. Despite government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) enhancing access to clean energy, many households continue to rely on solid fuels, exposing themselves to severe health risks.
A recent report by Vital Strategies, a global health organisation, highlights the critical role of LPG in mitigating household air pollution, one of the largest contributors to ambient PM2.5 levels. The report, titled "Accelerating the Health Benefits of Scaling Clean Household Energy in India," suggests that the exclusive use of LPG could prevent 150,000 deaths annually by reducing infant mortality rates, pulmonary diseases, and providing significant health benefits to pregnant women.
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The report emphasises that targeted subsidies, particularly for pregnant women, and increased awareness among tribal populations are essential for expanding LPG adoption, especially in remote areas like the north-eastern states. It also suggests that wealthier households voluntarily opt out of LPG subsidies, similar to the 2016 "Give It Up" campaign, to ensure that those in need can benefit.
Household air pollution remains a major challenge, and the report underscores the need for district-level socio-economic data to tailor interventions and effectively reduce household emissions. Addressing this issue could save tens of thousands of lives, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, where the health impacts of household air pollution are most severe.
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