6.1. Introduction

Air pollution is an emerging issue in Bhutan and yet there have been no scientific studies to determine the causes and impacts of air pollution. Data on air pollution is non-existent, thus there is an urgent need to identify an agency whose sole responsibility will be to conduct monitoring of ambient air quality for enforcement and surveillance. Investments in the necessary equipment for data collection and analysis have to be made. A network for monitoring has to be established in coordination with line-ministries and relevant organizations. The process of collecting baseline data on air pollution must begin as soon as possible.

Emissions from point sources are not presently being monitored by any agency. However, NECS in collaboration with MTI is developing a methodology to monitor point source emissions, especially from industries. The EA process requires all industries to submit emissions reports to the NECS to show compliance as per the stipulated conditions. However, the NECS and MTI do not have trained personnel and the equipment to monitor such emissions. It is proposed that investments be made to build up the monitoring capabilities of NECS, MTI and other relevant organizations.

Due to funding problems and in-house expertise, no data on the ambient air quality is available. Mobile emissions are also not monitored by any institute. As air pollution is an emerging concern, it is proposed that an integrated air quality information system that can be used for developing policy and regulations be established. The monitoring program would assist in the validation of the dispersion models for the country and the region. The following short-term and long term actions are proposed to address the above shortcomings.

6.2 Proposed Action Plan
 

      a)  Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network

Bhutan does not have any experience in monitoring ambient air quality. Initially Bhutan needs to develop in-house expertise and also establish infrastructure and equipment. Industrial point source emission monitoring is necessary to evaluate and control emission from industries. Danida has provided a small grant for the purchase of equipment and training to RSTA for the vehicle emission program. This program is in its infant stage and at least two years of data collection will be necessary to establish a data bank and a vehicle emission standard for Bhutan. RSTA has 6 sets of vehicle emission testing equipment. Mobile stations equipped with air quality monitors (NO_x, SO₂, and CO) to enable augmentation and parallel sampling in the selected mobile station monitoring program sites is also needed.

In order to avoid duplication of efforts between line ministries and organizations, it is proposed that the NECS act as an interim agency to coordinate all monitoring and research programs on ambient air quality.

A simple air pollution index should be developed by NECS for public information. The index should be published weekly in Kuensel. Relevant information should also be disseminated through BBS Radio and BBS TV. An Internet web site should also be developed and maintained by NECS for dissemination of information on the pollution index. The web page should also be linked with regulatory institutions in the region to facilitate data access and exchange.
 

It is proposed that support in the form of equipment and training be given to all the major Renewable Natural Resource (RNR) centers in the country. RNR centers are widely distributed around the country and have access to the farmers. RNR centers will provide crucial inputs in monitoring acid rain and ambient air quality.
 

Since no monitoring is been carried out presently, MTI and NECS should be provided assistance in procuring stack emission monitoring equipment and to effect modifications to stacks so that sampling can be carried out. Monitoring of all point sources beginning with the high polluting industries should be carried out once every 2 months.
 

Recently, as part of the communication to the UNFCCC, NECS prepared a greenhouse gas inventory based on the guidelines developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Apart from this attempt, there is has been no coordinated action on a detailed emission inventory for Bhutan. One of the actions proposed by the NECS under the greenhouse gas inventory project is that the NECS and other relevant organizations continue the process of updating data.

The following Action Plan is necessary to develop a proper methodology.

1. National & Dzongkhag Ambient Air Pollution Inventory

Line ministries such as MOA, MTI and NECS should assist the dzongkhags in developing dzongkhag level (district) inventory on all sources i.e. point, area and mobile, of air pollution. MTI and NECS should also develop a questionnaire and reporting format as part of the annual licence renewal procedure for collection of point source emission data.
 
2. National Emission Factors

In the absence of a focal agency for air pollution NECS will act as the interim organization to implement the Action Plan.

6.4. Assessing Impact

More than 80% of the population are subsistence farmers. The impacts of acid rain and related air pollution if any on their crops need to be studied.

The objective of this section is to develop and use models to determine the extent of exposure and damage to human health, damage to the ecosystem, buildings and materials and finally to the place an economic value on the negative impacts of air pollution.

1. Damage Assessment – population & assets

 

 

The damage assessment should be done beginning in major towns and the farms in rural areas, based on the model developed and using monitoring data, dose-response functions.

2. Damage Assessment - health

 

 

Impact on health, especially in the urban areas, is a growing concern. In the short-term, it is suggested that epidemiological studies on the correlation of variations in air pollution levels across spatial areas with incidences of time series variations in mortality and morbidity be conducted. The outcome should be analysed in terms of monetary values due to health impacts.

3. Air Pollution Exposure Measurement

 

 

Assist Thimphu and Phuentsholing and other major towns with sampling program and expand it to other rural areas and also conduct sampling for indoor air pollution exposure due to fuel wood burning.

4. Air Quality Guidelines

6.5. Implementation

Implementation of the proposed Action Plan should be the responsibility of the line agency. NECS will be responsible for the overall coordination.

Table 15.Socio-economic options
 

SOCIO-ECONOMIC OPTIONS
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS	IMPLEMENTING PRIORITY	IMPLEMENTING AGENCY
a. Introduce penalties for violating vehicles  b. Lower duty for the import of essential spare parts for vehicles  c. Study and revise the annual licensing fee for a pricing mechanism (taxes, duties, etc.,) for diesel-powered buses and trucks, diesel-powered cars and petrol-powered vehicles d. Promote Awareness among motorists and fleet owners on the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance e. Develop and implement public awareness campaigns and publish air pollution index	Short term Long term Short term           Short Term Long Term	RSTA/NECS  RSTA/MOF and NECS RSTA /NECS     RSTA/NECS/RBP RSTA/NECS/RBP

Table 16. Vehicular Standard setting
 

STANDARD SETTING
RECOMMENDED ACTION		IMPLEMENT'G PRIORITY		IMPLEMENT'G AGENCY
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Conduct a comprehensive study to investigate a long-term vehicular air pollution management program  Formulate standards for vehicle emissions Formulate engine specification standards for import of vehicles based on combustion efficiency, power, fuel efficiency, etc. e.g. Require imported vehicles to meet standards (for the given model) in the export country	Long term     Short term     Long term		RSTA/NECS  RSTA/NECS     RSTA/NECS

Table 17. Institutional Framework and regulatory compliance
 

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS	IMPLEMENTING PRIORITY	IMPLEMENTING AGENCY
Establish the necessary institutional framework:  Expedite the enactment of regulations under the Road Safety and Transport Act 1999, to include engine condition as a criterion for issuing a fitness certificate  Develop the infrastructure and facilities for regular smoke and pollution checks.  Strengthen laboratory facilities and capabilities to monitor ambient air and source emissions  NECS to develop air quality monitoring	Long term Long term     Long term Long term Long term	Line ministries RSTA/NECS     MTI and NECS     Line ministries NECS

6.6. Reporting

The NECS should coordinate all monitoring and research programs on air quality management. As the NECS is the focal point and the National Implementation Agency for the Malé Declaration, it has the responsibility of reporting but, the royal government must approve the reports.