Govt measures to reduce polluting brown clouds

New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) The government today said it has taken several measures to stem the pollutant loading Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC) to reduce its possible impact over monsoon rain and agriculture.

Minister of State for Environment and Forests Namo Narain Meena said in the Rajya Sabha that the precise impact of pollutant loading over monsoon rain and agriculture is still under study and an international programme has been initiated to better understand the origins, inventories and impacts of Atmospheric Brown Cloud (ABC).

In a reply to Narain Singh Manaklao, nominated BJP member, the Minister said the government has taken several measures like introduction of tightened emission norms, use of cleaner fuels and introduction of biogas plants.

He said a programme named INDOEX (Indian Ocean Experiment) undertaken during 1996-1999 with the participation by Indian scientists had drawn attention of the international community on the issue pertaining to ABC. ''The preliminary investigation of effects of pollution loading on winter rice and winter rains was undertaken for India through a modelling approach,'' the Minister said.

He said India has now formally joined the international effort through ABC programme initiating more observations as well as undertaking impact studies.

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