Air Pollution

Syllabus: Air Pollution

• •Source: IE*

Context: Air quality in Delhi slipped into the ‘poor’ category (AQI 200-300) for the first time since mid-June, signalling the imminent arrival of North India’s bad air season.

Air pollution data:

• Global ranking: According to IQAir’s 2023 report, India is ranked as the third most polluted country globally.

• 5 concentration: The average PM2.5 concentration in India stands at 54.4 μg/m³.

• Economic impact: Air pollution results in an estimated economic loss of ₹2.7 lakh crore annually, accounting for 1.36% of the GDP.

Causes of air pollution:

Natural causes:

• Wildfires and dust storms: Natural events like wildfires and dust storms contribute to the spread of particulate matter in the air.

• Volcanic activity: Volcanic eruptions emit gases such as Sulfur dioxide, impacting air quality regionally and globally.

Anthropogenic causes:

• Vehicular emissions: Cars and industrial transportation are key sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

• Industrial emissions: Factories release pollutants like Sulfur oxides (SOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to local and global air pollution.

• Stubble burning: Common in Punjab, Haryana, and UP, this practice exacerbates pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR during winter.

• Waste burning: Open burning of solid waste releases harmful chemicals into the air, further deteriorating air quality.

• Coal-based power plants: These plants contribute to over half of the SO2 emissions and 30% of NOx emissions in India.

Impact of air pollution:

• Health: It causes respiratory issues, heart disease, and premature deaths, with PM2.5 being the most harmful pollutant.

• Environment: Air pollution leads to acid rain, which damages crops and ecosystems, and contributes to climate change.

• Economic Loss: According to the World Bank, air pollution causes a significant reduction in workforce productivity, GDP growth, and healthcare costs.

Measures to control air pollution:

• Technological interventions:

• Air quality monitoring: Enhancing infrastructure for real-time air quality monitoring can help with early warnings and targeted actions.

• Emission norms: Strengthening and expanding Bharat Stage VI norms for vehicles, along with the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), can help reduce emissions.

• Use of renewable energy: Transitioning from coal-based power plants to solar, wind, and other renewable sources can reduce harmful emissions.

• Policy interventions:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aimed at reducing PM2.5 levels by 20-40% by 2026, NCAP emphasizes coordinated efforts across states and sectors.

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Especially for Delhi-NCR, GRAP implements emergency measures during severe pollution episodes.

• Stubble management programs: Encouraging farmers to adopt alternative methods to burning, like using bio-decomposers, can mitigate seasonal pollution spikes.

• Community and behavioral changes:

• Public awareness: Awareness campaigns on the health impacts of air pollution and encouraging citizens to adopt cleaner practices like carpooling and waste segregation.

• Green urban spaces: Expanding green belts in urban areas can help absorb pollutants and improve overall air quality.

Best global practices:

1. 1.Singapore’s Green Plan: Aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and reducing air pollution through sustainable urban planning, electric vehicle incentives, and strong public transportation systems.

1. 1.London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): A system that charges vehicles that do not meet emissions standards, helping to reduce city pollution significantly.

Conclusion:

India’s air pollution crisis requires a sustained, multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes long-term solutions over short-term optics. Drawing inspiration from global best practices, India must focus on integrating scientific methods, technological solutions, and public engagement to tackle air pollution effectively.

Insta Links:

• Air Pollution Danger

• Indoor Pollution

In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:

• The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

• The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.

• In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.

• PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.

• Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC-2022)

a) 1, 3 and 4

b) 1 and 4 only

c) 2, 3 and 4

d) 1 and 2 only