The recent announcement made by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies has sparked a renewed interest in India’s fight against air pollution. During his speech, the Minister revealed the improvement in air quality across numerous Indian cities, launched the ‘Prana’ portal for air pollution regulation and inaugurated the operational Smog Tower in Anand Vihar, Delhi. These developments follow another significant milestone – the installation of a Smog Tower in Connaught Place, Delhi, and the unveiling of India’s tallest air purifier in Chandigarh.
Air Quality Status: Encouraging Improvements
In 2020, 104 cities witnessed improved air quality, an increase from 86 in 2018. Furthermore, between 2015 and 2019, 23 cities recorded a decreasing trend in Particulate Matter (PM) 10 levels, while 239 cities exhibited a fluctuating trend, and 38 cities noted an increasing trend. As for PM 2.5 levels, 11 cities displayed a downward trend, 79 cities showed a fluctuating trend, and 9 cities registered an increasing trend.
Reasons for Improvement: Temporary Relief and Government Initiatives
The Covid-19 lockdown significantly contributed to the temporary improvement in air quality. This was due to the closure of industries, reduced vehicular movement, decreased construction activities, and less human interaction. Additionally, several government initiatives aimed at combating air pollution played a pivotal role in enhancing air quality in recent years.
‘Prana’ Portal: A Step Towards Cleaner Air
Launched under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) within Non-Attainment Cities (cities unable to meet Ambient Air Quality Standards under NCAP), ‘Prana’ aims to secure a 20-30% reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations across India by 2024. Besides tracking the physical and financial status of city air action plan implementation, ‘Prana’ also aims at disseminating air quality information to the public.
Other Government Initiatives: Comprehensive Strategies for Cleaner Air
Key initiatives include the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), which provides location-specific information on air quality in real-time, and the Air Quality Index (AQI), an easy-to-understand tool communicating air quality status to the public. Other notable efforts include the introduction of BS-VI vehicles, a push for Electric Vehicles (EVs), the Odd-Even scheme as an emergency measure, and the construction of the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to minimize vehicular pollution.
New Commission for Air Quality Management
In order to better coordinate, research, identify, and resolve air quality-related problems in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas, a new commission for Air Quality Management has been established.
Efforts Towards Reducing Stubble Burning
Farmers are given subsidies to purchase Turbo Happy Seeder (THS), a machine that cuts and uproots stubble, which significantly reduces stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution.
Particulate Matter: A Major Culprit in Air Pollution
Particulate Matter or particle pollution refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets present in the air. These particles, including PM10 and PM2.5, pose serious respiratory problems and hamper visibility. They originate from various sources like construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks, and fires.
