19th November 2024 (10 Topics)

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Air Crisis in Delhi

Context

Delhi’s worsening air quality has brought the state's action under scrutiny. The Supreme Court reprimanded the Delhi government for delay in implementing stage 4 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4).

Delhi’s Air Emergency

Delhi's air quality Index (AQI) — a measure of the severity of air pollution based on the levels of five toxins — shot up to 499 in some places.
That meant a categorization of
- "severe plus" on India's System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) scale
- "hazardous" under the S. AQI measurement system
India's pollution control authority has classified the air in Delhi as "severe plus", after the city passed 450 according to its measurements
According to the WHO, air with AQI values above 300 are considered to be hazardous for health.
India's Commission for Air Quality Management had implemented stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — bringing the strictest emergency measures offered to mitigate the impacts and try to reduce pollution.

Why is Delhi air so bad?

Delhi’s air quality suffers from several causes including emissions from industries, construction sites and thermal power plants.
Overpopulation also contributes to higher pollution, with more vehicles and waste adding to the problem.
Pollution: Many of the city's older vehicles release harmful gases, and construction work generates dust, especially in dry conditions.
Stubble burning: Farmers in neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop stubble, releasing large amounts of smoke into Delhi’s air.
Winter season: In winter, cold weather traps pollutants, causing smog to linger. Although emissions remain similar throughout the year, pollution and hazardous air quality worsen in Delhi-NCR during winter months. This can be attributed to multiple factors including
- temperature inversion in which a layer of cool air forms near the ground, trapping pollutants and preventing them from dispersing
- low wind speeds during the winters reduce the dispersion of pollutants
As Delhi's AQI worsens to 'severe plus,' GRAP IV measureshave been enforced. First implemented in 2017, the GRAP outlines anti-pollution actions based on the severity of air quality. These include tighter pollution controls, a truck entry ban, and the suspension of public construction projects.

Fact Box:

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

CAQM is a statutory body.
It is established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021.
Its main task is to manage air quality in Delhi and its surrounding areas, has been working to implement stricter measures each year to curb pollution in the national capital.

Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP)

GRAP (Graded Action Response Plan) is a set of measures introduced by the government to combat air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas during the winter season. It operates in four stages, depending on the AQI level:
- Stage I (AQI 201-300) - Poor air quality
- Stage II (AQI 301-400) - Very Poor air quality
- Stage III (AQI 401-450) - Severe air quality
- Stage IV (AQI >450) - Severe Plus air quality
When the AQI falls in the Severe range (401-450), Stage III measures are activated. These measures aim to reduce pollution levels and minimize exposure to harmful air quality.
Implementing Agency: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees the implementation of GRAP.
- It collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is issued by government agencies to gauge air pollution levels and communicate risks to the public.
It indicates how air pollution can affect health, with higher AQI values indicating more severe health concerns.
The AQI is calculated based on air pollutant concentrations over a specific period, and the results are categorised into ranges with corresponding health advisories.
According to the AQI scale, the air quality check between
- 0 and 50 is "Good"
- 51 and 100 "Satisfactory"
- 101 and 200 "Moderate"
- 201 and 300 "Poor"
- 301 and 400 "Very Poor"
- 401 and 450 "Severe"
- over 450 as "Severe +”

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

19th November 2024 (10 Topics)

Copy

Air Crisis in Delhi

Delhi’s Air Emergency

Why is Delhi air so bad?

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Air Crisis in Delhi

Delhi’s Air Emergency

Why is Delhi air so bad?

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

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