Daily Current Affairs : 12-January-2024

The recent study conducted by Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences sheds light on the alarming gap between the actual air quality levels in Indian cities and the targets set by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Key Highlights of the Study:

PM2.5 Reductions:

  • Out of 49 cities with consistent PM2.5 data, only 27 witnessed a decline.
  • Merely four cities achieved or surpassed the 40% reduction target set by NCAP for average PM concentrations by 2026.
  • Varanasi showcased a remarkable 72% average decrease in PM2.5 levels from 2019 to 2023.

City-Specific Trends:

  • Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur demonstrated notable reductions, while Delhi reported marginal declines or increased pollution loads.
  • Guwahati and Rourkela, outside the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), were among the 20 most polluted cities for PM2.5.

Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) Vulnerability:

  • The IGP, housing 18 of the top 20 most polluted cities, remains highly susceptible to elevated particulate matter concentrations.

Monitoring Station Disparities:

  • Lack of monitoring stations in many cities affects annual pollutant concentrations.
  • Only four out of 92 cities have more than 10 monitoring stations, highlighting disparities across regions.

Factors Influencing Pollution Levels:

  • Geographical locations, diverse emission sources, and meteorological influences contribute to variations in pollution levels.
  • The complex interplay between emissions and meteorology necessitates further investigation.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

Objective:

  • NCAP, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2019, aims to establish a national framework for air quality management.
  • The primary objective is a 40% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2026.

Coverage:

  • Encompassing 131 non-attainment cities failing to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.

NAAQS Standards:

  • NAAQS standards, defined by the CPCB, cover pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.

PRANA Portal:

  • Implementation is monitored through the PRANA portal, providing a central platform for tracking progress and regulatory measures.
Important Points:

Study Highlights:

  • Only 27 out of 49 cities with consistent PM2.5 data witnessed a decline.
  • Merely four cities achieved or surpassed the 40% reduction target set by NCAP for average PM concentrations by 2026.
  • Varanasi showcased a remarkable 72% average decrease in PM2.5 levels from 2019 to 2023.
  • Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur demonstrated notable reductions, while Delhi reported marginal declines or increased pollution loads.
  • Guwahati and Rourkela, outside the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), were among the 20 most polluted cities for PM2.5.
  • The IGP, housing 18 of the top 20 most polluted cities, remains highly susceptible to elevated particulate matter concentrations.
  • Lack of monitoring stations in many cities affects annual pollutant concentrations.
  • Only four out of 92 cities have more than 10 monitoring stations, highlighting disparities across regions.
  • Geographical locations, diverse emission sources, and meteorological influences contribute to variations in pollution levels.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

  • Initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2019.
  • Aims for a 40% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2026.
  • Covers 131 non-attainment cities failing to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.
  • NAAQS standards cover pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.
  • Implementation is monitored through the PRANA portal, providing a central platform for tracking progress and regulatory measures.
Why In News

According to a study conducted by Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences, a significant majority of cities are falling short of India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) targets for clean air. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and immediate measures to address air quality issues across the country.

MCQs about India’s Air Quality

  1. What percentage of cities demonstrated a decline in PM2.5 levels according to the study?
    A. 54%
    B. 55%
    C. 45%
    D. 62%
    Correct Answer: B. 55%
    Explanation: Only 27 out of 49 cities witnessed a decline in PM2.5 levels, which corresponds to approximately 55% of the cities.
  2. Which city showcased the most substantial reduction in both PM2.5 and PM10 levels from 2019 to 2023?
    A. Delhi
    B. Agra
    C. Varanasi
    D. Jodhpur
    Correct Answer: C. Varanasi
    Explanation: Varanasi demonstrated a remarkable 72% average decrease in PM2.5 levels and a 69% reduction in PM10 levels from 2019 to 2023.
  3. How many monitoring stations do many Indian cities lack, according to the study?
    A. More than 20
    B. Less than 5
    C. Exactly 10
    D. More than 10
    Correct Answer: D. More than 10
    Explanation: Many Indian cities lack an adequate number of monitoring stations, with only four out of 92 cities having more than 10 such stations.
  4. What is the primary objective of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?
    A. 20% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2024
    B. 50% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2026
    C. 30% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2024
    D. 40% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2026
    Correct Answer: D. 40% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2026
    Explanation: The primary objective of NCAP is a 40% reduction in average PM concentrations by 2026, initially setting a goal of 20-40% reduction by 2024, later extending the timeline.

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