TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: In January 2024, a comprehensive study conducted by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Finnish research organization, unveiled concerning findings regarding air quality in Indian cities.
EXPLANATION:
- While only 32 cities out of 131 covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) had clean air, Delhi emerged as the most polluted.
- The report, published on February 14, 2024, sheds light on the alarming levels of air pollution and the challenges faced by the nation in combating this pervasive issue.
NCAP and Air Quality Standards:
- The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been initiated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in 2019.
- It aimed at reducing particulate matter (PM) pollution in 131 non-attainment cities across 24 states and Union territories.
- It also aims to attain a decrease in PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter ranging from 10 to 2.5 micrometers) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller) concentrations by 20% to 30% by the year 2024, with 2017 serving as the reference year for concentration comparison.
- It is a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to address the air pollution problem in India comprehensively.
- However, the recent study highlighted that in January 2024, 98 cities exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily guideline for PM2.5 levels.
- Only 32 cities met India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), emphasizing the severity of the air quality crisis.
Pervasive Pollution Levels:
- Among the 66 cities failing to meet NAAQS, 15 recorded PM2.5 levels more than double the prescribed standard of 60 microgrammes per cubic meter.
- Delhi, the national capital, stood out with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 206 µg/m³, surpassing the daily NAAQS.
- Following closely, Bhagalpur in Bihar shared the dubious distinction, with other cities like Saharsa, Byrnihat, Greater Noida, Hanumangarh, Noida, Baddi, Sri Ganganagar, and Faridabad completing the list of the top 10 most polluted cities.
Geographical Distribution of Pollution:
- The analysis revealed that among the 10 most polluted cities, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi each had representation.
- On the other hand, Chamarajanagar, Vijayapura, Kalaburgi, and Bagalkot in Karnataka, Aizawl in Mizoram, and Silchar and Sivasagar in Assam were recognized among the 10 cleanest cities in January 2024.
Environmental Conditions and Impact:
- The study highlighted those unfavorable atmospheric conditions, characterized by low wind speed and cooler temperatures in northern India, contributed to stable atmospheric conditions.
- This hindered the rapid dispersion of emissions, leading to the accumulation of pollutants near the earth’s surface and exacerbating ambient air pollution levels.
- While recognizing the influence of natural atmospheric conditions, the report emphasized that baseline emissions significantly contribute to hazardous air pollution levels in any region.
Financial Implications and Proposed Solutions:
- As the government grapples with the severity of air pollution, the report underscored the potential financial cost.
- It estimated that a complete boycott of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets by traders, as part of legal guarantees, could cost the government approximately Rs 6 lakh crore.
- However, the report suggested that this expenditure could be recovered within a year through the sale of agricultural produce in open markets, providing a potential economic incentive for addressing air quality concerns.
Conclusion:
- The findings of the CREA study present a stark reality of air quality in Indian cities, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive and effective measures to combat pollution. As the government grapples with the financial implications, it becomes imperative to strike a balance between economic considerations and the health and well-being of the population.