WORLD AIR QUALITY REPORT 2023
- In 2023, India ranked as the third most polluted country, trailing behind Pakistan and Bangladesh, as per findings from the World Air Quality Report utilizing data from IQAir, a Swiss company.
- India recorded an annual PM 2.5 concentration of 54.4µg/m3, while Pakistan and Bangladesh reported higher levels at 73.7µg/m3 and 79.9µg/m3 respectively. Notably, India's PM 2.5 average was 53.3µg/m3 in 2022, when it held the eighth position in terms of pollution, and 58.1µg/m3 in 2021.
- The report, released recently and drawing data from over 30,000 air quality monitoring stations in 7,812 locations across 134 countries, highlighted that 42 of the world's most polluted 50 cities are in India.
- Among these, New Delhi recorded the highest pollution levels globally at 92.7µg/m3, with Begusarai (118.9µg/m3) and Guwahati (105.4µg/m3) leading within India.
- Delhi's Union Territory registered an average PM 2.5 concentration of 102.1µg/m3, ranking it third in global pollution levels, while New Delhi itself stood at sixth with 92.7µg/m3.
- Mullanpur in Punjab (100.4µg/m3) and Lahore in Pakistan (99.5µg/m3) were identified as the fourth and fifth most polluted areas respectively.
- Greater Noida emerged as the most polluted area within the National Capital Region, ranking 11th overall, followed by Gurugram at 17th with concentrations of 88.6µg/m3 and 84µg/m3 respectively.
- The report also revealed that only seven out of 134 countries—Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand—met the World Health Organization's annual PM 2.5 average standard of 5µg/m3 or lower.
Air pollution in Delhi can be attributed to various factors, including:
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Vehicular Emissions: The high number of vehicles on the roads in Delhi contributes significantly to air pollution. Diesel vehicles, in particular, emit pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
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Industrial Emissions: Delhi's industrial areas release pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Industries such as power plants, factories, and manufacturing units contribute to air pollution.
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Construction Activities: Construction activities generate dust and pollutants, contributing to particulate matter in the air. Unpaved roads and construction sites are significant sources of dust emissions.
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Agricultural Practices: The burning of crop residues in neighboring states during the winter months, known as stubble burning, releases large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere, affecting air quality in Delhi and its surrounding regions.
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Household and Cooking Fuels: The use of solid fuels such as wood, coal, and biomass for cooking and heating in households, particularly in rural areas and slums, releases pollutants such as PM, carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
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Waste Burning: Open burning of waste, including plastics and organic matter, releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution in Delhi.
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Dust and Road Dust: Unpaved roads, construction activities, and vehicular movement generate dust particles that contribute to particulate matter in the air.
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Geographic Factors: Delhi's geographical location and climate patterns, such as temperature inversions during winter months, can exacerbate air pollution by trapping pollutants close to the ground.
The geographical location of D elhi plays a significant role in the city's pollution levels due to several factors:
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Topography: Delhi is located in a landlocked plain, which can trap pollutants and prevent their dispersion. During certain weather conditions, such as temperature inversions, the surrounding hills can act as a barrier, trapping pollutants within the city.
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Wind Patterns: Delhi's pollution levels are influenced by prevailing wind patterns. During certain seasons, winds from agricultural regions where stubble burning occurs can carry pollutants into the city, contributing to high levels of particulate matter and other pollutants.
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Climate Conditions: Delhi experiences extreme weather conditions, with hot summers and cold winters. During the winter months, temperature inversions occur when cold air near the ground is trapped under a layer of warmer air, preventing pollutants from dispersing and leading to the buildup of smog and haze.
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Proximity to Agricultural Areas: Delhi is surrounded by agricultural regions where practices such as stubble burning are common. Winds can carry smoke and pollutants from these areas into the city, further exacerbating air pollution levels.
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Urban Heat Island Effect: Delhi experiences the urban heat island effect, where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure. This effect can worsen air pollution by promoting the formation of secondary pollutants such as ozone.
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Population Density: Delhi is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with a high concentration of vehicles, industries, and residential areas. The dense population contributes to increased emissions of pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds
Particulate Matter (PM) refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. These particles vary in size, composition, and origin, and they can have significant impacts on human health and the environment. PM is categorized based on its size, with finer particles generally considered more harmful as they can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system.
Here's a table summarizing different categories of particulate matter along with their descriptions:
| PM Category | Size Range (micrometers) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PM10 | 10 micrometers or smaller | Particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and fine particles from combustion processes. PM10 can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and exacerbate respiratory conditions. |
| PM2.5 | 2.5 micrometers or smaller | Fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, primarily emitted from vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and burning of fuels. PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. |
| PM1 | 1 micrometer or smaller | Ultrafine particles with a diameter of 1 micrometer or smaller, generated from combustion processes, industrial activities, and vehicle emissions. PM1 can penetrate deeply into the lungs and may have more severe health impacts than larger particles. |
| PM0.1 | 0.1 micrometer or smaller | Nanoparticles with a diameter of 0.1 micrometer or smaller, often produced from combustion engines, industrial processes, and certain chemical reactions. PM0.1 can penetrate the respiratory system deeply and may reach other organs, potentially causing systemic health effects. |
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive action plan implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India, particularly in Delhi, to combat air pollution and improve air quality. GRAP was first introduced by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) in Delhi in 2017 and has since been revised and updated to address changing pollution levels and emerging challenges.
GRAP consists of a series of measures categorized into different levels based on the severity of air pollution. These measures are implemented when air quality deteriorates beyond certain thresholds, as determined by key indicators such as concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3).
The key components of GRAP include:
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Emergency Response: During periods of severe air pollution, emergency measures such as the implementation of the odd-even vehicle scheme (restricting vehicles based on license plate numbers), closure of schools and construction activities, and intensification of enforcement actions against polluting activities are implemented to reduce emissions and protect public health.
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Stringent Pollution Control Measures: GRAP mandates the strict enforcement of pollution control measures, including the closure of polluting industries, enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites, and restrictions on the operation of diesel generators.
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Public Awareness and Health Advisory: GRAP includes initiatives to raise public awareness about air pollution and its health impacts, as well as providing health advisories and guidance on mitigating exposure to polluted air.
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Coordination and Monitoring: GRAP requires coordination between various government agencies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), municipal corporations, and law enforcement authorities, to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of pollution control measures.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a specialized regulatory body established by the Government of India to address air pollution and improve air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. It was formed in October 2020 through an ordinance issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The primary objectives of the Commission for Air Quality Management are:
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Comprehensive Management of Air Quality: CAQM is tasked with formulating and implementing comprehensive strategies, action plans, and policies to control air pollution and improve air quality in the NCR and surrounding regions.
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Coordination and Cooperation: The commission facilitates coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders, including central and state government agencies, local authorities, industry representatives, and civil society organizations, to address air pollution effectively.
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Enforcement and Compliance: CAQM has the authority to enforce compliance with air quality standards, emission norms, and pollution control measures by regulating industries, vehicles, construction activities, and other sources of pollution.
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Research and Innovation: The commission promotes research, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technologies to monitor air quality, analyze pollution sources, and develop effective mitigation measures.
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Public Awareness and Participation: CAQM engages in public awareness campaigns and encourages public participation in efforts to combat air pollution, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective actions to improve air quality
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.
For Mains: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
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Previous Year Questions 1. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (UPSC 2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2 and 3 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: B 2. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (UPSC 2020)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2 and 3 only B. 2 and 4 only C. 1, 3 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: A 3. What is the ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (UPSC 2016) (a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions (b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies. (c) It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022 (d) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank Answer: A 4. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among (UPSC 2013) (a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (b) CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO2 O3 and CO in the evening
Answer: A
5. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment (UPSC 2013, 2022) (a) Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen (b) Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide (c) Ozone and Carbon Dioxide (d) Nitrous Oxide and Sulphur Dioxide Answer: D
6. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (UPSC 2017) (a) Measuring oxygen level in blood (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystem (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high-altitude regions Answer: C 7. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, in 2020. Which of the following statements is correct about EIA? (Punjab Civil Service 2020)
1. It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment.
2. It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account.
3. It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits.
4. As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 2, 3 and 4
C. Only 1, 2 and 3
D. Only 1, 2 and 4
Answer: D
8. Headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization is located in (NDA 2017)
A. Washington B. Geneva C. Moscow D. London
Answer: B
9. With reference to the 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
10. The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC stands for: (RRB NTPC CBT 2 2022)
A. Intergovernmental Provision on Climate Change
B. International Panel on Climate Change
C. International Provision on Climate Change
D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Answer: D
11. Comprehension (SSC CHSL 2020)
Direction: In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.
Forest fire always (1) ______ by one of two reasons-naturally caused or human-caused. Natural fire is generally (2) ______ by lightning, with a very small percentage (3) ______ by spontaneous combustion of dry fuel such as sawdust and leaves. (4) ______, human-caused fire can happen (5) ______ any number of reasons.
Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 1.
A. takes up B. happens C. causes D. creates
Answer: B
12. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (UPSC 2020)
A. long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emission in a given year.
B. requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.
C. efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.
D. contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.
Answer: A
13. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs (UPSC 2012)
A. the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
B. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
C. all the solar radiations
D. the infrared part of the solar radiation
Answer: D
14. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of a balanced diet, to avoid unhealthy weight gain, total fat should NOT exceed _______ of total energy intake. (UPSSSC Mandi Inspector 2019)
A. 20% B. 30% C. 10% D. 40%
Answer: B
15. What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? (UPSC 2012)
1. It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water.
2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water.
3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
16. Which of the following ultraviolet rays is more dangerous? (UPTET 2017)
A. UV-A B. UV-B C. UV-C D. None of the above
Answer: C
17. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.
2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.
3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
18. Which of the following is a VOC? (MP Vyapam 2022)
A. Toulene B. Water C. Carbon dioxide D. Carbon monoxide
Answer: A
19. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are of great concern because (UGC NET Environmental Science 2020)
A. Once such compounds are in the vapour state, they are difficult to control in the environment.
B. Most of them are ozone depleting substances
C. They contribute to a general increase in reactive hydrocarbons in the atmosphere.
D. They are less soluble in water.
Answer: C
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Source: The Indian Express
