Air Quality Index notes on (Environment Science in English)

Air Quality Index in India and Steps Taken by the Indian Government to Improve Air Quality

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is a measure used to indicate the level of air pollution in a particular area. The AQI is calculated based on the concentration of various pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3), in the air. The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating poorer air quality.

The National Air Quality Index (NAQI) in India was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to monitor the air quality across the country. The NAQI provides real-time air quality data for various pollutants and is available on a web portal and a mobile application.

Here are some important notes for environmental studies related to air quality in India:

1. Air pollution is a serious problem in India, particularly in urban areas, due to a variety of factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and open burning of waste.

2. The health effects of air pollution can be severe, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

3. The Indian government has taken several measures to address air pollution, such as the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the promotion of cleaner fuels and transportation.

4. It is important for individuals to take action to reduce their own contribution to air pollution, such as by using public transportation or carpooling, reducing energy consumption, and properly disposing of waste.

5. Public awareness and education are key to addressing air pollution, and schools and universities can play an important role in educating students about the importance of clean air and how to reduce air pollution.

The steps taken by the government to curb the air pollution and to improve air quality.

The Indian government has taken various steps to curb air pollution and improve air quality in the country. Some of these steps include:

1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): The NCAP was launched in January 2019 as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle air pollution. The programme aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024.

2. Bharat Stage VI (BS VI -The BS6 full form is Bharat Stage Emission Standards 6. These emission standards regulate the output of pollutants by determining the permissible level for the vehicles in the country. ) Emission Standards: The government implemented BS VI emission standards from April 2020, which reduced the maximum permissible limit of emissions from new vehicles. This has led to a significant reduction in vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles.

3. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs): The government has incentivized the production and purchase of electric vehicles through schemes such as Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India, which aims to promote electric mobility and reduce air pollution.

4. Ban on Diesel Generators: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed states to ban the use of diesel generators in areas with poor air quality, particularly during winter months when pollution levels are high.

5. Crackdown on Industrial Pollution: The government has taken strict action against industries that violate pollution norms, and has imposed heavy fines and shutdowns on those found guilty.

6. Awareness Campaigns: The government has also launched several awareness campaigns to educate people about the harmful effects of air pollution and how they can contribute to reducing it.

These are just a few of the steps taken by the government to improve air quality in the country. However, sustained efforts from all stakeholders including citizens, industries, and government agencies are necessary to achieve clean air for all.