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.
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.
