The key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) focus on ensuring improved air quality to reduce adverse health impacts. Here are the key points:

1. Lowered Particulate Matter (PM) Standards: The new AQGs recommend stricter limits for both PM2.5 (fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller) and PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller). The recommended PM2.5 annual mean limit is now 5 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter) while the PM10 annual mean limit is 15 µg/m³.

2. Introduction of PM2.5 Interim Target 1: The AQGs propose a new interim target 1 for PM2.5, suggesting reducing the annual mean to 15 µg/m³. This target aims to provide an achievable goal for countries with higher pollution levels to work towards.

3. Stricter NO2 Standards: The revised guidelines lower the recommended annual mean limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to 10 µg/m³, emphasizing the need to tackle emissions from traffic and combustion processes.

4. Introduction of Ozone (O3) Guidelines: The new AQGs now include recommendations for O3 levels, setting the target at an 8-hour mean maximum concentration of 100 µg/m³.

These revised guidelines differ from the last update in 2005 by providing more stringent targets for various pollutants, especially PM2.5. This reflects the growing understanding of the health risks associated with air pollution and the need for more robust standards to protect public health.

To achieve these revised standards, India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) would need to focus on the following changes:

1. Strengthening emission standards: NCAP should set stricter emission standards for industries, power plants, vehicles, and other pollution sources to ensure compliance with the new AQGs.

2. Implementing stringent air quality monitoring: NCAP should establish a comprehensive air quality monitoring network across the country to accurately measure PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 levels. This data is crucial for implementing targeted control measures.

3. Promoting cleaner fuels and technology: The program should prioritize the promotion of clean fuels, such as natural gas, and the adoption of cleaner technologies in industry, transportation, and household sectors to reduce pollution levels.

4. Encouraging public transportation and sustainable mobility: NCAP should focus on improving public transportation systems and encouraging the use of sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling and walking, to reduce vehicular emissions.

5. Strengthening enforcement and compliance: The program needs to enhance enforcement mechanisms to ensure existing regulations are implemented effectively, and polluting activities are penalized.

Overall, India's NCAP should align its targets and strategies with the revised AQGs by incorporating stricter emission standards, robust monitoring systems, and a focus on promoting sustainable and cleaner practices to achieve improved air quality in the country.

Key Points of the Revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (WHO AQGs):

The WHO released its revised Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) in September 2021, marking the first update since 2005. The key points are:

1. Significantly Lowered Limits: The new guidelines reduce the recommended limits for all six major air pollutants:

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Reduced to 5 µg/m³ (annual mean) from 10 µg/m³.
• Particulate Matter (PM10): Reduced to 15 µg/m³ (annual mean) from 20 µg/m³.
• Ozone (O3): Reduced to 40 µg/m³ (8-hour average) from 100 µg/m³.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Reduced to 10 µg/m³ (annual mean) from 40 µg/m³.
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Reduced to 20 µg/m³ (annual mean) from 20 µg/m³ (unchanged).
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Reduced to 4 mg/m³ (8-hour average) from 9 mg/m³.

2. Focus on Public Health: The revised AQGs emphasize the detrimental impact of air pollution on human health, even at low levels, and highlight the need to protect vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

3. Scientific Basis: The guidelines are grounded in robust scientific evidence, incorporating extensive research on the health effects of air pollution.

4. Emphasis on Prevention: The WHO calls for prevention and mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution and protect public health, focusing on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, and reducing emissions from industrial processes.

Comparison with 2005 Guidelines:

The 2021 AQGs significantly differ from the 2005 guidelines, with much stricter limits for all major pollutants. This reflects the growing understanding of the dangers of air pollution and the need for stronger action to protect public health.

Changes Required in India's National Clean Air Programme:

The revised WHO AQGs necessitate significant changes in India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to achieve these stringent standards. Here are key areas needing immediate attention:

1. Stronger Enforcement: The NCAP requires robust implementation and stricter enforcement of air pollution regulations. This includes imposing penalties on polluters exceeding limits and ensuring compliance with emission standards.

2. Focus on Source Reduction: The focus should shift from reactive measures to proactive source reduction, addressing major contributors like industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and agricultural burning.

3. Emphasis on Clean Energy: The NCAP should accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources, promoting renewable energy adoption, phasing out coal-based power plants, and investing in energy efficiency measures.

4. Sustainable Transportation: The program needs to promote sustainable transportation modes, such as public transport, cycling, and walking, and discourage private vehicle use. This includes expanding public transport infrastructure, promoting electric vehicles, and implementing congestion charges.

5. Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate citizens about the health risks of air pollution and encourage individual action to reduce emissions.

6. Monitoring & Data: The NCAP needs to strengthen air quality monitoring networks, improve data collection and analysis, and utilize this information to develop targeted interventions.

7. Collaboration & Coordination: Effective air quality management requires strong collaboration between various agencies, including government departments, municipalities, industry, and research institutions.

In conclusion, the revised WHO AQGs present a significant challenge for India, demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the NCAP to achieve these ambitious targets. Implementing robust strategies to reduce air pollution is crucial for protecting public health and creating a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released its revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which provide a benchmark for countries to improve their air quality and reduce air pollution-related health risks. The revised guidelines are based on the latest scientific evidence and are more stringent than the previous version, updated in 2005.

Key Points of the Revised AQGs:

1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5): The revised AQGs recommend a maximum average annual concentration of 5 μg/m³, compared to the previous limit of 10 μg/m³. This is a significant reduction, as PM2.5 is a key contributor to air pollution-related deaths.
2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): The guideline value for NO2 has been revised from 40 μg/m³ to 25 μg/m³ (annual average). NO2 is a major pollutant from fossil fuel combustion, particularly from vehicles.
3. Ozone (O3): The 8-hour average guideline value for O3 has been revised from 100 μg/m³ to 60 μg/m³. O3 is a potent respiratory irritant and can exacerbate cardiovascular diseases.
4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): The 24-hour average guideline value for SO2 has been revised from 20 μg/m³ to 10 μg/m³. SO2 is a major pollutant from fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities.

Differences from the 2005 Update:

The revised AQGs are more stringent and take into account the latest scientific evidence on the health effects of air pollution. The previous guidelines were based on a less comprehensive understanding of the health impacts of air pollution, and the new guidelines reflect the increased awareness of the severity of the problem.

Implications for India's National Clean Air Programme:

To achieve the revised AQGs, India needs to make significant changes to its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Some of the key changes required are:

1. Stricter Emission Standards: India needs to implement stricter emission standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants to reduce PM2.5, NO2, O3, and SO2 emissions.
2. Enhanced Monitoring Network: India needs to expand its air quality monitoring network to cover more cities and rural areas, with a focus on real-time monitoring and data dissemination.
3. Cleaner Fuels: India should accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels, such as electric vehicles, and promote the use of alternative fuels like biofuels and hydrogen.
4. Waste Management: India needs to improve its waste management practices, including reducing open burning of waste, to minimize PM2.5 and other pollutant emissions.
5. Industrial Emissions Control: India should strengthen regulations and enforcement to control industrial emissions, particularly from sectors like cement, steel, and textiles.
6. Public Awareness and Education: India should launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the health impacts of air pollution and promote behavioral change.
7. City-Specific Action Plans: India should develop city-specific action plans to address local air pollution challenges, with a focus on reducing emissions from fossil fuel combustion, waste burning, and industrial activities.

By implementing these changes, India can improve its air quality and reduce the health impacts of air pollution, ultimately achieving the revised WHO AQGs.