GS Question

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.