What is Air Pollution?
Historical Background
Key Points
7 points- 1.
Major pollutants include Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), and Ammonia (NH3).
- 2.
Primary sources are vehicular emissions, industrial activities, power generation, biomass burning (e.g., stubble burning), construction dust, and domestic fuel combustion.
- 3.
Health impacts range from acute respiratory infections and asthma to chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and neurological disorders.
- 4.
Environmental impacts include acid rain, smog formation, reduced visibility, and contribution to climate change.
- 5.
Air quality is monitored using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides a simple measure of pollution levels and associated health risks.
- 6.
Control measures involve implementing stricter Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms, promoting public transport and electric vehicles, regulating industrial emissions, and managing agricultural waste.
- 7.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat severe air pollution episodes by imposing emergency measures.
Visual Insights
Air Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control
Mind map showing the causes, effects, and control measures for air pollution, linking it to relevant concepts and exam papers.
Air Pollution
- ●Causes
- ●Effects
- ●Control Measures
- ●Legal Framework
Evolution of Air Pollution Control in India
Timeline showing the key events and policies related to air pollution control in India.
Air pollution has been a growing concern in India, leading to various legislative and policy interventions over the years.
- 1972UN Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm)
- 1974Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
- 1981Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
- 1986Environment (Protection) Act
- 2010National Green Tribunal Act
- 2015Paris Agreement on Climate Change
- 2019National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched
- 2020BS-VI emission standards implemented nationwide
- 2026Delhi CM unveils mist spray systems at IGI Airport
Recent Developments
5 developmentsLaunch of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, aiming to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 (with 2017 as the base year).
Establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, for better coordination and enforcement.
Increased focus on electric vehicle (EV) adoption through subsidies and infrastructure development.
Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) interventions on issues like stubble burning, industrial emissions, and construction dust control.
Implementation of stricter BS-VI emission norms across the country.