Delhi's Air Quality Improves Marginally, Remains in 'Poor' Category
Delhi's air quality slightly improved to 'poor' from 'very poor', highlighting persistent pollution challenges.
Photo by Ronak Naik
त्वरित संशोधन
Delhi AQI on Wednesday: 211 ('poor')
Tuesday: 271 ('very poor')
Monday: 304 ('very poor')
Primary pollutants: PM2.5, PM10
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Delhi-NCR: A Region of Persistent Air Quality Challenges (Dec 2025)
This map highlights Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) as a critical zone for air pollution in India, emphasizing its perennial challenge due to various anthropogenic and meteorological factors.
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परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Environment & Ecology: Air pollution, specific pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, CO, NOx, SOx), their sources, health impacts, environmental impacts.
Governance & Policy: Government initiatives (GRAP, NCAP, CAQM), environmental laws (Air Act 1981), inter-state coordination challenges, role of various agencies (CPCB, IMD, state pollution control boards).
Science & Technology: Air Quality Index (AQI) calculation, monitoring technologies, emission control technologies (BS norms, Electric Vehicle policy).
Economy & Society: Economic costs of pollution (healthcare, productivity loss), social equity issues (impact on vulnerable populations), public awareness and participation.
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
Delhi's air quality saw a marginal improvement, moving from 'very poor' to 'poor' category with an AQI of 211 on Wednesday. This slight relief comes after days of severe pollution, with the AQI reaching 271 on Tuesday and 304 on Monday.
The primary pollutants identified are PM2.5 and PM10, largely attributed to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts similar conditions, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to combat air pollution, a perennial challenge for the National Capital Region.
पृष्ठभूमि
Delhi's air pollution crisis is a recurring annual phenomenon, particularly severe during winter months (October-February). This is due to a combination of meteorological factors (low wind speed, temperature inversion trapping pollutants) and anthropogenic sources.
The problem has escalated over the past few decades with rapid urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural practices (stubble burning) in the National Capital Region (NCR). Various studies, including those by WHO, have consistently ranked Delhi among the most polluted cities globally.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Air Quality Index (AQI) in India: 1. An AQI value between 201 and 300 is categorized as 'Poor', indicating breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. 2. The eight pollutants monitored for calculating the National AQI include Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Carbon Monoxide, and Ozone, but exclude Lead. 3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for the overall supervision and coordination of the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. As per the AQI classification, 201-300 is indeed categorized as 'Poor'. Statement 2 is incorrect. The eight pollutants monitored for the National AQI are PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb). Lead is included. Statement 3 is correct. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the nodal agency for the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) and the dissemination of AQI information.
2. In the context of combating air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), consider the following statements: 1. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established to coordinate efforts and address air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas. 2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented automatically based on the severity of air pollution levels, without requiring prior approval from the Supreme Court for each activation. 3. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to achieve a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, using 2017 as the base year, and is legally binding on states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. CAQM was established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, replacing an ordinance, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is correct. GRAP measures are indeed implemented automatically based on predefined AQI levels (e.g., 'poor', 'very poor', 'severe', 'severe+'), and while it originated from Supreme Court directives, its implementation is now automatic through CAQM's mandate. Statement 3 is incorrect. NCAP is a long-term, time-bound national-level strategy to tackle air pollution across the country. While it aims for a 20-30% reduction by 2024 (using 2017 as base), it is *not* legally binding on states; it's a programmatic approach.
3. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List-I (Air Pollutant) List-II (Primary Source/Characteristic) A. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 1. Formed by reactions of other pollutants in the presence of sunlight B. Ozone (O3) 2. Major component of vehicular exhaust, reduces oxygen delivery to organs C. Carbon Monoxide (CO) 3. Fine inhalable particles, often from combustion processes, can penetrate deep into lungs D. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 4. Primarily from burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, precursor to acid rain Code: A) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 B) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4 C) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 D) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
- A.A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
- B.A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
- C.A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
- D.A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
A. Particulate Matter (PM2.5): These are fine inhalable particles, often from combustion processes (vehicular, industrial, biomass burning), and their small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. So, A-3. B. Ozone (O3): Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant, formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. So, B-1. C. Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. It is a major component of vehicular exhaust and reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. So, C-2. D. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): A gas produced from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil) that contain sulfur. It is a major precursor to acid rain. So, D-4.