Delhi's Air Quality Nears 'Severe' as PM2.5 Dominates Pollution
Delhi's AQI approaches 'severe' levels, driven by PM2.5, highlighting persistent air pollution challenge.
Photo by Ronak Naik
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again neared the 'severe' category, recording 390, just shy of the 401+ mark. The primary pollutant identified is PM2.5, which poses significant health risks due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs.
This recurring crisis underscores the persistent challenge of air pollution in the National Capital Region, despite measures implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). For UPSC aspirants, this highlights the complex interplay of environmental factors, urban development, and governance in tackling a critical public health issue.
मुख्य तथ्य
Delhi AQI recorded 390
PM2.5 is the dominant pollutant
AQI 'severe' category is 401+
GRAP measures are in place
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Environmental pollution and degradation (GS-III)
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors (GS-II)
Health issues related to pollution (GS-II)
Inter-state disputes and coordination (GS-II)
Sustainable development goals (SDGs) (GS-III)
दृश्य सामग्री
Delhi-NCR Air Quality Status (December 2025)
This map illustrates the current Air Quality Index (AQI) status across key cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) as of December 2025, highlighting Delhi's 'Very Poor' air quality and the regional nature of pollution.
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और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding air quality and pollutants in India: 1. An Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 390 falls under the 'Severe' category, requiring emergency measures. 2. PM2.5, due to its small size, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. 3. Ground-level ozone is a primary pollutant directly emitted from sources like vehicular exhaust and industrial processes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. An AQI reading of 390 falls under the 'Very Poor' category (301-400). The 'Severe' category is 401-500. Statement 2 is correct. PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) is particularly dangerous because its small size allows it to bypass the body's natural defenses, penetrate deep into the respiratory system, and even enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Statement 3 is incorrect. Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant, formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight.
2. With reference to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), consider the following statements: 1. GRAP is implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in consultation with state pollution control boards. 2. Measures under GRAP are invoked based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and include actions like banning construction activities and odd-even schemes. 3. GRAP was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While CPCB played a role earlier, GRAP is now implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, which superseded the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). CAQM is the statutory body responsible for air quality management in the NCR. Statement 2 is correct. GRAP categorizes air quality into 'Poor', 'Very Poor', 'Severe', and 'Severe Plus' and prescribes a set of graded measures, including restrictions on construction, industrial operations, and vehicular movement (like the odd-even scheme, though not always implemented). Statement 3 is correct. GRAP was formulated by the CPCB and approved by the Supreme Court in 2016, and subsequently notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the 'National Clean Air Programme' (NCAP)? A) It aims to achieve a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. B) It is a legally binding framework that mandates states to adopt specific pollution control technologies. C) The programme focuses exclusively on industrial emissions, excluding vehicular and agricultural sources. D) It is implemented solely by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare due to the health impacts of air pollution.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Option A is correct. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentration by 20-30% by 2024, taking 2017 as the base year. Option B is incorrect. NCAP is a long-term, time-bound national level strategy, but it is not legally binding. Option C is incorrect. NCAP adopts a multi-sectoral approach, addressing various sources of pollution including industrial, vehicular, domestic, and agricultural. Option D is incorrect. NCAP is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with various other ministries and state governments.
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