IIT Delhi Study: Chemical Suppressants More Effective for Road Dust Control
An IIT Delhi study suggests chemical suppressants are more effective than water for controlling road dust and improving air quality.
Photo by Sajal Das
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IIT Delhi study commissioned by Delhi government.
Chemical suppressants (magnesium chloride, calcium chloride) are more effective than water for dust control.
Dust contributes 38% to PM2.5 and 50% to PM10 in Delhi.
Chemical suppressants reduce dust for 24-48 hours, compared to 2-4 hours for water.
Reduces water consumption.
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Delhi's Air Quality Challenge: Focus of IIT Study on Dust Control
This map highlights Delhi, the capital city of India, which is frequently listed among the world's most polluted cities. The IIT Delhi study, commissioned by the Delhi government, focuses on controlling road dust in this region, a significant contributor to PM2.5 and PM10 levels, to improve air quality.
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Exam Angles
Environmental policy and governance (Delhi government, IIT Delhi study)
Air pollution control strategies and technologies
Public health implications of air quality
Sustainable urban development and resource management (water conservation)
Chemical properties and their environmental applications
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Summary
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding road dust control and air quality: 1. PM2.5 and PM10 are primarily composed of coarse particles that settle quickly, making them easier to control with water. 2. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are hygroscopic substances, which helps them bind dust particles effectively. 3. The use of chemical suppressants for road dust control can lead to significant water conservation compared to plain water sprinkling. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, which remains suspended in the air for longer durations and is harder to control with simple water sprinkling. PM10 includes both fine and coarse particles. Statement 2 is correct. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are indeed hygroscopic, meaning they attract and retain moisture from the air, which helps in binding dust particles and keeping them moist for longer periods. Statement 3 is correct. By binding dust more effectively and for longer durations, chemical suppressants reduce the frequency of application, thereby conserving water compared to plain water sprinkling.
2. With reference to air pollution in India, consider the following statements: 1. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. 2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented only in the National Capital Region (NCR) and is enforced by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA). 3. Road dust, vehicular emissions, and biomass burning are among the major anthropogenic sources of particulate matter in Indian cities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. The NCAP indeed aims for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. Statement 2 is incorrect. While GRAP is primarily implemented in the NCR, the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) was dissolved in 2020 and replaced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas. Statement 3 is correct. These three are well-established major anthropogenic sources contributing significantly to particulate matter pollution in Indian urban areas.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the legal and institutional framework for air pollution control in India?
- A.The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
- B.Article 48A of the Constitution mandates the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
- C.The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
- D.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, is the primary legislation for air pollution control and led to the establishment of CPCB and SPCBs. Statement B is correct. Article 48A is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) that directs the State to protect and improve the environment. Statement D is correct. CPCB is a statutory body constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and also entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, functioning under MoEFCC. Statement C is NOT correct. The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is a principle of environmental law recognized and applied by Indian courts (e.g., by the Supreme Court in Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India case), but it is not enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 21. Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted to include the right to a clean environment, but the 'Polluter Pays Principle' itself is a legal principle for liability.