Summary
Here's the key point: Delhi Metro is stepping up its fight against air pollution by deploying anti-smog guns and mist spray systems at its stations and depots. This initiative aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, especially during the winter months when Delhi's air quality often deteriorates to 'severe' levels. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has already installed 14 anti-smog guns and 33 mist spray systems, with plans for more. Why does this matter? This is a concrete example of an urban infrastructure body taking proactive measures to address a major environmental and public health crisis. For UPSC, this highlights innovative solutions for urban pollution, the role of public agencies in environmental management, and the broader challenge of air quality in Indian cities, relevant for GS3 (Environment & Ecology) and GS2 (Governance).
Full Analysis
Here's the key point: Delhi Metro is stepping up its fight against air pollution by deploying anti-smog guns and mist spray systems at its stations and depots. This initiative aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, especially during the winter months when Delhi's air quality often deteriorates to 'severe' levels. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has already installed 14 anti-smog guns and 33 mist spray systems, with plans for more. Why does this matter? This is a concrete example of an urban infrastructure body taking proactive measures to address a major environmental and public health crisis. For UPSC, this highlights innovative solutions for urban pollution, the role of public agencies in environmental management, and the broader challenge of air quality in Indian cities, relevant for GS3 (Environment & Ecology) and GS2 (Governance).
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding air pollution control measures in Delhi:
1. Anti-smog guns primarily work by spraying atomized water droplets to bind with and settle down particulate matter.
2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) across all major Indian cities.
3. Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is considered more harmful than PM10 because of its ability to penetrate deeper into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Anti-smog guns create a fine mist of water droplets that attach to airborne dust and particulate matter, making them heavier and causing them to fall to the ground. Statement 2 is incorrect. GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas, not by CPCB across all major Indian cities. While CPCB plays a role in monitoring, CAQM is the implementing body for GRAP in NCR. Statement 3 is correct. PM2.5 particles are smaller than PM10, allowing them to travel deeper into the respiratory tract and even enter the bloodstream, posing greater health risks.
Question 2
In the context of urban air pollution in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- 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.
- Stubble burning in agricultural areas surrounding Delhi is a significant contributor to winter air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards to implement its provisions.
- All major Indian cities are mandated to have a real-time Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) station under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
Explanation: Statement A is correct. NCAP aims for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. Statement B is correct. Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is a well-documented major contributor to air pollution in NCR during post-monsoon and winter months. Statement C is correct. The Air Act of 1981 is the primary legislation for air pollution control and mandates the establishment of CPCB and SPCBs. Statement D is NOT correct. While NAMP aims to cover major urban and industrial areas, it is not mandated for *all* major Indian cities to have real-time AAQM stations. Many cities still rely on manual monitoring or have limited real-time stations, and the network is continuously expanding but not yet universal for 'all major cities' in a real-time capacity.
Question 3
Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas:
1. It is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament.
2. It has the power to issue directions to state governments in the NCR regarding air pollution control.
3. Its jurisdiction extends to the entire National Capital Region (NCR) and includes areas in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. CAQM was established by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is correct. The CAQM has overriding powers over other bodies like the CPCB and SPCBs in matters of air pollution in the NCR and can issue directions to state governments. Statement 3 is incorrect. While its jurisdiction covers the NCR and adjoining areas in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, it *does not* include Punjab. Stubble burning in Punjab is a major issue, but CAQM's direct regulatory jurisdiction does not extend to the entire state of Punjab, only to areas adjoining the NCR.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2024 (Expected) 2024
With reference to air pollution control measures in urban areas, consider the following statements:
1. Anti-smog guns work by spraying atomized water droplets to settle down particulate matter.
2. Mist spray systems are primarily used to reduce gaseous pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides and Sulfur Dioxide.
3. The deployment of such systems by urban infrastructure bodies like Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) falls under the purview of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Anti-smog guns spray fine water droplets that bind with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), making them heavier and causing them to settle down. Statement 2 is incorrect. Mist spray systems, like anti-smog guns, are primarily effective against particulate matter, not gaseous pollutants. Statement 3 is correct. NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024 in 102 non-attainment cities, and initiatives by urban bodies like DMRC contribute to this broader national effort.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 (Expected) 2024
Discuss the challenges faced by Indian cities in combating air pollution and evaluate the effectiveness of innovative solutions like anti-smog guns and mist systems deployed by urban infrastructure bodies. Suggest further measures for sustainable air quality management.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 (Expected) 2023
Which urban body recently deployed anti-smog guns and mist spray systems to combat air pollution in Delhi?
- (a) Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
- (b) Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- (c) Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- (d) Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)
Explanation: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has deployed anti-smog guns and mist spray systems.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 (Expected) 2023
Anti-smog guns are primarily used to reduce the concentration of which type of pollutants in the air?
- (a) Carbon Monoxide
- (b) Sulfur Dioxide
- (c) Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
- (d) Nitrogen Oxides
Explanation: Anti-smog guns work by spraying fine water droplets that bind with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), making them heavier and causing them to settle down.
PYQ 5 - SSC MTS 2023 (Expected) 2023
At which locations are Delhi Metro's anti-smog guns and mist spray systems primarily operational?
- (a) Only at metro stations
- (b) Only at metro depots
- (c) At depots and construction sites
- (d) Along metro tracks only
Explanation: The systems are operational at depots and construction sites of the Delhi Metro.
PYQ 6 - IBPS PO 2023 (Expected) 2023
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has recently taken measures to combat air pollution. Which of the following technologies are being deployed for this purpose?
- (a) Anti-smog guns and mist spray systems
- (b) Electrostatic precipitators and scrubbers
- (c) Catalytic converters and ozone generators
- (d) Bio-filters and activated carbon filters
Explanation: DMRC is deploying anti-smog guns and mist spray systems to combat air pollution.
PYQ 7 - SBI Clerk 2023 (Expected) 2023
What is the primary objective of deploying anti-smog guns and mist systems by the Delhi Metro?
- (a) To reduce noise pollution at construction sites
- (b) To improve visibility for train operators
- (c) To combat particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air
- (d) To cool down metro stations during summer
Explanation: The primary objective is to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, especially during winter months.
PYQ 8 - IBPS RRB PO 2023 (Expected) 2023
The initiative by Delhi Metro to deploy anti-smog guns and mist systems is a proactive measure to address which major environmental and public health crisis?
- (a) Water scarcity
- (b) Climate change
- (c) Air quality deterioration
- (d) Land degradation
Explanation: The initiative directly addresses the major environmental and public health crisis of air quality deterioration, particularly in Delhi.
PYQ 9 - CDS 2023 (Expected) 2023
Consider the following statements regarding anti-smog guns:
1. They are designed to reduce the concentration of gaseous pollutants like ozone and carbon monoxide.
2. They work by spraying fine water droplets that help in settling down particulate matter.
3. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has deployed these systems at its depots and construction sites.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect; anti-smog guns primarily target particulate matter, not gaseous pollutants. Statement 2 is correct, as they use atomized water to settle dust. Statement 3 is correct, as DMRC has deployed them at depots and construction sites.
PYQ 10 - CDS 2023 (Expected) 2023
Which of the following particulate matters are specifically targeted by anti-smog guns and mist spray systems deployed by Delhi Metro?
- (a) Only PM10
- (b) Only PM2.5
- (c) Both PM2.5 and PM10
- (d) PM1.0 only
Explanation: The systems aim to reduce both PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter in the air.
PYQ 11 - CDS 2023 (Expected) 2023
The deployment of anti-smog guns and mist systems by DMRC is most relevant to which of the following categories of environmental management?
- (a) Water resource management
- (b) Solid waste management
- (c) Air quality management
- (d) Biodiversity conservation
Explanation: The initiative directly addresses the issue of air pollution and aims to improve air quality, thus falling under air quality management.