What is the news? The Government of India has informed the Parliament that it is working on a plan to use stubble as a biofuel and manure as part of an effort to deal with stubble burning. What are the steps the Government of India is taking on stubble burning? Stubble burning has often been… Continue reading Centre looking to use stubble as biofuel
Tag: Air Pollution
Implement panel’s anti-pollution measures, SC tells Centre, Delhi Govt.
What is the News? The Supreme Court has approved the measures taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) to create an ‘Enforcement Task Force’ and flying squads to prevent and penalise polluters in Delhi NCR. What is the issue? The Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) has announced several emergency measures for Delhi-NCR to bring… Continue reading Implement panel’s anti-pollution measures, SC tells Centre, Delhi Govt.
Breathing fresh air into the NCR’s pollution control
News: Supreme Court questioned government and role of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for the lack of actual ground results in the fight against air-pollution in Delhi. At a hearing, the Court gave the Centre and Delhi government 24 hours to come out with suggestions to control air pollution. What is the problem with… Continue reading Breathing fresh air into the NCR’s pollution control
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) holds crucial emergency meet in wake of deteriorating air quality of the Delhi-NCR region
What is the News? The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has convened a crucial emergency meeting in wake of deteriorating air quality of the Delhi-NCR region. During the meeting, it has asked States to be ready for implementing ‘Emergency Measures’ as listed under Graded Response Action Plan(GRAP). What are the reasons identified by the… Continue reading Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) holds crucial emergency meet in wake of deteriorating air quality of the Delhi-NCR region
Can biomass co-firing offer a viable solution to coal shortage and stubble burning?
Synopsis: Co-firing policy floated by the government for the thermal plants is a win-win solution for farmers and environment. Introduction India’s economy is on the path to recovery since the second wave of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The first half of October saw a 4.9% increase in electricity consumption compared to September. However, coal… Continue reading Can biomass co-firing offer a viable solution to coal shortage and stubble burning?
Union Minister launches Air Quality Early Warning System to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava
What is the News? The Union Minister has launched a Decision Support System(DSS) that extends the ability of the existing Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) to have decision-making capability for air quality management in Delhi-NCR. Background In 2018-19, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology(IITM) had launched an ‘Air Quality Early Warning System’ (AQEWS) to… Continue reading Union Minister launches Air Quality Early Warning System to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava
Delhi company bags ‘Eco Oscar’ for clean-air technology
What is the News? Delhi-based company Takachar is one among five winners of the first-ever Earth shot Prize, also called “Eco Oscar”. They won the prize in the “Clean Our Air” category for their technology to create fuel, fertiliser and other speciality chemicals from agricultural waste. What is the Earth shot Prize? Earthshot Prize is… Continue reading Delhi company bags ‘Eco Oscar’ for clean-air technology
It’s not fossil fuel: Coal, biomass and degraded land are main contributors to India’s air pollution
Synopsis: Instead of announcing various schemes, there is a need to understand the root cause behind increasing pollution. Introduction As air pollution became more prominent in Delhi, various political parties have made commitments and release action plans to solve this problem. Recently, the Union road transport minister promised to make Delhi free of air, water, and… Continue reading It’s not fossil fuel: Coal, biomass and degraded land are main contributors to India’s air pollution
How to get farmers to not burn crop residue
Synopsis: Steps to be taken to push famers away from resorting to stubble burning Introduction Farmers across northern India burn stubble to clear fields for the winter wheat sowing season. It is both a health and an environmental hazard that repeats every year. A 2018 Lancet study reported this as the number one reason for… Continue reading How to get farmers to not burn crop residue
WHO’s stark message on air quality — and what India must do
Synopsis: Air pollution is worsening in India. We need to raise our air quality standards in line with recently released WHO guidelines and ensure strict compliance while transitioning to a cleaner energy model. Introduction In its recent air quality guidelines (AQGs), the WHO said that the impact of poor air quality on public health is at… Continue reading WHO’s stark message on air quality — and what India must do
Dust Control & Management Cells set up in National Capital Region in pursuant to directions by Commission of Air Quality
What is the news? Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had issued directions to the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Rajasthan, Haryana and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to set up Dust Control & Management Cells in their respective states. So far, 17 such Cells have been set… Continue reading Dust Control & Management Cells set up in National Capital Region in pursuant to directions by Commission of Air Quality
Are Smog towers effective? – Explained, pointwise
For 7PM Editorial Archives click HERE → Introduction Two new smog towers have been recently inaugurated in Delhi. Bengaluru and Chandigarh have also installed smog towers this year. Further, Mumbai’s clean air plan also indicates a financial requirement of ₹25 crore for installing air filtration units at major traffic intersections in the city. While these efforts indicate that governments… Continue reading Are Smog towers effective? – Explained, pointwise
Probe shows use of toxic material in firecrackers: SC
What is the News? The Supreme Court has said that a preliminary enquiry by the CBI into the firecracker industry, including in Tamil Nadu has revealed rampant violation of its ban on use of toxic ingredients like Barium and its salts. What is the issue? In 2020, the Supreme Court had ordered the CBI Joint… Continue reading Probe shows use of toxic material in firecrackers: SC
New Evidence Led To WHO’s New Air Quality Standard
What is the news? The World Health Organization(WHO) released the Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs) recently. Why was a higher standard necessary? Since the last global update in 2005, there has been a marked increase in quality and quantity of evidence that shows how air pollution affects different aspects of human health. The evidence also shows… Continue reading New Evidence Led To WHO’s New Air Quality Standard
Centre, States outline plans to stem pollution
What is the News? The Union Environment Ministry has convened a meeting with representatives from Delhi and neighbouring States that see pollution levels soar during winter. Background Delhi and other neighbouring States see pollution levels rise during winter. The reasons for the pollution levels rise include meteorological conditions that exacerbate pollution, emissions from vehicles, thermal… Continue reading Centre, States outline plans to stem pollution
WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
Synopsis: India’s air quality standards were way short of WHO norms even before. The new thresholds will sharpen these differences. Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). These guidelines are not legally binding but advise to policymakers to shape their policies by prioritizing the health of the people. Read… Continue reading WHO’s new air quality standards underline the health-pollution link. It’s time policies take a holistic approach
WHO says air pollution kills 7 million a year, toughens guidelines
What is the News? The World Health Organization(WHO) has released the Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs). What are Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs)? Global Air Quality Guidelines(AQGs) is an annual mean concentration guideline for particulate matter and other pollutants. The guidelines were last updated in 2005. Since then, there has been a marked increase of evidence that… Continue reading WHO says air pollution kills 7 million a year, toughens guidelines
NITI Aayog, RMI, and RMI India Launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign
What is the News? NITI Aayog along with Rocky Mountain Institute(RMI), an independent non profit organization has launched Shoonya Initiative. About Shoonya Initiative Shoonya is an initiative to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and the industry. Aim: To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the urban deliveries segment and create… Continue reading NITI Aayog, RMI, and RMI India Launch ‘Shoonya’ Campaign
Centre should direct States to use bio-decomposer: CM
What is the News? Delhi Chief Minister has said that a third-party audit conducted by WAPCOS — a PSU under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry — has found the Pusa bio-decomposer, a microbial solution to turn crop stubble into manure is “highly effective”. Note: In 2020, the Delhi government had given Pusa bio-decompose for free… Continue reading Centre should direct States to use bio-decomposer: CM
PRANA portal for air pollution launched
What is the News? The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has launched ‘PRANA’ (prana.cpcb.gov.in) Portal. About PRANA Portal: Developed by: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in partnership with Knowledge Lens (a B2B product company) Full Form: PRANA stands for Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities. Purpose: It is a portal for… Continue reading PRANA portal for air pollution launched
Impact of Aerosols and Clouds on Solar Energy generation leading to financial loss
What is the News? A team of Indian and international researchers have conducted a study to understand the economic impact of aerosols, dust, and clouds on solar energy generation from the photovoltaic and rooftop solar installation. What did the study find out? Solar Energy Generation has been widely used in developing countries such as India… Continue reading Impact of Aerosols and Clouds on Solar Energy generation leading to financial loss
Douse the farm fire – “Stubble burning Issue”
Synopsis: Despite various measures taken by both, state governments and central government, the issue of stubble burning continue to add to the air pollution in the North India and NCR region. It calls for a fresh relook at the issue. Introduction The stubble burning incidents are expected to increase this time compared to last year,… Continue reading Douse the farm fire – “Stubble burning Issue”
IIT Ropar’s startup company introduces World’s first ‘Plant based’ smart air-purifier “Ubreathe Life”
Source: This post is based on the article “IIT Ropar’s startup company introduces World’s first ‘Plant based’ smart air-purifier “Ubreathe Life”” published in PIB on 1st September 2021. What is the News? IIT Ropar’s startup company has developed a living plant-based air purifier, “Ubreathe Life” that amplifies the air purification process in indoor spaces. About… Continue reading IIT Ropar’s startup company introduces World’s first ‘Plant based’ smart air-purifier “Ubreathe Life”
Smog control: Another symbol over substance
Source: Livemint What is the news? Earlier this week, Delhi installed Anti-smog tower in the city to purify the polluted air in the city. The step has received both positive and negative responses. There are concerns surrounding the Anti-smog tower as an effective tool to address the air pollution. Must read: Delhi’s New Smog Tower:… Continue reading Smog control: Another symbol over substance
Delhi’s new smog tower: the technology, the impact, the evidence
Source: Indian Express What is the news? Ahead of its infamous smog season, Delhi has installed a ‘smog tower’, a technological aid to help combat air pollution. Background In 2019, the Supreme Court directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi government to come up with a plan to install smog towers to… Continue reading Delhi’s new smog tower: the technology, the impact, the evidence
India to recalibrate air quality norms next year
Source: Times of India What is the news? India is likely to have new national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) in 2022, which will consist of more pollutants including ultra fine particulate matter of less than PM2.5. CPCB has awarded the work of updating NAAQS to the IIT Kanpur led team of experts. The team… Continue reading India to recalibrate air quality norms next year
Explained: Air pollution in Indian homes key heart risk factor, The Lancet finds
News:A study has been conducted by PURE (Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology) to look at the Cardiovascular Diseases(CVDs) risk factors in middle-aged adults in 21 countries. Facts: The study has found that Cardiovascular Diseases(CVDs) remains the leading cause of mortality among middle aged adults globally accounting for more than 40% of deaths. However,the deaths from cardiac… Continue reading Explained: Air pollution in Indian homes key heart risk factor, The Lancet finds
Delhi needs to cut pollution level by 65% to meet air quality standard: CSE
Environmental NGO, Centre for Science and Environment has released new results from its on-going analysis of air quality trends in Delhi to highlight Delhi’s struggle with air pollution and what it takes to control pollution. The CSE has noted that after the launch of comprehensive clean air action plan and graded response action plan, there… Continue reading Delhi needs to cut pollution level by 65% to meet air quality standard: CSE
Varanasi has only one air quality monitoring station
According to Let Me breathe, the average air quality in Varanasi for PM 2.5 from 2017-2019 had improved to 104 from 206 in 2016. However, the maximum PM levels breached continued to be above 200, or in the “very poor” category. Let Me Breathe is a portal that investigates how people cope with poor air… Continue reading Varanasi has only one air quality monitoring station
Worrying rise in number of non-smokers getting lung cancer
A recent study published in the ‘Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine’ has noted that lung cancers is being increasingly diagnosed in non-smokers. According to the study, around 6000 people, who never smoked, died of lung cancer in UK. The study has highlighted the major contributors to lung cancer among non-smokers. These include: a)… Continue reading Worrying rise in number of non-smokers getting lung cancer
In India, air pollution is the third-highest cause of death among all health risks: report
The State of Global Air 2019 has stated that exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to over 1.2 million deaths in India in 2017 and is the 3rd largest cause of death among all health risks. The report is a systematic annual study of the health effects of global air pollution and is… Continue reading In India, air pollution is the third-highest cause of death among all health risks: report
Pollution: 6 States told to submit action plan
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Assam, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Nagaland governments to submit their action plans to tackle air pollution. NGT has further warned that if action plans are not executed within the specified timeline, the defaulting states will be liable to pay environmental compensation The direction came after the Central… Continue reading Pollution: 6 States told to submit action plan
Crop burning raises risk of respiratory illness threefold, says IFPRI study
According to a recent study titled “Risk of acute respiratory infection from crop burning in India: estimating disease burden and economic welfare from satellite and national health survey data for 250,000 persons” by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), crop residue burning increases the risk of respiratory illnesses threefold for those who experience it.… Continue reading Crop burning raises risk of respiratory illness threefold, says IFPRI study
Delhi worlds most polluted capital
The IQAir Air Visual 2018 World Air Quality Report by Greenpeace South East Asia has ranked Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital. In 2018, Delhi had an average yearly PM2.5 concentration at 113.5 micrograms per cubic metre. Dhaka (Bangladesh) was ranked the second-most polluted capital at 97.1 micrograms per cubic metre followed by Kabul… Continue reading Delhi worlds most polluted capital
Coking coal handling suspended at Goa port
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has suspended coking coal handling operations at Mormugao Port. The decision has been taken due to deteriorating air quality at the port town of Vasco, Goa. Mormugao Port is located at the mouth of the Zuari River, in the town of Mormugao, Goa. It has a naturally protected… Continue reading Coking coal handling suspended at Goa port
Emission levels rising faster in Indian cities than in China
According to a recent study, urbanization has increased vehicular emissions in India Generally, in developed countries, vehicular emissions reduce with increased urbanization as more urbanization reduces distances between the workplace and home and thereby, a preference for public transport increases. However, in developing countries, vehicular emissions tend to increase with urbanization. For example: In China… Continue reading Emission levels rising faster in Indian cities than in China
Don’t compare air pollution to smoking’
Don’t compare air pollution to smoking’ News: Anti-tobacco activists are expressing concern that comparing the ill-effects of air pollution to that of smoking will result in trivialising the catastrophic effects of smoking. Important Facts: Comparing air pollution to smoking is based on a formula proposed by a Berkeley Earth study that draws an equivalence between… Continue reading Don’t compare air pollution to smoking’
7 PM Daily Editorials Brief – April 25, 2018 (Draft National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): an overview)
Read In-depth analysis of all the Editorials here Source : New system to measure air quality Analysis : Draft National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): an overview
