UPSC Exam > UPSC Notes > Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly > The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022
The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download
Delhi choking, but do not blame stubble burning alone
Context
Though all the mega cities in India suffer from the problem of air pollution at alarmingly high levels due to growth in number of personal vehicles, increasing populations and effects of rapid urbanization, but, the problem is specifically more in Delhi as compared to the cities of Mumbai and Kolkata.
Why is air pollution much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to cities like Mumbai and Kolkata?
- Delhi is landlocked when compared to Mumbai and Kolkata so the level of pollution is more as the level of particulate matter and pollutants is not able to get discharged into the surrounding areas.
- Mumbai is surrounded by sea on three sides and Kolkata on two sides so the pollutants are discharged into the surrounding large water bodies and the level of pollution over these cities comes to be less when compared to Delhi.
- Due to the landlocked nature of location of Delhi, during winter months fog occurs in Delhi which further adds to the problem of pollution.
- The highly variable winds near the coast may sweep pollutants out to sea on a land breeze but then bring them back with the sea breeze. The variations in sea breeze circulation also have distinct effect on the pollutant transport and dispersion mechanisms in the coastal urban areas. Whereas in case of Delhi the principle of continentality is missing due to which the pollutants remain near to the ground.
- The next reason can be the increasing pollution from nearby industrial areas in close proximity of Delhi like Faridabad, Okhla and Noida industrial regions, whereas this is not the case with either Mumbai or Kolkata. The pollution level from the industries in nearby areas of Delhi has added more to the problem of Delhi.
- Moreover, the burning of paddy crops and other crops in Punjab and Haryana during winter months also is responsible for pollution, whereas no such incidents are reported in other two cities.
The reasons for the collapse in air quality are both man-made and natural:
Natural Reasons:
- Change in Wind Direction: October usually marks the withdrawal of monsoons in Northwest India and during this time, the predominant direction of winds is northwesterly. The direction of the wind is northwesterly in summers as well, which brings the dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Dust Storms: Dust storms from Gulf countries enhance the already worse condition. Dry cold weather means dust is prevalent in the entire region, which does not see many rainy days between October and June. Dust pollution contributes to around 56% of PM10 and the PM2.5 load.
- Temperature Inversion: As temperature dips, the inversion height is lowered and the concentration of pollutants in the air increases when this happens. Inversion height is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper layer of the atmosphere.
Man-made reasons
- Vehicular and industrial emissions that get trapped in the winter fog: It is one of the biggest causes of dipping air quality in Delhi in winters and around 20% of PM2.5 in winters comes from it.
- Fireworks in the run-up to Diwali: It may not be the top reason for air pollution, but it definitely contributed to its build-up.
- Construction Activities: Due to rising population leading to increased spread of Urbanisation, large-scale construction in Delhi-NCR is taking place. This is another culprit that is increasing dust and pollution in the air.
- Open Waste Burning: Delhi also has landfill sites for the dumping of waste and burning of waste in these sites also contributes to air pollution.
- High Population: Over-population adds up to the various types of pollution e.g. huge solid waste, water waste, construction activities emitting particulate pollution etc
- While civil society and media attention for Delhi’s air pollution problem and high PM2.5 concentrations peaked in the last decade, with annual episodes of pollution induced smog setting over the Capital in winter months, air pollution has been on the rise since the 1990s.
- In March 1995, the Supreme Court, while hearing a plea by environmentalist and lawyer M.C. Mehta about Delhi’s polluting industries, noted that Delhi was the world’s fourth most polluted city in terms of concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the ambient atmosphere as per the World Health Organisation’s 1989 report.
- The Court took note of two polluting factors— vehicles and industries, and in 1996 ordered the closure and relocation of over 1,300 highly-polluting industries from Delhi’s residential areas beyond the National Capital Region (NCR) in a phased manner.
- Multiple brick kilns were also directed to be relocated outside city limits.
- In 1996, Mr. Mehta filed another public interest litigation alleging that vehicular emissions were leading to air pollution and posed a public health hazard.
- Later that year, the Delhi government submitted an action plan.
- The Supreme Court, recognising the need for technical assistance and advice in decision-making and implementation of its orders, asked the Environment Ministry to establish an authority for Delhi, leading to the creation of the Environmental Pollution Control Authority of Delhi NCR (EPCA) in 1998.
- The EPCA submitted its report containing a two-year action plan in June 1998 and the Supreme Court subsequently ordered the conversion of the whole Delhi Trasport Corporation (DTC) bus fleet, taxis, and autos to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and the phasing out of all pre-1990 autos.
- Other measures between the late 1990s and early 2000s included the complete removal of leaded petrol, removal of 15 and 17-year-old commercial vehicles and a cap of 55,000 on the number of two-stroke engine auto rickshaws (which reports at the time said were contributing to 80% of pollution in the city).
- Coal-based power plants within Delhi were also later converted to gas-based ones.
- Around this time, the Centre also decided to revamp its monitoring programme and establish a network of monitoring stations under the National Air Quality Programme (NAMP) to measure key pollutants.
- Under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), pollutants like PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter exceeding 10 microns), sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides were measured.
- The National Ambient Air Quality Standards were revised in 2009 to include 12 categories of pollutants including PM2.5 (diameter under 2.5 microns).
- PM2.5 is a noxious pollutant which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, resulting in cardiovascular and respiratory impacts, and potentially also affecting other organs.
- Particulate Matter (PM) is primarily generated by fuel combustion in different sectors, including transport, energy, households, industry and agriculture.
- According to the revised NAAQS, the acceptable annual limit for PM2.5 is 40 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m 3) and 60 µg/m 3 for PM10. The renewed WHO standards meanwhile, prescribe an accepted annual average of 5 µg/m 3 for PM2.5 and 15 µg/m 3 for PM10.
- A study by the US-based Health Effects Institute released this year studied data between 2010 and 2019, finding Delhi to be the most polluted city in the world in terms of PM2.5 levels, reporting an average annual exposure (relative to population) of 110 µg/m3.
- In January and April 2016, the Delhi government tested the odd-even vehicular rationing rule in two fortnightly windows.
- In the winter of 2016, Delhi witnessed one of its worst incidents of pollution-induced smog, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels reaching a whopping 999 µg/m 3 in parts of Delhi on November 1, 2016.
- Subsequently the MoEFCC in early 2017 came out with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which involved coordination between multiple agencies in Delhi to activate reactive pollution control measures corresponding to increasing Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
- Multiple researchers have noted that the policy approach and measures taken by Central and State authorities for specific polluting sectors over the years have been fragmented and often reactive.
- A study conducted by IIT Bombay noted that the 2002 public transport overhaul to CNG did not yield the desired results. While SPM and PM10 levels fell only marginally, carbon monoxide levels increased.
- Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s 55,000 cap on two-stroke auto rickshaws in 1997 was not revised till 2011. Studies note that between 1997 and 2011, Delhi’s population grew by 45% and registered cars and two-wheelers grew by 250%, meaning the lower availability of autos could have likely contributed to increased private vehicle ownership.
- Regarding the odd-even rule applying to private vehicles, a study by IIT Delhi noted that although vehicular emissions contribute 25% to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels, passenger vehicles contribute just 8%, of which cars constitute 5%. This means that if all passenger vehicles within Delhi stopped operating, PM2.5 levels would reduce by an average of 8%.
- However, the remaining 17% is contributed by heavy freight vehicles which are not covered under the odd-even rule
- Regarding coordinated waste management in Delhi, the daily waste generation rate is over 10,000 tons, the capacity of its already overflowing landfills to collect and manage garbage is under 6,000 tons. This leads to the practice of burning waste around residential areas.
- One argument for the failure to tackle Delhi’s pollution problems is that a large proportion of these polluting sources are present all year round and high pollution levels are witnessed in winter months due to unfavourable meteorological conditions.
- Therefore, stop-gap and seasonal measures often yield unsatisfactory outcomes
- As for the burning of farm residue or stubble in Delhi’s neighbouring States— Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan— researchers have emphasised the need for airshed management, along with improved machinery subsidies from the government and alternatives to crop burning.
- An airshed is a common geographic area where pollutants get trapped. An airshed management approach would require coordinated responses from States.
The document The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC is a part of the UPSC Course Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly.
All you need of UPSC at this link: UPSC
|
39 videos|4283 docs|904 tests
|
FAQs on The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 - Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC
| 1. What is the significance of analyzing The Hindu editorial for UPSC preparation? |  |
Ans. The Hindu editorial analysis is significant for UPSC preparation as it provides in-depth insights into current affairs, government policies, and socio-economic issues. It helps candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of various topics that are frequently asked in the UPSC exam.
| 2. How can analyzing The Hindu editorial improve UPSC answer writing skills? | |
Ans. Analyzing The Hindu editorial helps improve UPSC answer writing skills by enhancing the candidates' ability to critically analyze complex issues, develop coherent arguments, and present their thoughts in a structured manner. Regular practice of summarizing and paraphrasing the editorial content can also enhance language proficiency.
| 3. What are the key benefits of reading The Hindu editorial for UPSC aspirants? | |
Ans. Reading The Hindu editorial offers several benefits for UPSC aspirants. It helps candidates stay updated with current affairs, develop a nuanced understanding of various topics, improve vocabulary and language skills, and enhance their analytical and critical thinking abilities. It also provides insights into the editorial perspectives and opinions that can be useful for essay writing and interview preparation.
| 4. How can one effectively incorporate The Hindu editorial analysis into their UPSC study routine? | |
Ans. To effectively incorporate The Hindu editorial analysis into their UPSC study routine, candidates can allocate a specific time slot every day to read and analyze the editorials. They can make notes, highlight important points, and try to summarize the key arguments and perspectives presented in the articles. Additionally, candidates can also refer to online platforms or coaching institutes that provide comprehensive editorial analysis for better understanding and guidance.
| 5. How can The Hindu editorial analysis help in improving general knowledge for UPSC? | |
Ans. The Hindu editorial analysis helps improve general knowledge for UPSC by providing a wide range of information on current affairs, national and international events, government policies, and socio-economic issues. It covers diverse topics, enabling candidates to develop a holistic view of the world around them. Additionally, the analysis often includes background information, historical context, and expert opinions, which further enriches the candidates' general knowledge.
Related Exams
About this Document
|
4.67/5 Rating |
|
Dec 18, 2024 Last updated |
Document Description: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 for UPSC 2024 is part of Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly preparation.
The notes and questions for The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 covers topics
like and The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 Example, for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022.
Introduction of The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 in English is available as part of our Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly
for UPSC & The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 in Hindi for Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly course.
Download more important topics related with notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC
Exam by signing up for free. UPSC: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC
Description
Full syllabus notes, lecture & questions for The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC - UPSC | Plus excerises question with solution to help you revise complete syllabus for Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly | Best notes, free PDF download
Information about The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022
In this doc you can find the meaning of The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides explaining types of
The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 tests, examples and also practice UPSC
tests
|
39 videos|4283 docs|904 tests
|
Download as PDF
|
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
|
|
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
Related Searches
Important questions
,shortcuts and tricks
,Sample Paper
,MCQs
,video lectures
,Exam
,mock tests for examination
,Previous Year Questions with Solutions
,Semester Notes
,Viva Questions
,practice quizzes
,Weekly & Monthly - UPSC
,Free
,study material
,Weekly & Monthly - UPSC
,ppt
,The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily
,The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily
,Objective type Questions
,Summary
,Weekly & Monthly - UPSC
,Extra Questions
,past year papers
,The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily
;
Additional Information about The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 for UPSC Preparation
The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 Free PDF Download
The The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 is an invaluable resource that delves deep into the core of the UPSC exam.
These study notes are curated by experts and cover all the essential topics and concepts, making your preparation more efficient and effective.
With the help of these notes, you can grasp complex subjects quickly, revise important points easily,
and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. The study notes are presented in a concise and easy-to-understand manner,
allowing you to optimize your learning process. Whether you're looking for best-recommended books, sample papers, study material,
or toppers' notes, this PDF has got you covered. Download the The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 now and kickstart your journey towards success in the UPSC exam.
Importance of The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022
The importance of The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 cannot be overstated, especially for UPSC aspirants.
This document holds the key to success in the UPSC exam.
It offers a detailed understanding of the concept, providing invaluable insights into the topic.
By knowing the concepts well in advance, students can plan their preparation effectively.
Utilize this indispensable guide for a well-rounded preparation and achieve your desired results.
The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 Notes
The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 Notes offer in-depth insights into the specific topic to help you master it with ease.
This comprehensive document covers all aspects related to The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022.
It includes detailed information about the exam syllabus, recommended books, and study materials for a well-rounded preparation.
Practice papers and question papers enable you to assess your progress effectively.
Additionally, the paper analysis provides valuable tips for tackling the exam strategically.
Access to Toppers' notes gives you an edge in understanding complex concepts.
Whether you're a beginner or aiming for advanced proficiency, The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 Notes on EduRev are your ultimate resource for success.
The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 UPSC Questions
The "The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 UPSC Questions" guide is a valuable resource for all aspiring students preparing for the
UPSC exam. It focuses on providing a wide range of practice questions to help students gauge
their understanding of the exam topics. These questions cover the entire syllabus, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
The guide includes previous years' question papers for students to familiarize themselves with the exam's format and difficulty level.
Additionally, it offers subject-specific question banks, allowing students to focus on weak areas and improve their performance.
Study The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 on the App
Students of UPSC can study The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 alongwith tests & analysis from the EduRev app,
which will help them while preparing for their exam. Apart from the The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022,
students can also utilize the EduRev App for other study materials such as previous year question papers, syllabus, important questions, etc.
The EduRev App will make your learning easier as you can access it from anywhere you want.
The content of The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 7th December 2022 is prepared as per the latest UPSC syllabus.
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
Follow Us
|
Signup to see your scores
go up within 7 days!
Access 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos and Tests
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup