What is Air Quality Index? | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Air pollution has become a pressing issue not only in India but also across the globe. It poses a significant challenge to the entire global community, with a staggering statistic revealing that more than 90% of the world's population is currently exposed to polluted air, as indicated by Air Quality Index (AQI) readings surpassing 300, 400, or even 500.

National Air Quality Index:

• Introduced in 2014, the National Air Quality Index aims to provide a simple metric for the public to gauge air quality in their vicinity, employing a standardized system of 'One Number – One Color -One Description.'
• Air quality is assessed based on eight pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
• The AQI categorizes air quality into six levels: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe, developed in collaboration with the CPCB, IIT-Kanpur, and an expert panel comprising medical and air-quality professionals.

Consequences of high AQI

• The alarming consequences of high AQI levels include a significant number of deaths, estimated to be around 2000, with a notable 50% increase in premature deaths attributed to PM2.5 pollution between 1990 and 2015, coinciding with economic liberalization.
• Air pollution poses severe health risks, particularly as pollutants infiltrate deep into the lungs, impairing their ability to purify blood, thus impacting growth, mental acuity, and work capacity, especially among vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
• The economically disadvantaged are disproportionately affected by air pollution, as they often spend more time outdoors, exposed to polluted air.

Measures needed

• Heightened public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate individuals on air pollution's dangers and how they can contribute to its reduction. Public health messages should be disseminated through various channels such as public transport, billboards, and radio broadcasts.
• Strict enforcement of emission standards is imperative, with India lagging behind in adopting Bharat III and IV standards, necessitating alignment with international norms to reduce vehicular emissions significantly.
• Enhancing public transportation infrastructure, managing traffic effectively, and promoting pedestrian-friendly urban design are essential steps to reduce reliance on private vehicles and mitigate pollution.
• Policy measures should discourage excessive vehicle usage through annual fees and penalties for multiple car ownership while penalizing non-compliant polluters and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
• Efforts to curb road and construction dust, improve waste management, and reduce domestic pollution sources, such as incentivizing LPG use over biomass, are crucial in addressing air pollution comprehensively.

Conclusion

The decline in pollution levels serves as a critical wake-up call for governments worldwide. It underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable living. Embracing this opportunity offers the chance to forge a new, environmentally conscious normalcy for future generations.