Latest news with #NationalAmbientAirQualityStandards
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Fixing Delhi's air quality crisis
July and August are prime months for Delhi to prepare for air pollution episodes in autumn and winter, which are now a defining feature of the National Capital Region (NCR). The electoral mandate this year has created a rare moment of political alignment across most States in the Delhi-NCR, opening the door for coordinated action on air quality. Delhi's air pollution stems from both local sources and emissions from neighbouring States. To achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, emission reductions across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) are essential. As the sources of air pollution are similar across the larger IGP airshed, the mitigation measures are also similar. These measures are enshrined in most city and State action plans, including scaling up the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to reduce household biomass burning, reducing emissions from freight movements across city boundaries, and using cleaner fuels and installing pollution control devices in industries. However, implementation has lagged due to fragmented governance structures. For instance, multiple agencies manage Delhi's roads — some under the Delhi government and others under the Centre. This makes coordinated action on road dust (responsible for PM10 emissions) difficult. As a result, while roads in areas such as Lutyens' Delhi are well-maintained, many others remain neglected. Similar issues persist across States. While the National Clean Air Programme notes the importance of regulating industrial fuels, not all States have a clearly defined fuel list. Pet coke, a high-emission fuel, is banned only in some States. Age limits for vehicles also differ, allowing older, more polluting vehicles to move freely across borders. Given the transboundary nature of pollution, the gains of one State are often undermined by inaction in another. The need for regional coordination against transboundary pollution has been acknowledged globally. India is also a signatory to several agreements, including the Stockholm Declaration (1972), the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (1979, Geneva), the Rio Declaration (1992), and the Malé Declaration for South Asia (1998). The Malé Declaration, in particular, urges South Asian countries to build a scientific base, formulate regional action plans, and enable joint interventions. However, in India, there is no legal mandate to support such efforts. Although the Supreme Court has routinely stepped in (e.g., by issuing subsidies for crop residue management machinery across States), most policy instruments have failed due to the lack of regional cooperation. For instance, while brick kilns within Delhi-NCR are mandated to shift to zig-zag technology, nearby districts still operate older kilns. To manage transboundary pollution, India has a promising institutional framework under the Commission for Air Quality Management for National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM). CAQM holds considerable overriding powers for implementing clean air strategies, yet its impact depends on how actively it can align state actions with regional targets. The current political mandate aligning the Centre and most NCR States (Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana) presents the right opportunity. States can draw from the Malé Declaration's tenets and collaboratively define emission standards and sectoral targets. Under the directive of CAQM and backed by Central funding, region-wide action could scale up mitigation measures. The entire IGP should be treated as part of a larger airshed. As freight and buses ply freely across State borders, a regional strategy backed by political will is essential. Biomass burning in the residential sector generates more pollution than transport and needs stronger action across the entire airshed. Further, if all line departments issue directives based on a joint mandate from the States, these strategies could be streamlined. While this coordination has historically been challenging, the current electoral mandate can enable the States to promulgate achievable regional targets. Now is the time to build on the momentum for clean air, not just in Delhi but across the IGP. The decisive mandate of February 2025 could make October 2025 more breathable. Swagata Dey heads the Air Quality Policy and Outreach group at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
City's PM10 levels drop 12% in seven years
CHENNAI: Among the four cities – Chennai, Tiruchy, Madurai and Thoothukudi – in Tamil Nadu that are covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the capital city recorded a modest PM10 reduction, while Thoothukudi recorded the sharpest reduction in the seven year period between 2017-18 and 2024-25 According to the data presented by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Lok Sabha, the average concentration of PM10 levels in Chennai dropped by 12.1 % from 66 µg/m3 in 2017-18 to 58 µg/m3 in 2024-25. Thoothukudi, meanwhile, recorded a 54.5% reduction with the PM10 levels dropping from 123 µg/m3 in 2017-2018 to 56 µg/m in 2024-2025. The average concentration of PM10 levels in Madurai and Tiruchy dropped from 88 and 72 in 2017-18 to 57 and 61 in 2024-25 respectively. Meanwhile, Chennai fared poorly in terms of drop in PM10 levels compared to other metropolitan cities like Mumbai (44%), Kolkata (37%), and even Delhi (15.8%). However, in terms of the actual average concentration of PM10 levels recorded, Chennai with 58 µg/m3, fared far better than Mumbai (90), Kolkata (92), and Delhi (203). Although Chennai is now closer to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 60 µg/m3, experts say the progress is incremental and insufficient given the scale of urbanisation, traffic, and construction activity. 'The figures may look acceptable on paper, but the health impact remains tangible. We continue to see rising respiratory cases in urban centres like Chennai,' a senior pulmonologist at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital told TNIE.
New Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Chennai sees a modest 12 per cent reduction in pollution levels, yet lags in NCAP targets
CHENNAI: Chennai has witnessed only a 'modest' improvement in air quality despite being part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019. According to the data presented by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Lok Sabha, the average concentration of PM10 levels in Chennai dropped by 12.1% in the year 2024-25 compared to 2017-18 --far below the reductions achieved by other major cities like Mumbai (44%), Kolkata (37%), and even Delhi (15.8%). The city's annual average PM10 concentration was reduced from 66 µg/m3 (microgram per cubic meter) in 2017-18 to 58 µg/m3 in 2024-25. While this places Chennai closer to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 60 µg/m3, experts say the progress is incremental and insufficient given the scale of urbanisation, traffic congestion, and construction activity. 'The figures may look acceptable on paper, but the health impact remains tangible. We continue to see rising respiratory cases in urban centres like Chennai,' a senior pulmonologist at the Government General Hospital, told TNIE.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Punjab's air pollution crisis deepens beyond stubble burning
1 2 Chandigarh: Punjab is grappling with a persistent air pollution crisis that extends far beyond seasonal events like stubble burning . Industrial hubs such as Mandi Gobindgarh and Ludhiana, along with the holy city of Amritsar, are facing consistently poor air quality. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed worrying for the first half of 2025. From Jan to June, concentrations of both PM2.5 and PM10 in all eight monitored cities across the state consistently exceeded national safety thresholds, posing significant health risks to residents. Air quality trends of eight cities in Punjab were analysed using data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These cities include Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Ropar, Bathinda, and Khanna. Mandi Gobindgarh recorded the highest average PM2.5 concentration at 62 µg/m³, well above the safe limit. Ludhiana wasn't far behind at 53 µg/m³, followed by Patiala at 46 µg/m³. Other cities like Khanna (45 µg/m³), Amritsar (44 µg/m³), and Jalandhar (42 µg/m³) also showed concerningly high pollution levels. Even cities with relatively lower readings, such as Ropar and Bathinda (both at 41 µg/m³), remained above the safe limits. Ludhiana's six-month average PM2.5 of 53 µg/m³ is significantly higher than the safe limit of 40 µg/m³, indicating potential severe health impacts for its residents. Experts stress that the composition of PM2.5 is considerably more dangerous to human health than PM10 due to its smaller size, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the lungs. PM10 levels across Punjab cities during the first half of 2025 remained consistently high. Mandi Gobindgarh once again topped the list with an average of 116 µg/m³. Ludhiana registered 104 µg/m³, while Rupnagar (99 µg/m³), Jalandhar (98 µg/m³), and Patiala (96 µg/m³) reported similarly elevated levels. Amritsar (90 µg/m³), Bathinda (87 µg/m³), and Khanna (85 µg/m³) also remained well above the national annual standard of 60 µg/m³. In Ludhiana, PM10 levels were above National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 100 out of 181 monitored days. Mandi Gobindgarh, once called the 'Steel Town of India', is now confronting environmental consequences. The very factory chimneys that were once symbols of prosperity are now emitting vast quantities of fine particulate matter, effectively turning industrial growth into a significant pollution problem for the region. Similarly, Ludhiana, the state's largest industrial hub, is experiencing a significant air quality problem. Its economic activity generates substantial industrial emissions, and this, combined with pollution from vehicles and waste burning, is leading to a noticeable decline in air quality. "High pollution levels were recorded even before the usual stubble burning season. This shows that the bad air quality is a continuous and worsening problem, not just something that happens at certain times of the year," said Gurpreet Kaur, state lead of 'Clean Air Punjab'. "This data is a stark reminder that air pollution in Punjab is not just a stubble-burning issue — it's a year-round public health emergency. We urgently need to invest in clean industries, clean transport, and stronger local action plans tailored to each city's realities. The health impacts of long-term exposure to high levels of PM2.5, which penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, are well-established," she added. AIR QUALITY FIGURES (JAN-JUN 2025) Mandi Gobindgarh: PM2.5: 62 µg/m³ (Highest) PM10: 116 µg/m³ (Highest) Ludhiana: PM2.5: 53 µg/m³ PM10: 104 µg/m³ Patiala: PM2.5: 46 µg/m³ PM10: 96 µg/m³ Khanna: PM2.5: 45 µg/m³ PM10: 85 µg/m³ Amritsar: PM2.5: 44 µg/m³ PM10: 90 µg/m³ Jalandhar: PM2.5: 42 µg/m³ PM10: 98 µg/m³ Ropar: PM2.5: 41 µg/m³ PM10: 99 µg/m³ Bathinda: PM2.5: 41 µg/m³ PM10: 87 µg/m³
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
High summer-time ozone levels in megacities a cause for concern: CSE study
Ozone levels in all megacities of the country have been high during the summer of 2025, with Bengaluru and Mumbai recording levels above prescribed standards for over a third of summer days, said a new Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) analysis. The new assessment used data from 80 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations across Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. When the CSE analysed Delhi's ozone (O3) levels last month, they were found to have exceeded the prescribed standard on each summer day between March 1 and May 31. Ozone levels in Bengaluru exceeded prescribed limits 45 out of the 92-day summer days monitored by the CSE, which was a 29 per cent increase compared to last summer, the new analysis said. In Chennai, ozone levels exceeded prescribed levels for 15 out of 92 days, in comparison to no exceedance days for the corresponding period last year. Mumbai recorded ozone exceedance on 32 out of 92 days, marking a 42 per cent decline compared to the corresponding period last year. In Kolkata, about 22 out of 92 days this summer registered an exceedance of ozone standards, which was an improvement over last year by 45 percent. Due to its reactive nature, O3 levels are monitored in an eight-hour average period, instead of 24-hour averages, unlike other pollutants. The prescribed ozone standard for an eight-hour period is 100 micrograms/cubic metre as per the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQ). Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE, said, 'If unchecked, this can become a serious public health crisis as ozone is a highly reactive gas and can be harmful even with short-duration exposures. In contrast to cities in north India, where high summer temperatures and intense solar radiation can lead to ozone levels exceeding the standards, other cities in warm climates are experiencing consistent ozone exceedance during other seasons as well.' 'Ground-level ozone is beginning to emerge as a pollutant of concern with cities experiencing days exceeding the 8-hour standards. While the level of exceedance is expected to be higher during the summer months with strong sun-shine days and heat, this is emerging as a round-the-year problem in the warmer climate. Clean air action plans for cities and the states need to address this multi-pollutant challenge urgently,' CSE recommended in its analysis. Ozone is not a primary, but a secondary pollutant formed through chemical reactions between other pollutants under sunlight. Hence, summer months see a spike in ozone concentrations. These chemicals include nitrogen oxides (Nox), volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide (CO), pollutants emitted from vehicle tailpipes, power plants, factories, the CSE analysis stated. Ground-level ozone can affect the airways and lungs adversely, increase susceptibility to infections, worsen respiratory ailments, and decrease lung function. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
