• UGI USER
  • Mar 20, 2024
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DELHI TOPS THE LIST – WORLD’S MOST POLLUTED CAPITAL CITY IN 2023:

Why in the news?

Delhi ranks as the world’s most polluted capital in 2023, with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines, worsening air quality concerns.

source:medium

About the Air Quality Report Findings:

  • Delhi ranked as the most polluted capital globally in 2023, with New Delhi specifically noted for high PM2.5 levels.
  • 5 levels in Delhi exceeded WHO guidelines by over 10 times, contributing to severe health risks.
  • Despite a slight decrease from 2022, Delhi’s average PM2.5 concentration remained alarmingly high, particularly in November and December.
What is PM 2.5?

●  PM 2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres, about 3% the width of a human hair.

●  Health Risks: Penetrates lungs, bloodstream; linked to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic conditions with long-term exposure.

About India’s initiatives for controlling Air pollution:

●  System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal:

●  Monitors air quality and provides forecasts.

●  Helps raise public awareness and facilitates decision-making.

●  Air Quality Index (AQI):

●  Standardised measure of air quality.

●  Enables assessment of pollution levels and informs public health advisories.

●  Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs):

●  Promotes adoption of EVs to reduce vehicular emissions.

●  Incentives and policies to encourage EV manufacturing and usage.

●  Commission for Air Quality Management:

●  Established to address air pollution at a national level.

●  Formulates and implements strategies for pollution control and management.

●  Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machine:

●  Agricultural innovation to reduce stubble burning.

●  Helps minimise air pollution caused by agricultural activities.