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. |