UPSC Articles
Webinar organised on International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Pollution
In news
- Recently, a webinar on the occasion of the first-ever International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies was organised.
- Organised by: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Aim of the International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies: To demonstrate the close link of air quality to other environmental/developmental challenges and raise public awareness related to air quality at all levels.
Key takeaways
Indian Government’s Efforts to combat air pollution:
- It is committed to reducing the air pollution level in 122 most polluted cities.
- In 2014, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was launched which currently tracks the levels of pollution on eight parameters.
- Parameters: Ground-level ozone, Particulate Matter (PM) 10, PM 2.5, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia and lead.
- Most harmful pollutants: Ground-level ozone and airborne particles
- A brochure on Integrated Measures to Combat Air Pollution under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was also launched in the webinar.
Suggestions for Improvement
- States must work with city-specific plans, as every city has a different source of pollution.
- Most effective way to reduce air pollution in cities is to identify the hotspots and then disburse funds.
- Use of electric vehicles must be encouraged and the public transport should be modernised.
- Augmenting waste management Infrastructure is essential.
- Car-pooling and use of public transport must be promoted.
Do you know?
- India has migrated to BS-VI standards, quality petrol and diesel, which is an important initiative to fight against pollution.
- Ministry responsible for deciding the fuel standards: Environment Ministry.
- Fuel standards implemented by: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
