The ongoing lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic has pushed pollution levels in Delhi to a 5-year low.
Across India, the number of cities that recorded ‘good’ on the air quality indexjumped from 6 to 30 within a fortnight, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.
Key takeaways:
Level of particulate matter, PM 2.5 – the most dangerous pollutant – also reduced.
Overall, up to 44% reduction in PM10 levels was observed in Delhi.
Important value additions:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
It is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Mo.E.F.C).
It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Act, 1974.
It is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
It provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
It Co-ordinates the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards by providing technical assistance and guidance and also resolves disputes among them.
It is the apex organisation in country in the field of pollution control.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality.
It tells how clean or polluted the air is.
The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health Concern.
Research studies have attributed the key sources of PM2.5 in summer to be: dust and construction activities (35%), transport sector (20%) and industry (20%).
Miscellaneous
‘CARUNA’ initiative formed by Central Civil Services officers
Associations representing officers of Central Civil Services, including IAS and IPS officers, have formed an initiative called ‘Caruna’ to support and supplement the government’s efforts in fighting coronavirus.
The acronym ‘Caruna’ stands for Civil Services Associations Reach to Support in Natural Disasters.
It represents a collaborative platform by civil servants, industry leaders, NGO professionals and IT professionals and many others.
Operation Sanjeevani: IAF airlifts essential medicines to Maldives
An Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J transport aircraft delivered essential medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives under Operation Sanjeevani.
This is the first such assistance by India in fight against COVID.
