Air Quality Control and Monitoring in India
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with the help of concerned State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) is monitoring the ambient air quality in the country at 346 stations covering 130 cities and towns. This is done under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
Under this programme, Central Government provides funds through CPCB for National Air Monitoring Programme to various SPCBs and PCCs.
The objectives of the NAMP are to determine the status and trends of ambient air quality; to ascertain whether the prescribed ambient air quality standards are violated; to assess health hazards and damage to materials; to continue the ongoing process of producing periodic evaluation of air pollution situation in urban and industrial areas of the country; to obtain the knowledge and understanding necessary for developing preventive and corrective measures and to understand the natural cleansing processes undergoing in the environment through pollution dilution, dispersion, wind based movement, dry deposition, precipitation and chemical transformation of pollutants generated.
Under the NAMP, four air-pollutants viz., SOx , NOx , Suspended Particulate Material (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) have been identified for regular monitoring at all the locations.
National Air Quality Index (NAQI)
The NAQI was prepared by an expert group, set up the Ministry of Environment and Forests, comprising of renowned medical practitioners from hospitals and research agencies.
The index is a part of the government’s Swachh Bharat Mission. The index measures eight major pollutants, namely, particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and lead. Currently, only particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.
The index is based on real time monitoring, and the health risks are easily identified through a colour coded system. The risks will be signified through six levels – good, satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor, and severe. Air quality is qualified as good if the level of air pollution if at least 50% below the permissible limits set by the Pollution Control authorities.
The index will be extended to 46 cities having a population of more than one mn, and 20 state capitals over the next five years.
Purpose of the NAQI
The NAQI allows for easy dissemination of information pertaining to air quality and risks associated with it. The simplicity of the NAQI also makes it accessible to the common man. The use of the colour coded system makes is easier for people to comprehend instantly.
The index will also update the currently outdated system of monitoring air quality. 246 cities in India monitor their air quality in some for, however, only 16 cities have real time monitoring. Eventually, the index will be expanded to cover cities with a population of more than half a million. The real time information will help the authorities deal immediately and effectively to counter the impacts of the air pollution.
