UPSC Issue: Air Pollution Glance

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Post on Nov 23, 2024

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UPSC Issue: Air Pollution at a Glance

Air pollution has emerged as a critical environmental and public health issue in India, consistently featuring prominently in the UPSC examination. Understanding its multifaceted nature, causes, consequences, and government initiatives is crucial for aspirants. This article provides a concise overview of the issue for UPSC preparation.

Causes of Air Pollution in India

India's air pollution crisis stems from a complex interplay of factors:

• Vehicular Emissions: A rapidly growing vehicle population, particularly in urban areas, contributes significantly to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO). Poor vehicle maintenance and the prevalence of older, less efficient vehicles exacerbate the problem.

• Industrial Emissions: Industries, especially those lacking stringent emission controls, release a wide array of pollutants into the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels in thermal power plants is a major source of air pollution.

• Construction Activities: Rapid urbanization and construction projects generate substantial dust, adding to the overall particulate matter concentration in the air.

• Agricultural Practices: The burning of crop residue (especially stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana) during harvest season significantly worsens air quality, particularly in the northern plains.

• Domestic Fuel Combustion: The use of solid fuels like wood, dung, and coal for cooking and heating in many households contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution, particularly impacting the health of women and children.

• Seasonal Factors: Meteorological conditions like temperature inversions and wind patterns can trap pollutants near the ground, leading to severe air pollution episodes, particularly during winter months.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

The consequences of prolonged exposure to air pollution are severe and far-reaching:

• Respiratory Diseases: Air pollution is a major contributor to respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. PM2.5, in particular, is known to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing significant damage.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Air pollutants can trigger heart attacks and strokes, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Other Health Problems: Air pollution has been linked to various other health problems, including eye irritation, neurological disorders, and premature mortality. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Government Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution

The Indian government has implemented several measures to tackle air pollution:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): The NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024, using a multi-pronged approach.

• Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms: These norms regulate vehicular emissions, gradually transitioning to stricter standards to reduce pollution from vehicles.

• Promoting Public Transportation: Initiatives to improve public transportation systems, such as metro rail expansion and bus rapid transit systems, aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

• Promoting Cleaner Fuels: Efforts are underway to promote the use of cleaner fuels like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

• Afforestation and Greening Initiatives: Planting trees helps absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

UPSC Exam Relevance

The UPSC exam often assesses candidates' understanding of the causes, consequences, and government initiatives related to air pollution. Questions can range from specific policy measures to the health impacts and environmental consequences. A comprehensive understanding of this issue is essential for success in the examination. Preparation should include analyzing government reports, news articles, and scientific studies on air pollution in India. Focusing on the interplay between different factors, the effectiveness of government policies, and future challenges will help candidates provide well-rounded answers. Remember to practice answering past UPSC questions on similar topics to improve your response strategy.