- The introduction of the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) in New Delhi in September 2014 was part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative, aimed at monitoring India’s air quality index.
- Government organizations are responsible for disseminating information to the public regarding health risks and preventive measures.
- A committee of specialists, comprising members from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), academicians, medical professionals, and air quality experts, has been established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- IIT Kanpur conducted a technical study, and based on its findings, along with recommendations from an expert panel, the AQI program for India was proposed in 2014.
- A real-time data tracking system for continuous monitoring has been implemented in six Indian cities: Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.
POLLUTANTS COVERED
The Air Quality Index (AQI) monitors the concentration levels of the following eight significant air pollutants in the atmosphere:
- Particulate Matter (PM10)
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
- Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (O3)
- Ammonia (NH3)
- Lead (Pb)
NATIONAL AQI SCORE
The National Air Quality Index consists of six distinct categories, each associated with specific health implications:
Good/ Safe (0-50):
Less Impact.
Satisfactory (51-100):
People who are sensitive may experience slight breathing difficulty.
Moderately Polluted (101-200):
Individuals with lung diseases, heart conditions, children, and the elderly may find it difficult to breathe.
Poor (201-300):
Long-term exposure might cause breathing pain and discomfort for people with heart disease.
Very Poor (301-400):
- Long-term exposure could lead to respiratory conditions.
- Severely impacts those who have lung and heart conditions.
Severe (401-500):
- Healthy individuals may encounter respiratory issues.
- Individuals with lung or heart illness may experience serious health effects.
- People may experience negative effects on their health even during light exercise.
Particulate Matter or PM: A Significant Air Pollutant
- PM 2.5 and PM 10 stand out as the most common air quality metrics, measured in micrograms per cubic meter.
- PM 2.5 refers to microparticles with a diameter less than 2.5 microns, while PM 10 includes particles with a diameter less than 10 microns.
- These parameters are universally utilized by countries worldwide to evaluate atmospheric quality.
Additional Pollutants in Focus: Lead and Ammonia
In addition to PM, India also monitors lead and ammonia as pollutants. An AQI value below 50 is considered safe.
Mechanism of PM Introduction into the Air
Definition of Particulate Matter (PM):
Particulate matter encompasses a mixture of solid and liquid droplets present in the air. While some PM, like dust and soot, is visible to the naked eye, others require an electron microscope for observation.
Sources of PM:
PM originates from diverse locations, including fields, fires, construction sites, and unpaved roads. Complex chemical reactions, involving substances such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, contribute to the majority of particle formation. These pollutants emanate from sources like power plants, industrial activities, and vehicular emissions.
Natural Sources of PM Include:
- Sea salt
- Dust (crustal debris)
- Secondary sulphate
- Pollen
- Black carbon from wildfires
- Volcanic ash
LIMITATIONS
- Not Intended for Statutory Purposes:
- The real-time AQI data, directly obtained from analyzers without thorough verification, may not be suitable for statutory purposes.
- Technical Complexity:
- The functionality of sensors and analyzers, including calibration, data capture at a local server, transmission to a central database through the Internet, and other related processes, adds to the technical complexity involved in monitoring and disseminating the AQI.
- Power and Maintenance Challenges:
- Various technical and operational factors, such as extended power outages and maintenance issues, can impact the operational effectiveness of monitoring stations.
- Potential Disruption in Continuous Data Flow:
- Due to these constraints, there is a likelihood of interruptions in the continuous flow and dissemination of data.
FAQs – National Air Quality Index (NAQI)
1. What is the National Air Quality Index (NAQI), and when was it introduced?
A: The NAQI was introduced in New Delhi in September 2014 as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative, aimed at monitoring India’s air quality index.
2. Who is responsible for disseminating information regarding air quality to the public?
A: Government organizations are entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about health risks and preventive measures related to air quality.
3. What committee has been established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for air quality management?
A: The CPCB has formed a committee of specialists, including members from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), academicians, medical professionals, and air quality experts.
4. How did the proposal for the AQI program in India originate?
A: IIT Kanpur conducted a technical study, and based on its findings, along with recommendations from an expert panel, the proposal for the AQI program for India was made in 2014.
5. In which cities is the real-time data tracking system for continuous monitoring implemented?
A: The real-time data tracking system is operational in six Indian cities: Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.
6. What are the eight significant air pollutants monitored by the Air Quality Index (AQI)?
A: The AQI monitors the concentration levels of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
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