Particulate pollution in Rajasthan’s Cities

June 12, 2023

Context:

An analysis report of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has said that particulate pollution has been increasing in the cities of Rajasthan, which faces a multipollutant crisis with the levels of nitrogen dioxide and ozone beginning to rise.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Report:

Particulate pollution was on the rise in Jaipur, Kota and Udaipur, where the average 2022 levels had crossed the pre pandemic levels.
There are five non-attainment cities in the State which have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for five years.

About National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS):

Government has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 pollutants in 2009 to protect public health and environment from air pollution.
Set by: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Pollutants covered: Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), PM10, PM2.5, Ozone, Lead, Carbon monoxide (CO), Arsenic, Nickel, Benzene, Ammonia, and Benzopyrene.
Objectives of air quality standards:
1. To indicate the levels of air quality necessary with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health, vegetation and property
2. To assist in establishing priorities for abatement and control of pollutant level
3. To provide uniform yardstick for assessing air quality at national level
4. To indicate the need and extent of the monitoring programme.

Additional Information:

About National Air Quality Index (AQI):

It transforms complex air quality data of eight pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature and colour.
It was launched in 2014 to disseminate information on air quality in an easily understandable form for the general public.
The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants, namely,
1. Particulate Matter (size less than 10 µm) or (PM10)
2. Particulate Matter (size less than 2.5 µm) or (PM2.5)
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
6. Ozone (O3)
7. Ammonia (NH3)
8. Lead (Pb)