Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has conducted a survey named 'Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 2023'. It was conducted under the National Clean Air Programme (NACP), Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. It was released on International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (September 7) to create awareness about the need for improved quality of air.

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies:

• In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared to observe September 7 as an International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
• 2023 theme: Together for Clean Air
• 2022 theme: The Air We Share
• 2021 theme: Healthy Air, Healthy Planet

Key highlights of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023:

• Related Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• Under this survey, the ministry ranked cities on the basis of the quality of air and implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• The city's categorization has been based on the 2011 census.
• There are eight key points on which cities were assessed:
  1. Municipal solid waste burning
  2. Control of biomass
  3. Dust from construction and demolition waste
  4. Road dust
  5. Industrial emissions
  6. Vehicular emissions
  7. Improvement in PM10 concentration
  8. Public awareness

Ranking of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023:

About NCAP:

• It refers to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Launched by: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• Launched in: January 2019
• Reason: To address the air pollution and take effective measures to control the air pollution.
• Under this programme, a total of 131 Indian cities have been identified to implement the city-specific action plans.
• Target: Under this programme, the government of India aims to reduce the fine particles (PM2.5) and concentration of coarse (PM10) by at least 20% in the coming five years (Base year: 2017).
• To monitor the activities, the government also launched the 'PRANA' portal

About the Air Quality Index (AQI):

• This index helps to understand the quality of air.
• The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and NCR was created for implementation under different AQI categories.
• AQI was created for eight pollutants:
• PM2.5:
  • It is a fine inhalable particle (diameters: 2.5 micrometers and smaller).
  • Source: Emitted from construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, and fires
  • Impact: Irregular heartbeat and asthma

• PM10:
  • It is inhalable particles (diameters: 10 micrometers and smaller).
  • Source: Emitted from construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, and fires
  • Impact: Irregular heartbeat and asthma

• Ammonia:
  • Source: Formed by the amino acids metabolism and other compounds (contain nitrogen).
  • Impact: Burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract
• Lead:
  • Source: It is released as a waste product from the extraction of metals (like silver, platinum, and iron)
  • Impact: Anemia, weakness, and kidney and brain damage
• Nitrogen oxides:
  • Source: Emissions from road transport, industry, and energy production sectors
  • It contributes to Ozone and PM formation.
  • Impact: Chronic lung disease
• Sulfur Dioxide:
  • Source: Consumption of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas)
  • Reaction: It reacts with water to form acid rain
  • Impact: Respiratory problems
• Ozone:
  • It refers to a secondary pollutant.
  • It is formed from other pollutants (like NOx and VOC).
  • Impact: Eye-Irritation, respiratory mucous membranes, and asthma attacks
• Carbon monoxide:
  • Source: Product of the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds
  • Impact: Fatigue, confusion, and dizziness