SYLLABUS
GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation.
Context: The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies was observed recently on 7 September to promote awareness and action against air pollution.
About the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
- Origin: The UN General Assembly designated 7 September as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in 2019, with the first observance held in 2020, emphasising public awareness and action to improve air quality.
- India’s Observance: India observes the occasion as Swachh Vayu Diwas, providing a national platform to highlight measures for cleaner air and connecting the global campaign with India’s clean-air priorities.
- Objective: The Day seeks to raise public awareness and promote collective and international action to improve air quality and address its health, environmental and developmental consequences.
- 2026 Focus: The 2026 observance, themed “Clean Air for Climate Action,” highlights the benefits of integrating climate and clean-air action.
Understanding Air Pollution
- Meaning & Sources: Air pollution occurs when harmful gases, liquid droplets or solid particles accumulate in the atmosphere at levels that can affect human health and the environment. Sources include transport, industries, construction and burning, besides natural processes.
- Particulate Matter: PM10 comprises particles ≤10 micrometres, while PM2.5 comprises finer particles ≤2.5 micrometres. Their small size allows PM2.5 to penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, with some particles potentially entering the bloodstream.
- Climate & Meteorology: Air quality is influenced by atmospheric conditions. Heatwaves and atmospheric stagnation can trap pollutants near the ground, while higher temperatures can accelerate the atmospheric chemistry responsible for ground-level ozone formation.
- Health & Development: Air pollution contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality, while also reducing productivity and imposing wider economic and environmental costs.
India’s Clean-Air Governance Framework
- Standards & Monitoring: National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) provide regulatory benchmarks for 12 pollutants, including annual standards of 60 µg/m³ for PM10 and 40 µg/m³ for PM2.5.
- AQI & Public Information: India’s AQI classifies air quality into six categories using eight pollutants, with the worst-performing pollutant determining the overall AQI. The SAMEER app/web portal provides near-real-time AQI information for more than 292 cities, while grievance portals operate in all NCAP cities.
- Forecasting & Emission Monitoring: SAFAR provides location-specific near-real-time air-quality information and 1–3 day forecasts.
- NCAP: Launched in 2019, NCAP covers 130 cities across 24 States/UTs through city- and State-specific Clean Air Action Plans, with PRANA tracking their physical and financial implementation.
- Delhi-NCR: CAQM, a statutory body established under the 2021 Act, coordinates regional air-quality management, while GRAP provides progressively stricter emergency measures as pollution worsens, ranging from Poor to Severe+ air-quality conditions.
Sectoral Measures for Cleaner Air
- Transport: BS-VI emission standards, electric mobility, public transport, charging infrastructure and vehicle-scrappage measures help reduce vehicular emissions.
- Industry & Energy: Cleaner fuels and technologies, sector-specific emission standards and continuous emissions monitoring target industrial pollution.
- Road Dust & Construction: Mechanised road sweeping, dust suppression, improved roads and scientific management of C&D waste address particulate pollution.
- Waste & Agriculture: Better solid-waste management, prevention of open burning and crop-residue management help reduce emissions from biomass and waste burning.
- Urban Greening: Initiatives such as Green India Mission, CAMPA and Nagar Van Yojana support ecological restoration and expansion of urban green cover.