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Air pollution for July-September quarter at second lowest in five years in Delhi: Centre for Science and Environment

Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution average for the July-August-September quarter this year stood at 37 micrograms per cubic metre, only marginally higher than the five-year low of 36 micrograms per cubic metre recorded during 2020, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment. Pollution levels in the July-August-September quarter were preceded by one of the most polluted summers this year, unlike in 2020 when the trimester followed the cleanest ever summer (March-May) due to extraordinary conditions created because of hard pandemic lockdowns, the green think tank said. “Therefore, it is important to understand what aided in cleaning up the Delhi air. Looking at the rainfall data it becomes evident that distribution of rainfall has a relatively higher impact on seasonal air quality than the absolute quantity of rainfall,” it said.

दिल्ली में जुलाई-सितंबर तिमाही में ‘पीएम2.5’ प्रदूषण पांच वर्षों में दूसरे सबसे निचले स्तर पर:सीएसई

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड इनवायरन्मेंट (सीएसई) के एक विश्लेषण में कहा गया है कि दिल्ली में 2.5पीएम (हवा में मौजूद 2.5 माइक्रोमीटर व्यास से कम आकार के सूक्ष्म कणों) प्रदूषण का स्तर इस साल जुलाई-अगस्त-सितंबर तिमाही में औसत 37 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर रहा। यह 2020 के दौरान दर्ज किये गये 36 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर के पांच वर्षों के सबसे निचले स्तर से आंशिक रूप से अधिक है।

Delhi: पांच साल में जुलाई-सितंबर तिमाही में PM2.5 प्रदूषण दूसरी बार न्यूनतम स्तर पर, सीएसई की रिपोर्ट

दिल्ली में बीते पांच साल में जुलाई-सितंबर तिमाही में PM2.5 प्रदूषण दूसरी बार न्यूनतम स्तर पर रहा। विज्ञान और पर्यावरण केंद्र द्वारा किए एक विश्लेषण की रिपोर्ट में ये बात सामने आई है। इसमें बीते दिनों हुई बारिश ने भी अहम भूमिका निभाई है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, इस साल जुलाई-अगस्त-सितंबर तिमाही के लिए दिल्ली का PM2.5 प्रदूषण औसत 37 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति क्यूबिक मीटर था। वहीं साल 2020 के दौरान PM2.5 का स्तर 36 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति क्यूबिक मीटर दर्ज किया गया था। तुलनात्मक रूप से इस साल मामूली रूप में इसमें वृद्धि जरूर देखी गई, लेकिन बीते पांच साल में ये दूसरी बार निचले स्तर पर रहा।

आने वाले दिन साबित हो सकते हैं खतरनाक! प्रदूषण के स्तर में दिख सकती है भारी वृद्धि

CSE के मुताबिक महामारी के बाद इस ठंड के शुरुआत तक प्रदूषण का स्तर ... https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/pollution-level-may-increase-in-delhi-ncr-punjab-and-haryana-due-to-stubble-burning-and-diwali-lbsa-1560108-2022-10-21

Delhi Pollution News: दिल्ली में दिवाली से पहले राहत वाली खबर, 5 सालों में दूसरी बार सबसे निचले स्तर पर प्रदूषण

नई दिल्ली: दिवाली के बाद देश की राजधानी दिल्ली की आबोहवा और एयर क्वालिटी कितनी प्रभावित होगी। इस चिंता के बीच एयर पलूशन से जुड़ी एक रिपोर्ट सामने आई है, जो राहत देने वाली है। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड इनवायरन्मेंट (CSI) के एक विश्लेषण में कहा गया है कि दिल्ली में 2.5 पीएम प्रदूषण का स्तर इस साल जुलाई-अगस्त-सितंबर तिमाही में औसत 37 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर रहा। यह 2020 के दौरान दर्ज किये गये 36 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर के पांच वर्षों के सबसे निचले स्तर से आंशिक रूप से अधिक है।

के मुकाबले 20 प्रतिशत घटा दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण

जानकारी के मुताबिक महामारी से पहले सर्दियों के दौरान पीएम 2.5 सांद्रता प्रति घन मीटर 180 से 190 माइक्रोग्राम तक बढ़ जाती थी, लेकिन इस रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि पीएम 2.5 सांद्रता अब घटकर प्रति घन मीटर 150 से 160 माइक्रोग्राम तक रह गई है। वायु प्रदूषण में हुआ हल्का सुधार सीएसई की कार्यकारी निदेशक अनुमिता रायचौधरी ने कहा कि रिपोर्ट का मकसद वायु प्रदूषण के रुझान को समझना है। कारण, सुधार के बावजूद इस मौसम का औसत अब भी 24 घंटों के मानक स्तर (60 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर) के मुकाबले 150 प्रतिशत अधिक है और यह करीब- करीब वार्षिक मानक स्तर (40 माइक्रोग्राम प्रति घन मीटर) का चार गुना है।

Delhi Pollution 2022: कोविड-19 से पहले के मुकाबले 20 प्रतिशत घटा दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण

दिल्ली में सर्दियों के दौरान औसत पीएम 2.5 प्रदूषण कोविड-19 से पहले के मुकाबले 20 प्रतिशत घट गया है। यह दावा सेंटर फार साइंस एंड एन्वायरमेंट (सीएसई) द्वारा ताजा जारी नई रिपोर्ट में किया गया है। आकलन के दौरान दिल्ली और राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में एक जनवरी 2015 से लगातार सर्दी के सात सीजन व सर्दी पूर्व के रुझानों को शामिल किया गया है। यह रिपोर्ट इस क्षेत्र के सक्रिय 81 वायु गणवत्ता निगरानी स्टेशन से उपलब्ध रियल टाइम डाटा पर आधारित है।

CO2 emissions from iron and steel sector can be reduced ‘drastically by 2030’: CSE

It is “possible to bring down” carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the iron and steel sector “drastically by 2030” while tripling India’s output of steel, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Greenhouse gas emissions will grow 2.5 times by 2030 as compared to 2020-21, based on the production and technologies used, the analysis done by the non-profit showed. “As per emission targets set by the National Steel Policy 2017, a reduction of 12.5 per cent (82 million tonne) is possible from the business as usual (BAU) scenario. Based on voluntary targets by large steel companies, a reduction of 22.5 per cent (148 million tonne) from the BAU scenario can be aimed for,” the analysis said. The new study by CSE has recommended a fuel change – in the use of natural-gas injection or hydrogen to reduce the use of coal, along with increasing the amount of recycled steel in production to its optimum of 30 per cent. “The industry should implement carbon capture and utilization to bring down coal-based emissions. Switching to new fuels and technologies will require international finance. The government and steel industry should work towards a combined proposal for climate finance with touch targets for 2030,” the study said. The CSE research said the coal-based technology (mostly in use in the small- and medium-scale sectors) is contributing almost 51 per cent of the total GHG emissions from the sector in India as of 2020-21. “In the iron and steel sector, the manufacturing process determines the amount of CO2 an industrial unit will produce. Coal is key to the production of iron in a blast furnace, and well as for making steel through a basic oxygen furnace. This makes the sector hard to decarbonise as roughly half of India’s iron and steel is produced through this route,” the CSE research said. Referring to the new assessment report on emissions footprints of India’s iron and steel sector and how it can be ‘decarbonised’, Director General of CSE Sunita Narai said, “We can emit even less than what we do today – but all this will need planning, technology and funds.” Narain pointed out that there is an “opportunity for financial infusion” for making low-carbon steel – predicting a significant role in international climate finance. “The government should work on a package that involves a cleaner fuel like gas and improves the circularity of the recycled steel business by promoting optimum usage of steel scrap as a raw material,” she said. PTI ABU RDT

Delhi air pollution in early winter down 20% compared to pre-Covid: Report

The report also states that the onset of winter has been much cleaner this year due to the rains which were witnessed in September and October The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Thursday said the air pollution in Delhi this winter has seen a significant decline of 20 per cent, compared to the pre-Covid era. The report comes at a time when the national capital has been marking poor on the Air Quality Index (AQI) for a week. Fine particulate matter or PM2.5 is an air pollutant that becomes a cause of concern for people's health when its levels in air are high. PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air which reduces visibility and causing the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. In a report, CSE stated that the onset of winter, which began on October 1, has been much cleaner this year due to the rainfall in September and October. However, the intensity of the early winter pollution will depend a lot on the trend in the crop fires along with the impact of Diwali. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE, said the intensity of the winter pollution and severity of smog episodes will depend on the effectiveness of the long term multi-sector action so far in the entire region of Delhi and NCR and also on the enforceability of the short term emergency action. The assessment captured seven successive winters and pre-winter trends, starting from January 1, 2015 in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). It is based on real time data, which is available from the 81 operational air quality monitoring stations in the region. The PM2.5 concentration for winter (October 1 to February 28) used to hover around 180-190 microgram per cubic metre before the pandemic. It has, however, come down to 150-160 microgram per cubic metre since then, the report said. However, with Diwali being just round the corner, concerns are once again being flagged regarding the rise in the pollution levels, owing to the smog episodes and the burning of fire crackers. Both Centre and the Delhi government are working to reduce air pollution. While a meeting was held on October 19 to review the crop residue management plan, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has warned the residents of a strict action on bursting of firecrackers. The Delhi government has also imposed a fine of Rs 200 for bursting firecrackers along with six months in jail. Arvind Kejriwal-led government has started spraying bio-decomposers in the fields to prevent incidents of stubble burning and bring in more anti-smog guns, which have been mandated at smaller construction sites of 5,000 sqm or more. On Thursday, Supreme Court asked people to spend their money on sweets, instead of firecrackers this Diwali, while rejecting BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's petition challenging the blanket ban on firecrackers.

Farm stubble fires of Punjab-Haryana-Delhi have increased in numbers, intensity: Centre for Science and Environment

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has issued an early winter pollution alert and stated that farm stubble fires of Punjab-Haryana-Delhi have increased in numbers and intensity. Delhi’s seasonal winter PM2.5 average improved during the pandemic, but it stagnated post-pandemic. As Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) brace for the upcoming winter, it remains to be seen if the seasonal average of PM2.5 during winter -- that had improved during the pandemic but had stagnated post-pandemic -- will further bend or increase. This winter season is also starting from a much cleaner benchmark due to rains in September and October. The Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) Urban Lab has released its winter pollution assessment – the objective, says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE, has been “to understand the trend and the starting line of the onset of the winter pollution season or pre-winter levels in this region. Farm stubble fires of Punjab-Haryana-Delhi are increasing both in numbers and intensity. Last year registered the highest instances of farm stubble fire in the last seven years -- 2021 October-November saw a 10 per cent jump in observed fire count by MODIS and 5 per cent increase by VIIRS compared to 2020 October-November. Similarly, the total fire radiative power from these fires was 13 per cent and 7 per cent higher compared to the 2020 fires as observed by MODIS and VIIRS respectively.

Air pollution for July-September quarter at second lowest in five years in Delhi: Centre for Science and Environment

There were 45 rainy days in July, August, and September this year compared to just 39 rainy days in the same period last year. These six extra rainy days helped keep the seasonal average low despite total rainfall this monsoon having been just one-third of the previous monsoon Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution average for the July-August-September quarter this year stood at 37 micrograms per cubic metre, only marginally higher than the five-year low of 36 micrograms per cubic metre recorded during 2020, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment. Pollution levels in the July-August-September quarter were preceded by one of the most polluted summers this year, unlike in 2020 when the trimester followed the cleanest ever summer (March-May) due to extraordinary conditions created because of hard pandemic lockdowns, the green think tank said. “Therefore, it is important to understand what aided in cleaning up the Delhi air. Looking at the rainfall data it becomes evident that distribution of rainfall has a relatively higher impact on seasonal air quality than the absolute quantity of rainfall,” it said. There have been 45 rainy days in July, August, and September this year as compared to just 39 rainy days in the quarter last year. “These six extra rainy days helped keep the seasonal average low despite total rainfall this monsoon having been just one-third of the previous monsoon,” the CSE said. These additional rainy days also pushed the regular start of bad air quality days further down the month of October, it said. The PM2.5 average for the quarter stood at 38 micrograms per cubic metre in 2021, 41 micrograms per cubic metre in 2019 and 43 micrograms per cubic metre in 2018. The CSE had on Thursday said the average PM2.5 pollution in Delhi in the winter season has declined by about 20 per cent as compared to the pre-pandemic period. The PM2.5 concentration for winter (1 October to 1 February) used to hover around 180-190 micrograms per cubic metre before the pandemic. It has come down to 150-160 micrograms per cubic metre since then, it said. However, the seasonal average is still over 150 per cent above the 24-hour standard (60 micrograms per cubic metre) and almost four times the annual standard (40 micrograms per cubic metre) despite the improvement, the green think tank noted. What is PM2.5? PM2.5 means Particulate Matter 2.5. There are particles in the air that are two and one-half microns or less in width. Microns are a unit of distance like inches and meters, but so tiny that an inch can fit around 25,000 microns. Particles in this size range can reach deep inside our respiratory tract, to the lungs. How does PM2.5 affect health? Exposure to such fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. This can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

Delhi PM2.5 pollution in winters has dipped 20 pc compared to pre-pandemic period: CSE

The average PM2.5 pollution in Delhi in the winter season has declined by about 20 per cent as compared to the pre-pandemic period, according to a new report released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Thursday. It also said Diwali this year is being observed early in the season "which means the warmer and windier conditions will help dilute the pollution that is staple of Diwali night celebrations". However, concentrated stubble burning due to prolonged rains (in September end and October) may compound the problem. The assessment captured seven successive winters and pre-winter trends, starting from January 1, 2015 in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). It is based on real time data available from the 81 operational air quality monitoring stations in the region.

दिल्ली में कोरोना काल से पहले के मुकाबले 20 प्रतिशत कम हुआ प्रदूषण: रिपोर्ट

सीएसई की रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि इस इस साल भी सर्दियों के सीजन की शुरुआ... https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/story/delhi-pollution-in-winters-has-dipped-20-percent-compared-to-pre-pandemic-period-says-cse-1560308-2022-10-20

Improvement in air pollution during pandemic has stagnated: CSE

Air quality likely to turn ‘very poor’ tomorrow Delhi’s average PM2.5 (a major pollutant) level during winter had improved during the pandemic, however, it has stagnated post the pandemic, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment. Actions taken by authorities this winter will determine if the curve will bend or rise further, it said. The analysis has been done for annual and seasonal trends in PM2.5 from January 1, 2015 to October 17, 2022. Winter is considered from October 1 to February 28. “Overall, long-term data show that improvement made in reducing pollution levels during the winter season has stagnated in the last three years. Smog episodes are again starting to get longer, posing dire threat to public health not just in Delhi but whole of the NCR,” as per the analysis. Delhi’s seasonal air quality for winter used to hover around 180-190 µg/m 3 before the pandemic but had come down to 150-160 µg/m 3 for the last three winters. Despite the improvement, the seasonal average is still over 150% – above the 24-hour standard and almost four times the annual standard, the CSE said. A worry The analysis also noted that air pollution on the night of Deepavali still continues to be a worry. “PM2.5 concentration on Diwali night (8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) last year stood at 747 µg/m 3, 22% higher than that on 2020 Diwali night. The levels on 2021 Diwali night were 4.5 times the average night-time levels recorded in the week preceding Diwali,” the analysis read. “This early winter alert is a wake-up call for more stringent pre-emptive and preventive measures to avert the smog episodes that cause excessive exposure and health risk during winter. The enforcement of GRAP needs to be equally stringent with zero tolerance across Delhi-NCR. This requires preparedness in all departments concerned,” said CSE executive director of research and advocacy Anumita Roychowdhury. Meanwhile, the air quality of Delhi worsened slightly and continued to be in the “poor” category on Thursday. It is likely to be “very poor” on Saturday and Sunday, according to a forecast by the Central government’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi.

Delhi has had its cleanest start to winter in years, shows report

New Delhi The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on Thursday released an analysis of winter pollution in Delhi since 2015, finding that this October has had the cleanest start to the winter season with respect to PM 2.5 presence since the data was compiled. For the purpose of the study, CSE analysed PM 2.5 concentration for the period starting January 1, 2015 to October, 17, 2022, with winter being defined as the period between October 1 and February 28 in any given year. The analysis used real-time data available from the current working air quality monitoring stations in Delhi-NCR, covering 81 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) spread across the region. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at CSE, said this clean start to the winter has largely been due to extended rainfall. “If we analysed the air quality index (AQI) only based on PM 2.5 concentration, then there were a total of five good air days in the first two weeks of October this year. However, the PM 2.5 concentration has quickly risen since then and has already touched ‘poor’ levels, crossing the 90 micrograms per cubic metre concentration,” Roychowdhury said. The CSE analysis also showed that the last three winter seasons in Delhi had a marked improvement compared to the winters between 2015 and 2018 -- the winter seasons of 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 averaged a PM 2.5 concentration of 150-160 micrograms per cubic metre, while it was around 180-190 micrograms in the winters from 2015-2018, the analysis said.. The winter PM 2.5 average for 2021-22 was found to be 10-30% lower on average when compared to the winter of 2020-21. Ghaziabad registered a 30% improvement -- the highest among NCR cities – followed by Greater Noida (28%), Noida (23%), Faridabad (16%), Delhi (12% and Gurugram (11%). These levels, however, are still 2.5 times the national 24-hour standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metres.

India’s IT Sector Could be Vibrant, Dynamic Incubator for Innovation and R&D for Shared, Connected, and Electric Mobility Revolution: Amitabh Kant

The world’s finest IT sector of India could be a very vibrant and dynamic incubator for innovation and R&D for the shared, connected and electric mobility revolution which is going to happen in India, said Amitabh Kant, the present G20 Sherpa of India and former Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog. The world’s finest IT sector of India could be a very vibrant and dynamic incubator for innovation and R&D for the shared, connected and electric mobility revolution which is going to happen in India, said Amitabh Kant, the present G20 Sherpa of India and former Chief Executive Officer of Niti Aayog. The stakeholder consultation was organised by CUTS International and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) to discuss the need for “A just transition approach for developing a green economy – a case of electric mobility”, in New Delhi recently. With India aiming to be free from fossil-fuel imports by 2047, the main focus of its energy plans should be on green hydrogen owing to the favourable climatic conditions for manufacturing, he further added. The consultation was based on the ongoing project between CUTS and FES - Exploring the potential of Last Mile Transportation as an enabler for Green Jobs which looks into the potential and impact of decarbonisation of last-mile connectivity on the local economy and livelihood opportunities, from a ‘just transition’ point of view. Speaking on plans for driving electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Mr. Kant added, “India is essentially a market of about 75 percent of two wheelers (2Ws) and three wheelers (3Ws). Therefore, our policy should be that we should first ensure that 100 percent of 2Ws and 3Ws become absolutely green.” Further, he felt that the next 5 decades are crucial for the country and green mobility will play a huge role when it comes to India’s strategy of “becoming the first nation in the world to industrialise with carbonising.” Adding to the discussion, Pradeep S. Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS, spoke about the issues with the EV industry in India including skyrocketing demand for raw materials to make batteries, inadequate growth of charging infrastructure in the country, massive number and limited speed of e-rickshaws leading to traffic congestions and finally the subjectivity in the concept of just transition. Also, given the context of just transition, he further added that the automotive industry relies heavily on SMEs for providing engine components, but with the e-mobility revolution, “How are we going to ensure that SMEs do not get affected adversely?” Addressing the event, Ulrich Storck, Country Director, FES, highlighted the need for a just transition- “FES firmly believes that a just and inclusive transition can only be achieved by bringing wide range of interest groups such as worker organisations, environmental, youth and feminist groups into the discussion.” Sucharita Bhattacharjee, Policy Analyst and Deputy Head, CUTS Calcutta Resource Centre made a brief presentation on the findings of the ongoing project with a focus on decarbonisation of the last mile connectivity in a 'just' manner, to set the context for the panel discussion that followed the Inaugural session. Speaking at the panel discussion session, Anumita Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said that transition funding, protectionists measures for workers’ retirement planning, sharing of resources from one sector to other are the crucial components of the framework we would need in order to facilitate a Just Transition in the mobility sector. Conscious thinking and intense engagement with the government and other stakeholders including the climate groups, private players and trade unions will be required to prepare this strategic roadmap. She also pointed out that more than the environmental concerns; public health issues are compelling us to adopt measures without any further delays, to counter vehicular emission induced air pollution in several places including the national capital. Other participants of the panel discussion session included Gautam Mody, General Secretary, New Trade Union Initiative and Siddhartha Goel, Senior Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development who emphasised on developing a just society beyond the boundary of getting out of coal and into renewables & economic impact of a green energy transition on states heavily relying on fossil fuel taxation respectively. Mody highlighted the exit of auto majors like General Motors and Ford from India, which are planning for going completely electric within few years and don’t see India as an EV manufacturing hub and don’t want to bear the complete cost of transition. He raised the issues of unjust relocation of people/ communities and ecological damages in the process of development of solar parks, and absence of tripartite dialogues between government, industry and trade unions which are critical for ensuring the rights of workers. He also spoke of the importance of a framework for dialogue between environment groups and trade unions; and the facilitating role of government in establishing such frameworks. Goel remarked on the subsidy structure in India which is 7 times higher for fossil fuels than clean energy, of which the larger share goes to solar and wind leaving a little for electric mobility. In global climate finance as well, most of the financing goes to renewable energy and only 10 percent is spent on public transport. So there’s a need to ensure a judicial financing in this case. The panelists further discussed skill development which has remained as another area of concern with limited financing for reskilling of the workforce. A mutual consent was formed to act timely on developing partnership and synergies across sectors, to re-build the narratives of different stakeholder groups to ensure evidence based informed decision-making process. It was also discussed that the economics must be sound for any alternative to work in favor of the transition we are talking about. Amongst various fiscal measures, rationalization of taxes, adopting taxing the bad and funding the good approach, implementing the ‘polluter pays’ principle will be crucial in achieving this transition. Panelists also addressed questions from the audience like how the global contexts like war, energy disruption and the recession that is likely to hit soon will also influence the pace of this transition. They concluded that we would need a comprehensive national policy considering all the key sectors associated with the energy transition and integrating issues like environmental justice, equity and employment generation.