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Why clean air comes at a premium under a central plan to reduce pollution

The NCAP is a pollution control initiative aimed at reducing the concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere by at least 20 per cent by 2024 Last month, the Delhi government announced a 15-point action plan to tackle air pollution during the winter months. Given the problem of stubble burning, one would expect states such as Punjab to spend more to curb air pollution in the cities. But a Business Standard analysis found that Punjab had only spent 11 per cent of the funds allocated to the state under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The NCAP is a pollution control initiative aimed at reducing the concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere by at least 20 per cent by 2024. It was launched in 2019, under the seven central ministries, the Central Pollution Control Board and NITI Aayog to fund air quality management for 102 cities across 23 states and Union Territories. Data was available for 117 of the 132 cities that come under the programme. Even though Punjab has one of the lowest utilisations under the programme, it cannot be considered an outlier. Analysis indicates that states utilised only half the funds allocated under the programme. States such as Chhattisgarh and Assam had a fund utilisation rate of 21 and 12 per cent, respectively. The two cities in Jammu and Kashmir had a utilisation rate of under 1 per cent. On the other end of the spectrum are Gujarat and West Bengal, which had 100 per cent utilisation, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Twelve of the 21 states and UTs analysed had over 50 per cent utilisation. Moreover, fund utilisation is not just a problem in NCAP. It is a problem that persists for other clean air programmes as well. Analysis of data from Budgets shows that even though allocation to clean environment programmes has increased, fund utilisation has lagged. In some instances, both the allocation and utilisation have declined. Take the case of the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP). The government allocated Rs 30 crore towards CCAP in the 2022-23 Budget and 2021-22 Budget, whereas allocation averaged Rs 40 crore each year between 2017-18 and 2020-21. Only 70 per cent of the allocation has been utilised for all the years. In the case of programmes for the control of pollution, the utilisation was 77 per cent. But even a higher utilisation may not indicate better air quality. An analysis by the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) found that there was barely a difference between the particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions of the cities under NCAP and those outside the ambit. Only 14 of 43 cities registered a 10 per cent or more reduction between 2019 and 2021, according to the CSE study.

‘Stop setting things on fire’: nine great ideas to save the planet

Writers and activists including Thomas Piketty, Naomi Klein and Bill McKibben suggest positive steps we can take now Read Greta Thunberg on why we need to act now Sat 8 Oct 2022 09.00 BST Last modified on Sat 8 Oct 2022 18.34 BST 146 ‘Take the money out of politics’ Naomi Klein, author Naomi Klein Photograph: Adrienne Grunwald/The Guardian There is no one thing that would stop the planet’s warming – but what would make all kinds of other things possible is reining in the power of transnational capital over our governments. It is the power to financially reward (and punish) lawmakers, in various ways, that is the single biggest barrier to progress. We need to ban corporate campaign donations, direct and indirect, and we need to stop the revolving door between corporate lobbyists and lawmakers from spinning so a cushy job in the sector you are regulating isn’t an enticement to adopt pro-pollution policies. ‘Put out the sparks in cars and boats and buses’ Bill McKibben, environmentalist Bill McKibben Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian It’s now possible – and necessary – for human beings to end their 200,000-year-old habit of combustion. Flames served us well in prehistoric times, and made some of us rich during the Industrial Revolution. But now we need to stop setting things on fire, and rely instead on the fact that the good Lord put a large ball of burning gas 93m miles up in the sky, which we now have the wit to make full use of. Keep firing up joints and barbecues, but put out the sparks in kitchens, in furnaces, in powerplants, in the engines of cars and boats and buses. And do it fast. ‘Make healthcare green’ Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Photograph: Rex/Shutterstock The health sector deals with many of the consequences of climate change. At the same time, it is responsible for about 5% of carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change, while hundreds of millions of people are still served by hospitals and clinics without electricity. After Cop26 last year, 60 countries committed to making their health systems more climate resilient, and to lowering carbon emissions from healthcare. The WHO is calling on every country to make the same commitment, and to provide clean and reliable electricity to every health facility. ‘Shift to reusables’ Nina Schrank, senior campaigner, Greenpeace UK Nina Schrank, Campaigner for Greenpeace UK. Photograph: Will Rose/Greenpeace In our throwaway society, it feels as if we’re facing an avalanche of disposable plastic. One simple idea holds the key to turning this around: reuse. The practice was embedded for generations in so many cultures across the globe, yet the corporate world has made us forget those traditions and the value we place in objects that have taken natural resources and energy to produce. We need to shift to reusable packaging that stays in circulation – used, washed, reused and, crucially, out of the environment. The status quo simply isn’t working: we need to embrace the innovations that will allow reuse to flourish in the modern world. Advertisement ‘Tax the wealthy properly’ Thomas Piketty (pictured) and Lucas Chancel, economists Thomas Piketty Photograph: AFP/Getty Images To combat climate change we must massively invest to decarbonise our transport, energy and production systems: we need billions of euros for that, representing 2% of global GDP every year. The wealthy should pay their fair share of taxes to finance such efforts. This is all the more legitimate when we know that the wealthy contribute a disproportionate share to climate change. At the global level, 10% of the population contributes to about half of all emissions and there are also large pollution inequalities within each country. ‘Empower poor nations’ Sunita Narain, environmentalist Sunita Narain Photograph: AFP/Getty Images We can save the planet if we can save our common humanity. We have to move from being a divisive, deeply hateful and unequal society to one that truly understands the interdependence that our common future needs. We have for too long neutered the politics of inclusion and equality because we believed that environmentalism was about finding the next disruptive technology. This will not work. We need nimby – not in my back yard – not for the rich but for the very poor, so that they can say no to the next polluting project; so that communities and developing nations in the world can say no to the over-consumption that is driving our fossil fuel addiction. We need climate justice to be at the core of climate action. ‘Clean up public life’ Mike Berners-Lee, author Mike Berners-Lee Photograph: Alamy While the science and technology for saving the planet is challenging, it is not the bottleneck. But to deal with these complex systemic challenges requires high-quality, clear decision making. At the moment, that process is largely disabled by hidden agendas, dishonesty and greed. So my planet-saving idea is to cultivate and insist on much higher standards of honesty and compassion among our political and business decision-makers. Without it, nothing will work. ‘Rewild the planet’ Rebecca Wrigley, chief executive of Rewilding Britain, and George Monbiot, author Rebecca Wrigley, chief executive of Rewilding Britain Rewilding – the mass restoration of life on Earth – can mend not only our living systems but also our relationship with them. By allowing forests, wetlands, savannahs, reefs and other depleted ecosystems to return and regenerate, rewilding could simultaneously help stop the sixth great extinction and draw down much of the carbon we have released into the atmosphere. This positive environmentalism could be our best defence against despair. Advertisement ‘Give power back to the people’ Jacqueline Patterson, founder and executive director of the Chisholm Legacy Project Jacqui Patterson, founder and executive director of The Chisholm Legacy Project The US is one of the biggest polluters in the world. It also has a major influence on climate negotiations, which, up until now, has been obstructive, with corporate interests serving as puppet masters. A major shift in our global political and economic situation would be to de-link the outsized influence that corporations have over US legislatures, courts, regulatory systems, and therefore the amount of greenhouse gases the US emits domestically, as well as its influence over global negotiations and commitments from other nations. In sum, to achieve climate justice, we must ensure that power rests in the hands of the people. These nine writers are featured in The Climate Book created by Greta Thunberg is published on 27 October by Allen Lane (£25). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy your copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply There can be no more hiding, and no more denying. Global heating is supercharging extreme weather at an astonishing speed, and it’s visible in India and beyond. Guardian analysis recently revealed how human-caused climate breakdown is accelerating the toll of extreme weather across the planet. People across the world are losing their lives and livelihoods due to more deadly and more frequent heatwaves, floods, wildfires and droughts triggered by the climate crisis. At the Guardian, we will not stop giving this life-altering issue the urgency and attention it demands. We have a huge global team of climate writers around the world and have recently appointed an extreme weather correspondent. Our editorial independence means we are free to write and publish journalism which prioritises the crisis. We can highlight the climate policy successes and failings of those who lead us in these challenging times. We have no shareholders and no billionaire owner, just the determination and passion to deliver high-impact global reporting, free from commercial or political influence. And we provide all this for free, for everyone to read. We do this because we believe in information equality. Greater numbers of people can keep track of the global events shaping our world, understand their impact on people and communities, and become inspired to take meaningful action. Millions can benefit from open access to quality, truthful news, regardless of their ability to pay for it.

Delhi Pollution: स्मॉग टावर से कितना घटा प्रदूषण? CPCB ने पेश किए आंकड़ें

200 मीटर की हवा के गुणवत्ता में कोई सुधार नहीं</strong><br> सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) के अर्बन लैब के सीनियर मैनेजर अविकल सोमवंशी कहते हैं कि इन आंकड़ों का कोई मतलब नहीं है.&nbsp;82 फुट ऊंचे इस स्मॉग टावर ने&nbsp;200 मीटर से अधिक हवा की गुणवत्ता में कोई सुधार नहीं किया.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> क्या है pm 2.5 के प्रदूषण स्तर के आंकड़ें सीपीसीबी के आंकड़ों के मुताबिक&nbsp;स्मॉग टॉवर ने पिछले साल दिसंबर में पीएम 2.5 के प्रदूषण&nbsp;स्तर को&nbsp;100 मीटर की दूरी पर 13 फीसदी, इस साल मार्च में 7 फीसदी और अप्रैल में 17 फीसदी तक कम कर दिया था. वहीं, नवंबर, जनवरी और फरवरी के लिए pm 2.5 के स्तर में 100 मीटर की कमी से संबंधित आंकड़े उपलब्ध नहीं थे. 50 मीटर के दायरे में नवंबर में pm 2.5 का प्रदूषण स्तर&nbsp;39 फीसदी, दिसंबर में 24 फीसदी, जनवरी में 22 फीसदी, मार्च में 10 फीसदी और अप्रैल में 23 फीसदी घटा.&nbsp;फरवरी और मई के आंकड़े उपलब्ध नहीं थे.</p>

Smog tower cut PM2.5 by 17%, PM10 by 27% in 100 m radius

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed that the 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the winter of 2021-22. The smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. The CPCB said while replying to an RTI. The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the Government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results "insignificant", saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April. The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available. In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available. PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February. At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May. "During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms," Somvanshi said. The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China. The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of Rs 13.59 crore. It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/sky-high-hopes-tempered-as-82ft-smog-tower-cut-pm2-5-by-just-17/articleshow/94690294.cms

EW DELHI: The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar, inaugurated in September last year to clean the air in a 200-metre radius, only brought down the PM2.5 level by a maximum 17% within 100 metres of it during the 2021-22 winter. This fact was disclosed by the Central Pollution Control Board in response to an RTI query filed by RTI activist Amit Gupta. According to the data, the tower reduced PM2.5 pollutants by 13% in December, 7% in March this year and 17% in April around 100 metres of it. The data for November, January and February for 100 meters wasn’t provided. Within 50 metres range, the RTI stated, 39% of PM2.5 was reduced in November 2021, 22-24% in December 2021, 22% in January, 10% in March and 23% in April. Gupta had sought similar data for the smog tower at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, which was inaugurated by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in August 2021, but didn’t receive it. The RTI response, however, stated that the tower was installed at a cost of over Rs 22.9 crore with an additional Rs 2.6 crore spent on maintenance and operation by Delhi government’s environment department. As for the tower at Anand Vihar, its construction cost was Rs 13.6 crore, with maintenance in the first year costing Rs 10.3 lakh per month and likely to rise to Rs 12.6 lakh per month in the second year starting October this year, or an annual bill of Rs 1.5 crore. Both towers were built by Tata Projects Limited. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi are the data analysts, with Delhi Pollution Control Committee the nodal agency for the Kharak Singh Marg tower and CPCB for the one at Anand Vihar. Experts felt the result of the smog towers wasn’t commensurate with the funds spend on erecting them. “It’s not good at all. If within 100 metres of the tower, just 17% of the PM2.5 particles are reduced in March and 13% in December, this shows underperformance,” said Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager (Urban Lab), Centre for Science and Environment. “At Anand Vihar, the PM2.5 levels during winters hovers above 250 micrograms per cubic metre. To meet the national permissible limit of 60 micrograms or the WHO standard of 15, the smog tower must reduce the fine particles presence by 70-95%.” The smog tower also brought down the PM10 level at 100 metre by 27% in December 2021, 16% in March, 23% in April and 15% in May. Data for November 2021, January and February wasn’t shared in the RTI reply. IN 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the central and Delhi governments to construct the smog towers. They were to be used on an experimental basis for two years and based on the findings on their efficacy, more such towers were to be erected in other parts of the city. Gupta also said that more smog towers should be installed. “Delhi government has collected green cess of approximately Rs 100 crore till now and it could be used to put up more such towers, especially at the pollution hotspots in the city,” said the RTI activist.

Delhi govt begins drive to check construction site pollution

The government on Thursday started a month-long campaign to check dust pollution at construction sites in the city. NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday started a month-long campaign to check dust pollution at construction sites in the city. The drive, called the anti-dust campaign, is a part of the government’s 15-point charter of the Winter Action Plan and also one of the responses under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Environment Minister Gopal Rai said 586 teams from 12 government departments and agencies will monitor compliance with the pollution norms at under-construction sites. “These teams will conduct surprise inspections at construction sites to check whether they are complying with the pollution norms,” he informed. “According to the regulations, construction sites larger than 5,000 square meters (sqm) will need to set up one anti-smog gun, those larger than 10,000 sqm, two anti-smog guns, and sites larger than 15,000 sqm, three anti-smog guns,” Rai said. “Similarly, sites bigger than 20,000 sqm will have to engage four anti-smog guns to combat dust pollution,” he added. Rai said that out of 586 enforcement teams, 33 are from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, 165 from the Department of Revenue, 300 from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, 33 from the Delhi Development Authority, 14 from the Delhi Jal Board and six from the Public Works Department, among others. He also said that violators will be penalized with a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to 5 lakh, depending on the severity of the violations. “It is compulsory for all construction sites to follow the 14 anti-dust norms. Strict action is to be taken against violators. On violation of anti-dust norms at construction sites, fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5 lakh+ to be imposed by the government as per NGT guidelines,” Rai said. On 30 September, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a 15-pointer Winter Action Plan (WAP) to fight the air pollution menace which gets worsened during winters. The anti-dust campaign is the third measure under the WAP. Earlier, the city government announced two measures—a 24X7 green war room to monitor WAP/GRAP compliance and ordering no refueling at gas stations to vehicles without valid Pollution under Control (PUC). There are 14-point guidelines that every construction company or agency will have to follow at its sites in the National Capital Region (NCR). Some of these norms are deploying anti-smog guns, covering construction sites with tin walls and tarpaulin sheets and not leaving construction material uncovered. The minister also appealed to Delhiites to actively participate in the fight against pollution. Smog tower cut 17% pollution last winter: CPCB NEW DELHI: The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data. The CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment, termed the results “insignificant”, saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. It reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April.

Anand Vihar smog tower Just 17 pc reduction in PM2.5 pollution in 100-metre radius

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Replying to an RTI query filed by social activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results "insignificant", saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April. The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available. In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available. PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February. At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May. "During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms," Somvanshi said. In 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to construct a smog tower at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another at Connaught Place. Tata Projects Limited built the two smog towers. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi have been tasked with analysing their data. The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of 13.59 crore. The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China. It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below. The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city. PTI GVS DIV

Anand Vihar smog tower: Just 17 pc reduction in PM2.5 pollution in 100-metre radius

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Replying to an RTI query filed by social activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results “insignificant”, saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April. The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available. In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available. PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February. At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May. “During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms,” Somvanshi said. In 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to construct a smog tower at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another at Connaught Place. Tata Projects Limited built the two smog towers. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi have been tasked with analysing their data. The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of 13.59 crore. The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China. It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below. The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city. PTI GVS DIV DIV DIV

Anand Vihar smog tower: Just 17 pc reduction in PM2.5 pollution in 100-metre radius

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Replying to an RTI query filed by social activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results "insignificant", saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April. The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available. In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available. PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February. At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May. "During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms," Somvanshi said. In 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to construct a smog tower at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another at Connaught Place. Tata Projects Limited built the two smog towers. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi have been tasked with analysing their data. The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of 13.59 crore. The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China. It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below. The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city. PTI GVS DIV DIV DIV

Anand Vihar smog tower: Just 17 pc reduction in PM2.5 pollution in 100-metre radius

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data. Replying to an RTI query filed by social activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results ''insignificant'', saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April. The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available. In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available. PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February. At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May. ''During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms,'' Somvanshi said. In 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to construct a smog tower at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another at Connaught Place. Tata Projects Limited built the two smog towers. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi have been tasked with analysing their data. The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of 13.59 crore. The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China. It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below. The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

India News | Anand Vihar Smog Tower: Just 17 Pc Reduction in PM2.5 Pollution in 100-metre Radius Get latest articles a

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data. The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 con .. Read more at: https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-anand-vihar-smog-tower-just-17-pc-reduction-in-pm2-5-pollution-in-100-metre-radius-4296320.html Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centr .. Read more at: https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-anand-vihar-smog-tower-just-17-pc-reduction-in-pm2-5-pollution-in-100-metre-radius-4296320.html The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 m .. Read more at: https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-anand-vihar-smog-tower-just-17-pc-reduction-in-pm2-5-pollution-in-100-metre-radius-4296320.html

Anand Vihar smog tower: Just 17 pc reduction in PM2.5 pollution in 100-metre radius

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to Central Pollution Control Board data.Replying to an RTI query filed by social activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period.Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results "insignificant", saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres.The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April.The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available.In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available.PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream.Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February.At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May."During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms," Somvanshi said.In 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to construct a smog tower at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another at Connaught Place.Tata Projects Limited built the two smog towers. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi have been tasked with analysing their data.The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of 13.59 crore.The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China.It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below.The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city. PTI GVS DIV DIV DIV

Anand Vihar smog tower: Just 17 pc reduction in PM2.5 pollution in 100-metre radius

The 82-feet-high smog tower at Anand Vihar reduced PM2.5 concentration by up to 17 per cent in a radius of 100 metres in the 2021-22 winter season, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Replying to an RTI query filed by social activist Amit Gupta, the CPCB said the smog tower reduced PM10 pollution levels by up to 27 per cent at a distance of 100 metres during the period. Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager, Urban Lab, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), termed the results “insignificant”, saying it seems the giant air purifier did not lead to any improvement in air quality beyond 200 metres. The CPCB data showed the smog tower reduced PM2.5 levels at a distance of 100 metres by 13 per cent in December last year, 7 per cent in March this year and 17 per cent in April. The data pertaining to the decrease in PM2.5 levels at 100 metres for November, January and February was not available. In a radius of 50 metres, the PM2.5 concentration dropped by 39 per cent in November, 24 per cent in December, 22 per cent in January, 10 per cent in March and 23 per cent in April. The data for February and May was not available. PM2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream. Inaugurated in September last year, the smog tower brought the PM10 levels (at 100 metres) down by 27 per cent in December, 16 per cent in March, 23 per cent in April and 15 per cent in May. The CPCB could not share data for November, January and February. At a distance of 50 metres, the PM10 concentration reduced by 50 per cent in November, 41 per cent in December, 26 per cent in January, 21 per cent in March, 32 per cent in April and 13 per cent in May. “During winter, the monthly average of (PM10) at Anand Vihar is usually above 200 micrograms per cubic metre. The CPCB standard is 60 micrograms per cubic metre and the WHO standard is 15 micrograms per cubic metre. So, at least 70 per cent reduction is needed to meet the CPCB standard and over 90 per cent to meet the WHO norms,” Somvanshi said. In 2019, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to construct a smog tower at Anand Vihar and the Delhi government to install another at Connaught Place. Tata Projects Limited built the two smog towers. IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi have been tasked with analysing their data. The Anand Vihar smog tower was constructed at a cost of 13.59 crore. The smog tower has 40 fans and 5,000 filters developed by experts at University of Minnesota which also helped design a 100-metre-high smog tower in Xian, China. It is based on a downdraft airflow model. Its 40 huge fans suck air from the top of a special type of canopy structure and release clean air below. The smog tower will be used experimentally for two years. Based on the results, the government will take a call on replicating the project in other parts of the city.

Smog tower in Anand Vihar brought pollution down by only 17%: Report

The 82-feet tall tower reduced PM2.5 pollutants by 13% in December 2021, 7% in March, and 17% in April The smog tower at Anand Vihar, inaugurated in September 2021 by the Delhi government, to clear the air in a radius of 200 metres could only bring down the PM2.5 level by 17 per cent, that too in the 100-metre radius, a report by the Times of India (TOI) stated. The tower reduced PM2.5 pollutants by 13 per cent in December 2021, 7 per cent in March, and 17 per cent in April. The data for November, January and February for the 100-metre radius was not provided by the authorities, the report added. In the 50-metre radius, the tower was more effective. In November 2021, it reduced the pollutant level by 39 per cent, in December 2021 by 22-24 per cent, in January by 22 per cent, in March by 10 per cent and in April by 23 per cent. The tower was installed at a cost of Rs 13.6 crore with an additional cost of Rs 10.3 lakh per month. In 2022, the per-month cost is likely to go up to Rs 12.6 lakh per month. Experts stated that the funds spent were not worth the result. "It’s not good at all. If within 100 metres of the tower, just 17 per cent of the PM2.5 particles are reduced in March and 13 per cent in December, this shows underperformance," Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager (Urban Lab), Centre for Science and Environment told TOI. The towers were constructed after the Supreme Court ordered the state government to do that in 2019. In the initial two years, the towers are to be monitored. If their efficiency is established, more such towers will be erected in the capital city. "Delhi government has collected green cess of approximately Rs 100 crore till now and it could be used to put up more such towers, especially at the pollution hotspots in the city," Amit Gupta, the RTI activist who found out the data told TOI.

Delhi anti-pollution drive good but could have been better — experts say how

With bad air days back in Delhi, the government already has plans in action. Recently, the Delhi government launched a 15-point action to curb air pollution. These are being implemented alongside the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), that would be executed across the National Capital Region (NCR) as well. There are 24 measures under Stage 1 of GRAP. But the question is — will these multi-pointer measures indeed help in mitigating air pollution levels with the festive season kicking in? CNBCTV-18.com spoke with some environment experts to weigh in on the effectiveness of the revised action plan laid out by the Delhi government. While one called for an annual plan for long-term behavioural changes, another rued that there was no implementational thought process behind it. The lack of benchmark of the exact timeframe and quantity of pollution reduction was also pointed out. 'Lack of synergy’ Parth Kumar, Programme Manager at Industrial Pollution Unit at Delhi's Centre for Science and Environment, emphasised the need for synergy between Delhi and its neighbouring states when it comes to stubble burning and vehicular movement. "There's a lack of synergy among neighbouring states. The Delhi government, NCR state governments and the commission of air quality need to be on the same page as stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is the major cause of pollution in Delhi. Use of bio-decomposer is good but..' "We first have to study how much land there is for stubble burning and how much land will be covered by this bio-decomposer" to estimate how effective the bio-decomposer will be against air pollution, said Aditya Sharma, a research engineer. Meanwhile, environment consultant Birendra Rajan said a bio-decomposer is a good initiative but it should be sufficiently mobile and time-efficient as farmers have very little time for burning the agricultural waste before going for the next plantation cycle. Bio-decomposers are microbial solutions which, their manufacturers claim, can turn stubble into manure in 15-20 days and prevent farm fires. According to news agency PTI, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) said the results of the trials of bio-decomposers conducted in the state last year are not "very encouraging." However, the Delhi government hailed the Pusa bio-decomposer as a cost-effective solution to the problem of stubble burning. Ensure less vehicles on roads' Experts said the primary focus should be the road dust as it can re-suspend into the air, forming layers in the environment. Therefore, both Parth Kumar and Birendra Rajan said the focus should be on reducing vehicular loads on the roads. Rajan said roads in heavy traffic areas must be cleaned twice a day. "Road dust pollution is a major source," he said, emphasising that pollution is not only due to petrol and diesel vehicles. Meanwhile, the Delhi government said it will deploy 80 road sweeping and 521 water sprinkling machines to curb pollution emerging from roads. It added that alternative routes will be suggested to divert traffic from roads with heavy traffic. Free transportation was another suggestion given by an expert. "Why can't they make public transportation free and subsidise it during this period...Traffic is a major source of pollution. We could have staggered timings. There are no proper feeder services to metros. Public transport should strengthen as much," Kumar said. Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has encouraged offices to start unified commutes for employees to reduce traffic on road. Illegal construction Authorities will ensure dust control at construction sites, but what about the illegal construction work, asked experts. "How will they monitor dust from illegal construction sites," Kumar wondered, pointing at the discrepancies in the usage of anti-smog guns. 'Monitoring is good, but micro-monitoring will be better' Kumar said, "We need to have micro-level monitoring systems... every small region should have air quality monitoring stations... they (authorities) can also go for smart monitors." The Delhi government has already proposed a real-time source apportionment system which will help identify the sources of air pollution in real-time. On this, Kumar said, "The question is where these monitors are placed? They need to have a more dense network of monitoring stations." Annual plan needed for behavioural changes Kumar argued that an annual plan should also be there to inculcate behavioural changes among people. He said air pollution is there throughout the year and only the meteorology changes with time, because of which "we are able to feel it more." He said every plan should be an annual plan. "Plans like GRAP can come for certain months, but there are plans of afforestation, green war room... If these plans are not run throughout the year, we won't see anything happening on the ground within a month," he said. He added that people's behaviour "will only change if there's a continuous permanent thing in place." The green war room will comprise nine experts who will analyse data and prepare a future course of action. 'Benchmarking is important' Rajdeep Pandey said targeted planning is important when asked what should have been included in the Delhi government's action plan. "In this action plan, no benchmark has been set" as to how much pollution must be reduced and in what timeframe. 'Focus on renewable energy lacking' Shining the torch on "indirect emission," Pandey batted for the use of renewable energy to produce electricity. "Bio-mass will cause emission, but that emission will be comparatively less than the coal. That will help, but if we promote renewable energy, it will bring much better results," he said. Besides this, Kumar pointed to some "illegal industries," where coal is still used for generating electricity. However, the government has claimed that "Delhi is a modern state which does not have any coal-run thermal power plant." Create awareness Birendra Rajan said awareness must be created among Delhiites to ensure that these measures are followed. "They must be told that turning off the engine at red lights is also important to curb air pollution," he said. As per the government, as many as 3,500 ‘paryavaran mitras’ will raise awareness about environmental protection and urge people to become ‘paryavaran mitras’ by giving a missed call on 8448441758. All eyes are now set on the effectiveness and implementation of the government's action plan, with air quality in parts of Delhi already in the ‘poor’ category, and expected to worsen in the days ahead.

The ban on single-use plastics in India has been a failure for three months

The ban on single-use plastics in India has been a failure for three months Straws and cutlery made from banned plastic were found in Mumbai and Delhi. Several experts have criticized the ban, saying it is weak and should include big companies, which produce more plastic, and more plastic items. Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru: Three months after bans on specific single-use plastic goods were enacted in India to combat plastic waste, a report discovered that items were still widely available in Delhi and Mumbai. While retailers lamented the lack of alternatives to these plastic items, experts contend that the prohibition unfairly punishes the most disadvantaged while giving international firms free rein. India is the world’s fifth-largest producer of plastic garbage. In his Independence Day address in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the populace to eliminate India of single-use plastic. India has outlawed single-use plastic products including plastic straws that are widely strewn yet have no practical purpose as of July 1, 2022. The restriction is intended to reduce plastic pollution since single-use plastic is bad for both land and marine ecosystems. Little had changed on the ground as of October 1—three months after the ban went into place. In markets, restaurants, and other public spaces in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, IndiaSpend discovered several goods made of prohibited plastic being sold. Vendors asserted that there have been neither sanctions taken against users of these items nor warnings to discontinue using them and that these products are still readily accessible at wholesale prices. The ban has drawn criticism for covering too little of the entire amount of plastic garbage when it was first enacted. Experts also point out that India hasn’t even completely outlawed single-use plastic. They contend that the prohibition unfairly targets the smallest sector of the plastics business, which is also the one that requires the most assistance in making the switch away from single-use plastic. According to experts, India needs to hold the major actors responsible for their proportion of plastic pollution. IndiaSpend a media company contacted the Central Pollution Control Board and the Union Environment Ministry with inquiries on the ban’s inadequate conceptualization and implementation as well as with issues expressed by suppliers, manufacturers, and industry professionals. According to a study conducted by scientists from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and other institutions between 1950, when large-scale production started, and 2015, the globe created around 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic. 80 per cent of this—6.3 billion metric tonnes—is made up of plastic garbage. Just 9% of this plastic garbage has been recycled, on average. Most plastic garbage has been dumped in landfills or the world’s seas and other bodies of water. There is widespread consensus that the plastic pollution issue must be addressed, and India was the driving force behind a resolution addressing single-use plastic pollution at the 2019 Fourth United Nations Environment Assembly. In August 2021, India announced the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, and the ban was implemented a year later. From July 1, 2022, India will outlaw the following single-use plastic products: stirrers, straws, trays, wrapping or packing film around sweet boxes, invitation cards, cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, and plastic sticks for balloons, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, and polystyrene (thermocol) for decoration. It will also outlaw plastic plates, cups, and glasses. Carry bags thinner than 75 microns are currently prohibited, and bags up to 120 microns will follow suit as of December 31, 2022. Plastic sachets that are used to store, package, or sell gutkha, tobacco, or pan masala are also totally prohibited. Plastic was produced in millions of tons Information reported by 35 states and Union territories indicates that India produced close to 3.5 million tonnes of plastic in 2020–21. After Tamil Nadu (12%) and Punjab (12%), Maharashtra makes up 13% of this. At 1.56 million tonnes per year, India’s recycling capability is just half as large as the entire amount of plastic produced. To fulfil their Extended Producer Responsibility, brands must recycle about 800,000 tonnes annually (EPR). The now-banned single-use plastic makes up a very small portion of the overall amount of plastic produced—between 2 and 3 per cent, to be exact. Therefore, even if the ban had been successful, it would have had little effect on the production of plastic garbage. But the truth is that the prohibition hasn’t even performed halfway well. A review of complaints made by residents against single-use plastic on the CPCB’s smartphone application “SUP-CPCB” reveals that several southern Indian cities received relatively few complaints. Delhi received the most complaints, 605, of which only 378 have been resolved as of September 27, 2022. There were 168 complaints in Ghaziabad. The majority of complaints (138) in Pune were cutlery, and 46 of those were resolved. In addition, Vadodara received 133 complaints in total, just 43 of which were answered, including 67 concerns regarding plastic cutlery. Based on information from the app dashboard, some Indian towns like Lucknow (106), Hisar (64), and Bijapur (63) had not responded to even one complaint sent through the app. On September 21, IndiaSpend complained via this app about a plastic straw in Mumbai, and the complaint is still displayed as “pending.”