• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

NEW DELHI: Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). air qua (1) Congratulations! You have successfully cast your vote The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the national clean air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024 from 2017 levels across the country. Only 43 NCAP cities have adequate PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the biggest improvement, the other cities thathave shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 concentration in most of the cities, however, continues to be figured at much higher levels than the targets as well as the NAAQS limit despite showing improvement. For example, in Delhi, the PM10 level reduced from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a reduction of 18%, but it is more than three times of the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 level reduced from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it reduced from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the existing clean air action plans that draw hard boundaries around cities for the clean-up job are failing to address the major pollution sources in the larger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the national clean air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024 from 2017 levels across the country. Only 43 NCAP cities have adequate PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the biggest improvement, the other cities thathave shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 concentration in most of the cities, however, continues to be figured at much higher levels than the targets as well as the NAAQS limit despite showing improvement. For example, in Delhi, the PM10 level reduced from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a reduction of 18%, but it is more than three times of the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 level reduced from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it reduced from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the existing clean air action plans that draw hard boundaries around cities for the clean-up job are failing to address the major pollution sources in the larger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE. Watch Study: Simple measures can go a long way to combat air pollution in schools

• Urban Lab

Ghaziabad News: What is the problem of Ghaziabad, why people got upset

There is bad news for Ghaziabad. This district has become one of the most polluted cities in North India. When the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) studied pollution on the basis of PM2.5 for the year 2021, this report of Ghaziabad came out. This study has revealed that incomplete construction and traffic pollution of the by-pass road has come to light The biggest reason for Due to non -construction of 20 percent of the bypass road, the local residents are facing the problem of heavy jam between Rajnagar Extension and Meerut Road. Significantly, the speed of traffic here is also slow. Due to this, pollution levels in this area are high. Local RWA is in touch with local authorities, but the progress to complete this small part of the road is very slow. The GDA had already acquired this land. He has also constructed 80% of the left-pass road. Under the ADM (LA) Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Act 2013, the land is working on land acquisition according to section 3 (1), but at a very slow speed. Due to this, people here are having problems with traffic and air pollution. Read more: Vodafone-Idea is giving free VIP number to customers, just have to do small work people told the real problem Center for Science and Environment (CSE) Executive Director, Anumita Rai Chaudhary told News 18 that Karna of PM 2.5 is so small that it is not visible. But, it dissolves with breath and gives great damage. People of the nearby society told News 18 that the biggest problem here is pollution, traffic and garbage here. The soil of the work which is not completed will also be found here. Because of this, people are having a big problem. People said that we have gone to GDA many times. Till 20 percent of it is constructed, there will be a similar problem. It should be resolved as soon as possible.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities cutting PM10 pollution levels; CSE flags city-based approach https://www.news9live.com/india/varanasi-tops-cities-cutting-pm10-pollution-levels-cse-flags-city-based-approach-195268

The government stated in its analysis that 95 of the 132 polluted cities identified in the national clean air programme have shown improvements in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in the period 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutants during this period, even though the Center Green Thinking about Science and Environment (CSE) highlighted the limitations of such a city-based approach, Times of India reported. https://www.news9live.com/india/varanasi-tops-cities-cutting-pm10-pollution-levels-cse-flags-city-based-approach-195268

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach | India News – Times of India

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities recognized below a nationwide programme on clear air have proven enchancment in air high quality by decreasing particulate matter (PM10) focus in 2021-22 in comparison with 2017, with Varanasi recording the best 53% discount in the extent of hazardous pollutant through the interval, claimed the federal government in its evaluation, even because the inexperienced thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The evaluation discovered that 20 of the 95 cities, together with Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual common restrict of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The evaluation, achieved by the setting ministry, has, nevertheless, not factored in the opposite tremendous and extra hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as solely PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the nationwide clear air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% discount in particulate matter focus by 2024 from 2017 ranges throughout the nation. Only 43 NCAP cities have satisfactory PM2. 5 information for the interval 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the most important enchancment, the opposite cities thathave proven enchancment in PM10 ranges throughout that interval embrace Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 focus in most of the cities, nevertheless, continues to be figured at a lot greater ranges than the targets in addition to the NAAQS restrict regardless of displaying enchancment. For instance, in Delhi, the PM10 degree diminished from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a discount of 18%, however it’s greater than thrice of the appropriate restrict of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 degree diminished from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it diminished from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the present clear air motion plans that draw exhausting boundaries round cities for the clear-up job are failing to deal with the most important air pollution sources in the bigger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” mentioned Anumita Roychowdhury, govt director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). air qua (1) The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the national clean air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024 from 2017 levels across the country. Only 43 NCAP cities have adequate PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the biggest improvement, the other cities thathave shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 concentration in most of the cities, however, continues to be figured at much higher levels than the targets as well as the NAAQS limit despite showing improvement. For example, in Delhi, the PM10 level reduced from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a reduction of 18%, but it is more than three times of the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 level reduced from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it reduced from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the existing clean air action plans that draw hard boundaries around cities for the clean-up job are failing to address the major pollution sources in the larger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Limited change’ in cities under clean air scheme: UPSC Daily Important Topic

✓Ghaziabad was found to be the most polluted of the 56 cities in North India for which data on PM2.5 levels in 2021 was taken in a study by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). ✓Followed by Delhi, Faridabad and Noida ● Pollution levels: ✓Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida are on the list of ‘non-attainment cities’ that receive funding under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). ✓Only 7 cities in the NCR region are covered under 2 central government programs that provide funds to mitigate air pollution. ✓Khurja and Alwar are also on the list of non-attainment cities ✓Required to reduce air pollution by 20% to 30% by 2024 under the NCAP.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in slicing PM10 ranges, says govt; CSE flags city-based method

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities recognized beneath a nationwide programme on clear air have proven enchancment in air high quality by lowering particulate matter (PM10) focus in 2021-22 in comparison with 2017, with Varanasi recording the best 53% discount within the stage of hazardous pollutant throughout the interval, claimed the federal government in its evaluation, even because the inexperienced thinktank Centre for Science and Surroundings (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based method. The evaluation discovered that 20 of the 95 cities, together with Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the Nationwide Ambient Air High quality Requirements (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual common restrict of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). air qua (1) The evaluation, finished by the setting ministry, has, nonetheless, not factored within the different advantageous and extra hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as solely PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Beneath the nationwide clear air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% discount in particulate matter focus by 2024 from 2017 ranges throughout the nation. Solely 43 NCAP cities have sufficient PM2. 5 information for the interval 2019-2021. Apart from Varanasi that reported the most important enchancment, the opposite cities thathave proven enchancment in PM10 ranges throughout that interval embody Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 focus in many of the cities, nonetheless, continues to be figured at a lot greater ranges than the targets in addition to the NAAQS restrict regardless of exhibiting enchancment. For instance, in Delhi, the PM10 stage decreased from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a discount of 18%, however it’s greater than thrice of the suitable restrict of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 stage decreased from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it decreased from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the prevailing clear air motion plans that draw laborious boundaries round cities for the clean-up job are failing to deal with the most important air pollution sources within the bigger orbit. “The science of regional affect of air pollution has begun to take form in India. The NCAP has taken on board the precept of regional air high quality administration. However there is no such thing as a regulatory framework to allow multi-jurisdiction administration for aligned motion and to ascertain the upwind and downwind tasks of state governments to enhance regional air high quality,” mentioned Anumita Roychowdhury, government director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in chopping PM10 ranges, says govt; CSE flags city-based method | India Information – Instances of India

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities recognized beneath a nationwide programme on clear air have proven enchancment in air high quality by lowering particulate matter (PM10) focus in 2021-22 in comparison with 2017, with Varanasi recording the best 53% discount within the degree of hazardous pollutant in the course of the interval, claimed the federal government in its evaluation, even because the inexperienced thinktank Centre for Science and Setting (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based method. The evaluation discovered that 20 of the 95 cities, together with Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the Nationwide Ambient Air High quality Requirements (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual common restrict of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The evaluation, accomplished by the setting ministry, has, nonetheless, not factored within the different high-quality and extra hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as solely PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Below the nationwide clear air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% discount in particulate matter focus by 2024 from 2017 ranges throughout the nation. Solely 43 NCAP cities have sufficient PM2. 5 information for the interval 2019-2021. Apart from Varanasi that reported the largest enchancment, the opposite cities thathave proven enchancment in PM10 ranges throughout that interval embody Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 focus in a lot of the cities, nonetheless, continues to be figured at a lot increased ranges than the targets in addition to the NAAQS restrict regardless of displaying enchancment. For instance, in Delhi, the PM10 degree decreased from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a discount of 18%, however it’s greater than thrice of the suitable restrict of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 degree decreased from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it decreased from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the prevailing clear air motion plans that draw arduous boundaries round cities for the clean-up job are failing to deal with the most important air pollution sources within the bigger orbit. “The science of regional affect of air pollution has begun to take form in India. The NCAP has taken on board the precept of regional air high quality administration. However there is no such thing as a regulatory framework to allow multi-jurisdiction administration for aligned motion and to determine the upwind and downwind tasks of state governments to enhance regional air high quality,” stated Anumita Roychowdhury, govt director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five of the 132 polluted cities identified in the national clean air program have shown improvements in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentrations in period 2021-22 compared to 2017, during which Varanasi recorded the highest 53% reduction in hazardous pollution levels during this period, the government stated in its analysis, even if the Center Green thinking about Science and Environment (CSE) highlighted the limitations of such a city-based approach. The analysis shows that 20 out of 95 cities, including Chennai, MaduraiNashik and Chittur, even complied with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) setting an acceptable annual average limit for PM10 of 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). air pass (1) However, the analysis carried out by the Ministry of Environment did not take into account the finer and more dangerous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under national clean air program (NCAP), the Department has set a target of a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentrations by 2024 from 2017 levels nationally. Only 43 NCAP the city has enough PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi which reported the greatest improvement, other cities that have shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra , Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. However, PM10 concentrations in most cities continue to be calculated to be much higher than the NAAQS target and limit despite showing improvement. In Delhi, for example, PM10 levels fell from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 – an 18% decrease, but it is more than three times the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, PM10 levels drop from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it drops from 119 µg/m3 in 2017 to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warns that existing clean air action plans that draw tough boundaries around cities for cleanup will not address major sources of pollution in a larger orbit. “The science of the effects of pollution in the region has begun to take shape in India. NCAP has adopted regional air quality management principles. But there is no regulatory framework that allows multi-jurisdictional management to take appropriate action and establish forward and backward accountability by state governments to improve air quality in the region,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, chief executive officer, CSE said.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

NEW DELHI: Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). 94139700 The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the national clean air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024 from 2017 levels across the country. Only 43 NCAP cities have adequate PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the biggest improvement, the other cities thathave shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 concentration in most of the cities, however, continues to be figured at much higher levels than the targets as well as the NAAQS limit despite showing improvement. For example, in Delhi, the PM10 level reduced from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a reduction of 18%, but it is more than three times of the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 level reduced from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it reduced from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the existing clean air action plans that draw hard boundaries around cities for the clean-up job are failing to address the major pollution sources in the larger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment ( CSE ) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach.The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai , Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3).The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous…

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the national clean air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024 from 2017 levels across the country. Only 43 NCAP cities have adequate PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the biggest improvement, the other cities thathave shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 concentration in most of the cities, however, continues to be figured at much higher levels than the targets as well as the NAAQS limit despite showing improvement. For example, in Delhi, the PM10 level reduced from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a reduction of 18%, but it is more than three times of the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 level reduced from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it reduced from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the existing clean air action plans that draw hard boundaries around cities for the clean-up job are failing to address the major pollution sources in the larger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3).

• Urban Lab

Varanasi tops cities in cutting PM10 levels, says govt; CSE flags city-based approach

Ninety-five out of 132 polluted cities identified under a national programme on clean air have shown improvement in air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM10) concentration in 2021-22 compared to 2017, with Varanasi recording the highest 53% reduction in the level of hazardous pollutant during the period, claimed the government in its analysis, even as the green thinktank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has flagged limitations of such city-based approach. The analysis found that 20 of the 95 cities, including Chennai, Madurai, Nashik and Chittur, have even conformed to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that put acceptable annual average limit of PM10 at 60 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The analysis, done by the environment ministry, has, however, not factored in the other fine and more hazardous particulate matter, PM2. 5, for the sake of uniformity as only PM10 is monitored in all 132 cities. Under the national clean air programme (NCAP), the ministry has set targets of 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024 from 2017 levels across the country. Only 43 NCAP cities have adequate PM2. 5 data for the period 2019-2021. Besides Varanasi that reported the biggest improvement, the other cities thathave shown improvement in PM10 levels during that period include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh. The PM10 concentration in most of the cities, however, continues to be figured at much higher levels than the targets as well as the NAAQS limit despite showing improvement. For example, in Delhi, the PM10 level reduced from 241µg/m3 in 2017 to 196 µg/m3 in 2021-22 — a reduction of 18%, but it is more than three times of the acceptable limit of 60 µg/m3. In Mumbai, the PM10 level reduced from 151µg/m3 in 2017 to 106 µg/m3 in 2021-22. In Kolkata, it reduced from 119 µg/m3 in 2017to 105 µg/m3 in 2021-22. The CSE warned that the existing clean air action plans that draw hard boundaries around cities for the clean-up job are failing to address the major pollution sources in the larger orbit. “The science of regional influence of pollution has begun to take shape in India. The NCAP has taken on board the principle of regional air quality management. But there is no regulatory framework to enable multi-jurisdiction management for aligned action and to establish the upwind and downwind responsibilities of state governments to improve regional air quality,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE.