New Delhi smog hits "severe" levels as Diwali firecrackers push AQI past 350
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Air quality management and public health: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
New Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 350 during Diwali celebrations, reaching 'severe' levels according to WHO thresholds despite Supreme Court restrictions.
Background
The AQI exceeded 350 in several parts of New Delhi on Monday. The smog was attributed to a combination of firecrackers, winter conditions, and biomass burning, affecting over 30 million residents.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAQI exceeded 350 in New Delhi during Diwali celebrations.
- PlaceNew Delhi experienced 'severe' smog levels.
- BodyWorld Health Organization (WHO) thresholds are used to categorize air quality levels.
- FactMore than 30 million residents are at risk from the smog.
Prelims practice question
With reference to air quality in New Delhi during Diwali, consider the following statements:
- The AQI levels were categorized using thresholds set by the Supreme Court.
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi crossed the 350 level.
- More than 30 million residents are at risk from the smog.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The note states WHO thresholds are used to categorize air quality levels.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the challenges in enforcing air quality regulations in Delhi during winter months despite judicial interventions and environmental policies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enforcement gap: Difficulty in monitoring decentralized biomass burning and illegal firecracker sales
- Meteorological constraint: Temperature inversion and low wind speeds trapping pollutants in the NCR region
- Public health burden: Escalating respiratory morbidity among 30 million residents during peak pollution periods
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Biomass burning · Pollution mitigation · Public health · Judicial intervention
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.