227 hourly PM2.5 observations missing from 59 stations during peak pollution period
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Data integrity and transparency in environmental governance: a GS3 and Ethics case study.
Why in news
CREA alleged that 227 hourly PM2.5 observations were missing from 59 monitoring stations during a peak pollution period, potentially leading to an artificial lowering of the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Background
Manoj Kumar of CREA reported the discrepancy, while Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra announced a government investigation into the matter.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyDelhi Pollution Control Committee: State body responsible for air quality monitoring in Delhi
- Fact227 hourly PM2.5 observations were reported missing across 59 monitoring stations
Prelims practice question
Which body is responsible for air quality monitoring in Delhi?
- (a)Delhi Pollution Control Committee
- (b)Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- (c)National Green Tribunal
- (d)Central Pollution Control Board
Show answer
Answer: (a) Delhi Pollution Control Committee — The Delhi Pollution Control Committee is the state body responsible for air quality monitoring in Delhi.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in ensuring data integrity and transparency in air quality monitoring systems in India's urban centers.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data integrity: Risk of skewed AQI reporting due to technical glitches or intentional data omission
- Institutional oversight: Need for independent auditing of CPCB and state-level pollution committee data
- Public trust: Impact of perceived data manipulation on government-led environmental mitigation strategies
Keywords: Data Integrity · Air Quality Index · Environmental Governance · Transparency · Public Accountability
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