Delhi overtakes Lahore as world's most polluted city with "hazardous" air quality
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims·
Air quality and environmental governance: a key GS3 topic regarding seasonal smog and pollution sources.
Why in news
Delhi overtook Lahore as the world's most polluted city due to hazardous air quality caused by winter weather trapping emissions and agricultural burning.
Background
IQAir reported a hazardous air quality index of 334 for Delhi, while the Central Pollution Control Board reported a higher reading of 403. The pollution significantly reduced visibility in the city of 20 million people.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIQAir reported an air quality index of 334 for Delhi
- FactCentral Pollution Control Board reported an air quality index of 403 for Delhi
- PlaceDelhi and Lahore were identified as the most polluted cities
- EnvironmentPollution sources include vehicle emissions and agricultural burning trapped by winter weather
Prelims practice question
With reference to the air quality of Delhi, consider the following statements:
- The air quality index for Delhi was reported as 500 by IQAir.
- Delhi overtook Lahore as the world's most polluted city.
- The Central Pollution Control Board reported an air quality index of 403 for Delhi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 2 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: IQAir reported an air quality index of 334.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the socio-economic and environmental impacts of seasonal smog in North India and suggest measures to mitigate agricultural burning and vehicular emissions.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Meteorological constraint: Temperature inversion trapping pollutants in the lower atmosphere
- Policy friction: Balancing agricultural livelihoods with regional air quality standards
- Urban infrastructure: High population density exacerbating vehicular emission concentration
Keywords: Air Quality Index · Temperature Inversion · Agricultural Burning · Urban Smog · Environmental Governance
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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.