The contamination of the earth's atmosphere caused by the presence of harmful substances in the air is referred to as air pollution. Air pollution control involves techniques used to reduce or eliminate the emission of substances into the atmosphere that can harm the environment or human health. Air pollution control, along with wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and hazardous waste management, is one of the primary areas of pollution control. This article will explain to you about the Control measures of Air pollution which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

Control Measures of Air pollution

• Taking public transportation: Taking public transportation is a sure way to contribute to less air pollution because it uses less gas and energy; even carpools help.
  • In addition to reducing the amount of fuel and gas released, taking public transportation can help you save money.
• Turn off lights when not in use: The energy that lights consume contributes to air pollution, so consuming less electricity can save energy. To help the environment, use energy-saving fluorescent lights.
• Recycle and reuse: The concept of recycle and reuse not only conserves resources and uses them wisely, but it also helps to reduce pollution emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution.
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic products may be harmful to the environment because they take a long time to decompose due to their oil-based composition.
  • Paper bags are a better alternative because they decompose quickly and are recyclable.
• Reduce smoking and forest fires: The collection of garbage and setting it on fire in dry seasons, or dry leaves catching fires, is a significant contributor to air pollution; additionally, smoking contributes to air pollution and worsens air quality, as well as obviously harming one's health.
• Instead of using an air conditioner, use fans: The use of air conditioners consumes a lot of energy and produces a lot of heat, which is bad for the environment. ACs, like fans, require a lot of power and energy to operate.
• Use chimney filters: The gas emitted by fireplaces in homes and factories is extremely dangerous for air pollution and severely harms air quality. Filters should be used at the very least if consumption cannot be reduced; this will help to reduce the effect of harmful gases absorbing in the air.
• Avoid using crackers: Unfortunately, the use of crackers during festivals and weddings is one of the most significant contributors to air pollution, resulting in a layer of smog that is extremely harmful to health. As a result, the practice of not using crackers should be implemented.
• Avoid using products that contain chemicals: Products that contain chemicals or have a strong odour, such as paints or perfumes, should be used sparingly or outside the home.
  • There is also the possibility of using products with low chemical content and organic properties.
• Implement Afforestation: Plant and grow as many trees as possible. The practice of planting trees has numerous environmental benefits and aids in the release of oxygen.
• Use of Clean Energy: Solar, wind, and geothermal energy use reduces air pollution on a larger scale. Several countries, including India, have adopted the use of these resources as a means of achieving a cleaner environment.
• Particulate matter control: To remove particulate pollutants from the air, two types of devices are used: arresters and scrubbers.
  • Arresters: They are used to separate particulates from contaminated air.
  • Scrubbers: These pass air through a dry or wet packing material to clean it of dusts and gases.
• Control of Gaseous Pollutants: Gaseous pollutants can be controlled using combustion, absorption, and adsorption techniques.

Other Measures include

• CNG - Compressed Natural Gas fueled vehicles are replacing petrol and diesel vehicles in many parts of India. These are commonly used by vehicles that do not have ideal emission engines.
• Selection of appropriate fuel (e.g., low-sulfur fuel) and efficient utilisation.
• Industrial process and/or equipment modifications to reduce emissions.
• Choosing a suitable manufacturing site and zoning. For example, industries should be located away from residential areas, and tall chimneys should be installed.
• Pollutants are destroyed through thermal or catalytic combustion.
• Pollution transformation into a less toxic form.

Government Initiatives to Control Air Pollution

• The National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjacent Areas Air Quality Management Commission: It coordinates state government efforts to reduce air pollution and will establish regional air quality standards.
• Norms for Bharat Stage VI: These are emission control standards imposed by the government in order to reduce air pollution.
• Air Quality Monitoring Dashboard: It is a dashboard based on the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) that uses data from the Central Pollution Control Board's National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Network, which began in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs.
• National Clean Air Programme: A comprehensive pan-India air pollution abatement scheme for 102 cities, it was launched in 2019.
• The National Air Quality Index (AQI) focuses on the health effects that people may experience after breathing polluted air for a few hours or days.
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards: These are the standards for ambient air quality that have been notified by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981.
• Breathe India : NITI Aayog has developed a 15-point action plan to combat air pollution.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): It aims to provide clean cooking fuel to poor households while also raising living standards.

International Initiative

• Climate and Clean Air Coalition
• This coalition was established in 2019 and includes India.
• It is a voluntary collaboration of governments, intergovernmental organisations, businesses, scientific institutions, and civil society organisations dedicated to climate protection and air quality improvement through actions to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.
• Clean Air Initiative of the United Nations: It urges national and subnational governments to commit to achieving safe air quality for citizens by 2030, as well as to align climate change and air pollution policies.
• World Health Organisation's (WHO) four-pillar strategy: The World Health Organisation (WHO) passed a resolution (2015) to address the negative health effects of air pollution.
• This four-pillar strategy calls for a more aggressive global response to the negative health effects of air pollution. These four pillars are as follows:
• Increasing one's knowledge base
• Reporting and monitoring
• Global leadership and coordination
• Institutional capacity strengthening

Conclusion

In recent years, air pollution has become a major issue, posing serious threats to both environmental and social well-being. The techniques used to reduce or eliminate the emission of substances into the atmosphere that can harm the environment or human health are referred to as air pollution control. One of the primary areas of pollution control is air pollution control, which includes wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and hazardous waste management.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is NOT a measure to control air pollution?

A) Use of public transport
B) Burning of fossil fuels
C) Promoting afforestation
D) Using cleaner fuels like CNG

2. Which program aims to reduce air pollution levels in Indian cities by 2024?

A) Green India Mission
B) National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
C) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
D) Bharat Stage VI Emission Standards

3. What is the primary purpose of the "Red Light On, Gaadi Off" campaign?

A) Reducing vehicle emissions
B) Promoting electric vehicles
C) Encouraging carpooling
D) Increasing public transportation

4. Which gas is a major contributor to global warming and air pollution?

A) Nitrogen
B) Oxygen
C) Carbon dioxide
D) Argon

5. Which pollutants are commonly monitored by the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

A) Oxygen and Nitrogen
B) PM10 and PM2.5
C) Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor
D) Methane and Ammonia

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the role of government policies in reducing air pollution in India. Highlight the significance of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Answer: The Indian government has implemented several policies, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which targets a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024. Other measures include stricter vehicle emission norms (Bharat Stage VI), promoting cleaner fuels, and incentivizing electric vehicles. NCAP's city-specific strategies, public awareness campaigns, and cross-sector collaboration have contributed significantly to tackling pollution in non-attainment cities.

Q2: Discuss the impact of stubble burning on air pollution in northern India. Suggest alternative measures to reduce its harmful effects.

Answer: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is a major contributor to air pollution in northern India, especially in Delhi. It releases harmful particulate matter and gases, worsening air quality during the winter months. Alternatives like using Happy Seeders, promoting bio-decomposers, and providing financial incentives for alternative residue management can help reduce the practice of stubble burning.

Q3: Evaluate the effectiveness of technological interventions like smog towers and anti-smog guns in combating urban air pollution.

Answer: Smog towers and anti-smog guns have been introduced in cities like Delhi to tackle particulate pollution. While these technologies can provide localized and temporary solutions, they are not sufficient for long-term air quality improvement. Larger systemic changes, such as reducing vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants, remain crucial for sustained air quality improvement.

Previous Year Questions on Air Pollution

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following gases are monitored by the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

A) Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen
B) PM2.5 and PM10
C) Oxygen and Argon
D) Water Vapor and Methane

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The AQI monitors pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, as well as gases such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, to assess air quality levels.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Examine the measures taken by the Indian government to address air pollution. How effective have these policies been?"

Answer: The Indian government has implemented multiple policies, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), stricter emission standards like Bharat Stage VI, and initiatives to promote electric vehicles. While these measures have had some positive impact, the effectiveness is limited by challenges like lack of enforcement and coordination between state and central agencies. Long-term success requires sustained efforts across multiple sectors.