Increased Level of SPM in Delhi and Other Metropolitan Cities
The
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were revisited and
notified in November, 2009. In line with international scenario, the
earlier listed pollutant ‘Suspended Particulate Matter’ (SPM), has been
withdrawn from the list of notified pollutants. Instead PM10 (particles
having aerodynamic diameter less than or, equal to 10 mircon) has been
included in NAAQS-2009 apart from PM2.5. The monitoring of pollutant
‘SPM’ has been discontinued across the national including Delhi and
other metro cities. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a
written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
As far as, earlier data on SPM is concerned, a mixed trend was
observed and it has exceeded the notified standards in a number of
cities including Delhi. Accordingly to some epidemiological studies,
health effects such as manifestation of respiratory and cardiovascular
aliments etc. could be associated with air pollution. However, there is
no conclusive data available to substantiate these findings.
The Minister further stated that Emissions from vehicles, suspended
roadside dust, industries, thermal power plants, construction activities
etc. are the main source of air pollution. Steps taken by the Central
Government for control air pollution include formulation of a
Comprehensive Policy for Abatement of Pollution, supply of improved
auto-fuel, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms,
mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, management
of municipal, hazardous and bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner
technologies, strengthening the network of air quality monitoring
stations, source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation
of action plans for major cities & critically polluted areas, public
awareness, etc.
RM/RS- USQ3736 - RS
(Release ID :95323)
No comments:
Post a Comment