2022 - Air Quality Perspective in Delhi

 

2022 - Air Quality Perspective in Delhi

Year 2022 witnessed the lowest ever recorded daily average values for PM10 and PM2.5 since 2015 barring Covid affected 2020

A remarkable reduction in the number of days with “Severe” air quality witnessed during 2022 as compared to all previous years

No “Severe+” day observed during 2022, first time since 2019

Delhi AQI around Diwali time of 2022 best in last five years

Concerted efforts of CAQM and all the stakeholders resulted in significant improvement of air quality in Delhi

Posted On: 02 JAN 2023 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

Embarking upon a long journey for blue skies in the NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), since its inception in 2021, through a series of firm steps, has initiated various policy measures and field actions for the cause.  

Concerted and persistent efforts of all the stakeholders round the year have helped to improve the general air quality in Delhi.  Significant improvement in the air quality of Delhi was witnessed during 2022 as compared to the past years (barring the periods of very low anthropogenic, industrial and commercial activities during the Covid affected year 2020, owing to complete lockdowns and other restrictions), pursuant to various preventive and mitigative field actions through numerous statutory directions and orders of the Commission, covering all major sectors contributing to the overall air quality. While restrictions were also on for a considerable duration during 2021, the air quality indices viz. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in 2022 were even better than 2021.

Comparative tabulations for various air quality related parameters for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively follow as under:

Month-wise Daily Avg. AQI for Delhi

Month	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
January	328	328	286	324	279
February	243	242	241	288	225
March	203	184	128	223	217
April	222	211	110	202	255
May	217	221	144	146	212
June	202	189	123	147	190
July	104	134	84	110	87
August	111	86	64	107	93
September	112	98	116	78	104
October	269	234	266	173	210
November	335	312	328	377	320
December	360	337	332	336	319

         

The year 2022 witnessed 3 months (January, February and December) of
best ever daily average AQI and 3 months (July, October and November) with
second best daily average AQI during the entire period from 2018 to 2022, even taking into account the Covid affected low activity years of 2020 and 2021. Exceptionally prolonged dry spells during April, May and June in 2022, coupled with transportation of fine dust and particulate matter not only from the adjoining areas but also transboundary, resulted in poor AQI for these months, which otherwise was comparatively better for all other months during 2022 vis-à-vis previous years.  

            Daily Avg. AQI for Delhi during the entire year

Year	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Daily Avg. AQI	225	215	185	209	209

 

The average daily AQI for Delhi during the entire year 2022 has been the best so far since 2015, barring 2020 which saw an exceptional AQI owing to continued spells of lockdown and low anthropogenic activities round the year. While restrictions were also on for a considerable duration during 2021 leading to low levels of industrial, vehicular and other anthropogenic activities, the daily average AQI in 2022, with no such restrictions and all anthropogenic activities returning to normal; rather in a much higher proportion, was maintained at the levels of 2021.  However, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and other related Air quality parameters in 2022 were even better than 2021 in some aspects. 

Comparative PM10 and PM2.5 Concentrations

 As per IMD data, in terms of daily average Particulate Matter emissions (PM2.5 and PM10), the comparative concentration values in Delhi read as under:

Year	Daily avg. PM10 (µgm/m3)	Daily avg. PM2.5 (µgm/m3)
2018	243	115
2019	218	108
2020*	181	95
2021	213	105
2022	211	98

    * Covid Year

The Year 2022 has thus witnessed the lowest ever recorded daily average values for PM10 and PM2.5 respectively, barring the Covid affected 2020 with lowest anthropogenic activities.  Despite restrictions continuing also in 2021, the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in 2022 (with all activities in full throttle in the region) were even lower than those recorded in 2021. 

Comparative AQI Category status for Delhi

AQI Category		No. of Days
		2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Good	(0-50)	0	2	5	1	3	53	61	100	73	68
Satisfactory	(51-100)	53	59	95	72	65
Moderate	(101-200)	106	121	127	124	95	220	224	202	204	225
Poor	(201-300)	114	103	75	80	130
Very Poor	(301-400)	72	56	49	64	66	92	80	64	88	72
Severe	401-450)	20	19	13	20	6
Severe +	>450	0	5	2	4	0

 As per the CPCB criteria for the air quality category based on gradation of the daily average AQI, the year 2022 witnessed most days with “Good” and “Satisfactory” air quality (barring Covid affected 2020 and 2021).

 Likewise, a remarkable reduction in the number of days with “Severe” air quality (AQI 401 – 450) was witnessed during 2022 as compared to all previous years. Delhi was also saved of any “Severe+” day (AQI > 450) during 2022, which was not the case in 3 previous years, including 2020 and 2021. 

Comparative hourly PM2.5 values for Delhi

Year	No. of hours for which PM2.5 was in “Severe” category
2021	628 hrs. (7.2% of total time of the year)
2022	204 hrs. (2.3% of total time of the year)

 

 

Comparative hourly AQI Category for Delhi

Year	No. of hours for which AQI was in “Good” category (AQI < 200)
2021	827 hrs.
2022	1096 hrs.

 

Comparative Delhi AQI Around Diwali Festival

Year	Pre-Diwali Day	Diwali Day	Post-Diwali Day
2018	338	281*	390
2019	287	337	368
2020	339	414	435
2021	314	382	462
2022	259	312	303

 

* Better AQI attributed to rain around Diwali in 2018

 

 The above AQI tabulation for 3 days around Diwali festival indicates that never before, the Delhi AQI around Diwali time was better than, as in 2022.

Comparative Daily Avg. Air Quality during Post-monsoon & Winter months

Month	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
January	328	328	286	324	279
February	243	242	241	288	225
October	269	234	266	173	210
November	335	312	328	377	320
December	360	337	332	336	316
Daily Avg. AQI during these months	298	286	282	290	262

 

The Post -Monsoon and Winter periods, from October in a particular year up till February of the next year, witness episodic events like extensive farm burnings during paddy harvesting season, bursting of crackers during religious festivals and marriages/ other celebrations etc. Coupled with the above, adverse climatic, meteorological, low temperature and calm wind conditions that generally prevail during winters in the entire region impede effective dispersion of the pollutants from the region, resulting in to a spike in the daily average AQI in Delhi during the period. The year 2022 in particular, witnessed the best air quality during post-monsoon and winter months owing to continual efforts round the year and concerted drives to prevent and abate air polluting activities particularly during these months.  

 

Invoking the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

 The GRAP has been classified under Four different stages of Air Quality Index (AQI) viz. Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), Severe (401-450) and Severe+ (more than 450). Preventive and restrictive actions, including bans on certain set of activities also impacting the economy and livelihood options, are needed to be imposed in NCR in adverse air quality scenarios as laid down in the GRAP. Owing to a relatively better air quality during 2022, the No. of days for which GRAP Stage III and above were required to be invoked were much lesser as tabulated under:

Year	No. of days under GRAP Stage III (including partial restrictions)	No. of days under GRAP Stage IV (including partial restrictions)
2018	-	61
2019	52	135
2020	61	-
2021	07	23
2022	20	03

With persistent field level efforts and targeted policy initiatives for quantified results in the short/ medium/ long term, it is expected that air quality scenario over Delhi will see further gradual but marked improvement, year on year.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change- NOVEMBER 2022

 

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

• Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot Conference Series VAYU- The vital life force to be held in BhubaneswarPosted On: 30 Nov 2022
• International Jaguar Day celebrated at National Zoological ParkPosted On: 29 Nov 2022
• India strengthens the CITES protection to Leith’s Soft-shelled TurtlePosted On: 24 Nov 2022
• Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav addresses the special meeting of UN Country Team (UNCT) on CoP 27Posted On: 24 Nov 2022
• India’s conservation efforts towards tortoise and turtles lauded in CITES CoP 19 at PanamaPosted On: 24 Nov 2022
• Cites Cop-19: Huge Relief to Handicraft Exporters of IndiaPosted On: 21 Nov 2022
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Intervenes at the Closing Plenary of COP 27Posted On: 20 Nov 2022
• India Pavilion takes Mission LiFE to the global audiencePosted On: 19 Nov 2022
• Stage I and II of GRAP continue to be in forcePosted On: 18 Nov 2022
• Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change participates in a session on “Accelerating Resilient Infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS)” at COP 27Posted On: 17 Nov 2022
• Union Minister For Environment Forest and Climate Change participates in BASIC MINISTERIAL MEET at COP 27Posted On: 15 Nov 2022
• Union Environment Minister participates in a discussion on “Climate Smart Urban Development: An Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) for Enhancing Climate Resilience in India”Posted On: 15 Nov 2022
• LeadIT Summit 2022 hosted by India and Sweden at COP27, Sharm El Sheikh, EgyptPosted On: 15 Nov 2022
• India delivers National Statement at COP 27Posted On: 15 Nov 2022
• Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Intervenes at High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance at COP 27Posted On: 14 Nov 2022
• Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change participates in a session on “Transformative Green Education: Experiences from India” at India Pavilion at COP 27 Sharm El-SheikhPosted On: 14 Nov 2022
• Stage III of the GRAP REVOKED in entire NCR with immediate effectPosted On: 14 Nov 2022
• "In our LiFEtime" Campaign launched by India at COP 27, Sharm El-SheikhPosted On: 14 Nov 2022
• Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Intervenes at the Ministerial High Level Roundtable on Pre 2030 Ambition at COP 27Posted On: 14 Nov 2022
• India Submits its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy to UNFCCCPosted On: 14 Nov 2022
• “Understanding the Concept of LiFE” side event held at India Pavilion at COP 27, Sharm El-SheikhPosted On: 14 Nov 2022
• Secretary MoEFCC Participates in a panel discussion on building Resilient Infrastructure for the Future at the Egyptian Pavilion at COP 27Posted On: 13 Nov 2022
• Secretary MoEFCC Participates in a Session on Long Term Strategy on Adaptation and Adaptation Readiness in India at India PavilionPosted On: 13 Nov 2022
• IndianOil’s sustainable initiatives detailed at India Pavilion at COP 27, EgyptPosted On: 12 Nov 2022
• Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan continues to be in forcePosted On: 11 Nov 2022
• Secretary MoEFCC participates in a Panel Discussion on “Technology Needs Assessment for Sustainable Life” at the India Pavilion at COP 27Posted On: 11 Nov 2022
• Rebuttal to the news item published in Rajasthan Patrika dated 09.11.2022 titled as “Bharat Baghon ki taskari ka gadh’’Posted On: 10 Nov 2022
• Commission for Air Quality Management closely monitoring the air quality scenario of Delhi-NCRPosted On: 10 Nov 2022
• CAQM to tap the expertise of reputed technical and scientific institutions to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCRPosted On: 10 Nov 2022
• Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav speaks at the Launch of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) at COP 27, EgyptPosted On: 08 Nov 2022
• Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav speaks at the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 at COP 27 EgyptPosted On: 07 Nov 2022
• Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav speaks at the UN Secretary General High Level Round TablePosted On: 07 Nov 2022
• Revised GRAP to deal with adverse air quality scenarioPosted On: 07 Nov 2022
• CAQM holds review meeting on GRAPPosted On: 06 Nov 2022
• India Pavilion inaugurated at COP 27 by Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender YadavPosted On: 06 Nov 2022
• Union Minister of Environment Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav arrives at Sharm El-Sheikh to attend COP 27Posted On: 05 Nov 2022
• CAQM holds review meeting to assess implementation of directions to restrict farm firesPosted On: 04 Nov 2022
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav to lead Indian delegation to COP 27Posted On: 04 Nov 2022
• CAQM holds emergency meeting to address deteriorating air quality in NCRPosted On: 03 Nov 2022
• CAQM Holds Review Meeting To Take Stock Of The Implementation Of Stage III Of GRAP In Delhi NCRPosted On: 02 Nov 2022
• Special Swachhta Campaign 2.0 at GB Pant National Institutes of Himalayan Environment and the Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training InstitutePosted On: 02 Nov 2022
• Special Swachhta Campaign 2.0 successfully conducted in MoEFCCPosted On: 02 Nov 2022

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change pib 2022 December

 

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

• CAQM Sub-Committee for invoking GRAP holds an emergency meetingPosted On: 30 Dec 2022
• Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) to take stringent action against use of heavy polluting fuelsPosted On: 28 Dec 2022
• Consultative Committee Meeting of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change held ; Emphasis on effective coordination with States for better protection of wildlife and its habitatsPosted On: 23 Dec 2022
• Year End Review: Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate ChangePosted On: 23 Dec 2022
• India stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 levelPosted On: 22 Dec 2022
• Sovereign green bonds and thematic funds for blended finance for climate action announced in the Union Budget 2022-23Posted On: 22 Dec 2022
• Lion @ 47: Vision for Amrutkal” to secure and restore lions’ habitatsPosted On: 22 Dec 2022
• CAQM Sub-Committee for invoking actions under GRAP holds emergency meetingPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• Black CarbonPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• Climate Change Performance IndexPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• Promotion of ForestryPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• National Conference of Environment MinisterPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• Plastic Recycling TargetsPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• United Nation’s Conference of PartiesPosted On: 19 Dec 2022
• Shri Bhupender Yadav addresses Stock taking Plenary at UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15 at Montreal, CanadaPosted On: 18 Dec 2022
• Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav delivers the National Statement at COP15 of Convention on BiodiversityPosted On: 17 Dec 2022
• COP 27 and ensuring climate justicePosted On: 15 Dec 2022
• 5-G forest reformPosted On: 15 Dec 2022
• Increase in sea levelPosted On: 15 Dec 2022
• National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)Posted On: 15 Dec 2022
• Action plan on ill effects of climate changePosted On: 15 Dec 2022
• Forest cover and cleaner environmentPosted On: 15 Dec 2022
• Ban on Single Use PlasticsPosted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Increase in Forest CoverPosted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Commitments made under CoP 26Posted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Amendments in EPA, 1986Posted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Technology Assessment CellsPosted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Activities of Environment Education, Awareness and Training (EEAT)Posted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Community-based Solutions to Air PollutionPosted On: 12 Dec 2022
• Re-cycling of e-wastePosted On: 08 Dec 2022
• Plastic recycling targetsPosted On: 08 Dec 2022
• Credible system of environmental scrutinyPosted On: 08 Dec 2022
• Geographic Information SystemsPosted On: 08 Dec 2022
• Ban on single use plasticPosted On: 08 Dec 2022
• UNFCCC COP 27 and India's promise to achieve carbon neutralityPosted On: 08 Dec 2022
• Animal Keeper’s Training Programme at National Zoological ParkPosted On: 07 Dec 2022
• CAQM Sub-Committee for invoking actions under GRAP holds a review meetingPosted On: 07 Dec 2022
• Analysis of paddy stubble management in NCR States and PunjabPosted On: 05 Dec 2022
• International Cheetah Day and Wildlife Conservation Day celebrated at National Zoological ParkPosted On: 05 Dec 2022
• Stage III of revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) invoked in Delhi-NCR with immediate effectPosted On: 04 Dec 2022
• ‘International Conference Series on Vayu: The Vital Life Force’ inaugurated by His Excellency, Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisha and Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender YadavPosted On: 03 Dec 2022
• Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change addresses Valedictory Session of National Youth Conference on Vayu: The Vital Life ForcePosted On: 02 Dec 2022

The Minister says, Science, Technology and Innovation will define India@100 in 2047

 

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh briefs media about ‘2023 Science Vision’ at New Delhi

The Minister says, Science, Technology and Innovation will define India@100 in 2047

To make India a global center of research and innovation in this Amrit Kaal, Science and Technology-related research must reach to the local level; Dr Jitendra Singh

Posted On: 01 JAN 2023 2:33PM by PIB Delhi

In a media interaction on the first day of the New Year, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, 2023 Science Vision will define India at 2047.

Dr Jitendra Singh added that the year 2023 also happens to be the first of the last 25 years or the last quarter of the calendar before independent India turns 100 at 2047 and realizes its century dreams.

This is also the year, the Minister said, when India under PM Narendra Modi reiterates its stature in the international fora as the host of G20 as well as the Nation on whose proposal the world is observing International Year of Millets.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, “The future belongs to those who have innovative ideas and out-of-box goals, and have the conviction and courage to achieve the same. The Minister emphasized that today we have a Prime Minister, who not only thinks out of box, but inspires 130 Crore Indians to take decisions with courage of conviction.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s penchant for “Innovation”, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out to his Independence Day address, where he had said, “Till today we always remember our revered Lal Bahadur Shastri ji for his inspirational clarion call of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan meaning “Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer". Later Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji added a new link of Jai Vigyan which meant “hail science” and we gave it utmost importance. But in this new phase Amrit Kaal now it is imperative to add jai anusandhaan that is “hail innovation”. “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Jai Anusandhaan.”

Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that in the Centre –State Science Conclave held in September, 2022 also, Modi had highlighted that in order to make India a global center of research and innovation in this Amrit Kaal, we have to work on many fronts simultaneously and stressed the need to take science and technology-related research to the local level.

Departments dealing with Science and Technology have already outlined their focus and thrust areas for the year 2023.

ISRO, after the opening up of Space Sector to private participants on the intervention of PM Modi, today has more than 100 StartUps in a short span of time. At the same time, its focus is on scientific exploration missions, Technology Demonstration missions and Human spaceflight programme “Gaganyan'' which will land an Indian on the surface of Moon.

The department of Biotechnology (DBT) would take forward the successes of COVID-19 vaccine mission by investing in improvement of vaccines for the existing and emerging diseases. Significantly, major missions would also be launched on millets and patho-genomics of plant viruses in the International Year of Millets.

CSIR in 2023 will also focus on Green Hydrogen as it has already made a headway in Green Hydrogen indigenous as part of clean energy mission.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will focus on Deep Sea mission & technologies which will add value to India’s economy in the years to come. 2023 will also witness further headway in Blue Economy. Significantly, PM Modi referred to Deep Ocean Mission twice in his Independence Day address, first in 2021 and then again in 2022.

Department of Atomic Energy, DAE in its contribution to India’s Electoral Management will deliver about 21.00 lakh equipment for the Election Commission of India which includes Ballot Units (BU), Control Units(CU) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to be completed by ECIL by Sept/Oct 2023.

PM to address 108th Indian Science Congress on 3rd January

 

PM to address 108th Indian Science Congress on 3rd January

Posted On: 01 JAN 2023 10:47AM by PIB Delhi

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) on 3rd January, 2023 at 10:30 AM via video conferencing. 

The focal theme of this year's ISC is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment”. It will witness discussions on issues of sustainable development, women empowerment and the role of science & technology in achieving this. The participants will discuss and deliberate on ways to increase the number of women in higher echelons of teaching, research and industry, along with trying to find ways to provide women with equal access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, research opportunities and economic participation. A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology will also be held, which will also witness lectures by renowned women scientists. 

Several other programmes will also be organised alongside ISC. Children’s Science Congress will also be organised to help stimulate scientific interest and temperament among children. Farmer’s Science Congress will provide a platform to improve the bio-economy and attract youth to agriculture. Tribal Science Congress will also be held, which will also be a platform for scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge system and practice, along with focusing on the empowerment of tribal women.

The first session of the Congress was held in 1914. The 108th annual session of ISC will be held at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, which is also celebrating its centenary this year.