Tag:Air pollution

The environment minister requested authorities from NCR states and union territories to submit concrete action taken reports on air pollution management efforts undertaken in...

A landmark study and a sweeping legal move have thrust India’s air-quality crisis into the spotlight, urging policymakers and courts alike to treat polluted air not just as an environmental issue but a full-blown public health emergency.

Factors that affect ozone generation include solar radiation, humidity, precipitation and the presence of precursors – substances that lead to the formation of a pollutant through a chemical reaction – such as methane, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Cities like Stockholm, Kigali, and Bengaluru offer examples of successful waste management strategies that have drastically reduced open waste burning. These cities demonstrate that change is possible with strong political will, effective policies, and public engagement.

Nearly half of PM2.5 pollution in the worst-affected countries comes from the burning of fossil fuels, biomass, and agricultural waste – also major contributors to climate change. As extreme weather events worsen due to climate change, air pollution is expected to become an even greater threat, UNICEF warned.

The Supreme Court of India has cast doubt on the continued closure of schools in Delhi-NCR due to air pollution. In a hearing today, the court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to review its decision, particularly for grades 10 to 12.

Carbon deposits have been found in the lungs of children as young as four undergoing unrelated surgeries. This condition, known as anthracosis or “black lungs,” is usually observed in adults exposed to heavy smoke and dust, such as coal miners and smokers.

Local authorities have also been called to action, implementing measures such as increasing the frequency of dust suppression operations and enhancing public transport systems...