Severe Pollution Crisis in NCR | 26 Oct 2024

Why in News?

The National Capital Region (NCR) faces hazardous air quality levels, exacerbated by farm fires and other factors.

Key Points

• Air Quality Index (AQI):
  • Panipat AQI reached 450, indicating “severe” pollution; other NCR areas also report rising levels.
  • AQI is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand.
  • AQI has been developed for eight pollutants viz. PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.
• Primary Causes:
  • Stubble burning in nearby states like Haryana and Punjab contributes heavily, alongside vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
  • The high pollution levels pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups, leading to calls for emergency measures.