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GS Paper: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

  • Ningaloo Reef Mass Coral Mortality 

    Why in the News?

    A new survey in 2025 shows that nearly 70% of corals in Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Reef have died due to the most intense and prolonged marine heatwave on record.

    About Ningaloo Reef  

    • Located in Western Australia.
    • A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • One of the largest fringing reefs in the world (~260 km long).
    • Important for marine biodiversity, supporting whale sharks, turtles, reef sharks, and diverse coral species.

    Extent of Coral Mortality

    • ~70% mortality recorded in latest survey.
    • In eight northern lagoon sites (Osprey → Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zones), mortality >60%.
    • Of 1,600+ corals assessed in March, only ~600 survived by October.

    Species Impact

    • Highly Affected (Dominant Species Lost)

        • Staghorn corals: Acropora tenuis, Acropora millepora and Acropora spicifera
        • Thin birdsnest coral (Seriatopora hystrix).

    • Relatively Resilient

      • Veron’s tube coral (Echinopora ashmorensis)
      • Lesser knob coral (Cyphastrea microphthalma)
    • Structural decline:
      • Dead corals now overgrown by sponges, turf algae, reducing reef stability & biodiversity.

    Broader Ecological Significance

    • Coral reefs support ~1/3 of global marine species.
    • Mass mortality compromises: Fish breeding grounds, Shelter for marine organisms, Coastal protection and Tourism & local economies.

    Widespread Global Coral Stress

    According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

    • 84.4% of the world’s reef areas experienced bleaching-level heat stress (Jan 2023–Sept 2025).
    • Mass bleaching in 83+ countries.
    • Marine heatwaves in 2023 lasted 4× longer than the long-term average and affected 96% of the world’s oceans.
    The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 ∘ C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 ∘ C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? 

    1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 

    2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 

    3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 

    4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

  • Aravalli Hills: 90% Lose Protection, FSI Red-Flag Ignored

    Why in the News?

    • On 20 Nov 2025, the Supreme Court approved the government’s definition of Aravalli Hills as any hill 100 m or higher above local ground.
    • Problem: This definition excludes 90% of Aravalli hills, making them open for mining and construction.

    Background

    • The Aravalli Range runs from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and Rajasthan.
    • It is oldest fold mountains in India and plays a key role in ecology, dust control, groundwater, and wildlife corridors.
    • In 2024, the SC asked the government to create a uniform Aravalli definition.

    FSI’s Warning

    • Lower hills (20–100 m) act as natural windbreaks, blocking sand and dust from Thar desert.
    • Removing protection risks:
      • Higher air pollution in NCR
      • Loss of wildlife corridors
      • Impact on agriculture and farmer livelihoods
    If there were no Himalayan ranges, what would have been the most likely geographical impact on India? (2010)

    1. Much of the country would experience the cold waves from Siberia. 

    2. Indo-gangetic plain would be devoid of such extensive alluvial soils. 

    3. The pattern of monsoon would be different from what it is at present. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only 

    (b) 1 and 3 only 

    (c) 2 and 3 only 

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    The profound geographical and ecological functions of a major mountain range, which directly parallels the catastrophic risks associated with losing the Aravallis.

  • Pazhayar River Pollution in Nagercoil

    Why in the News?

    • Rampant sewage discharge into the Pazhayar River in Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu), especially near Ozhuginesary, has raised serious environmental and public health concerns.
    • A 2024 situational report highlighted severe domestic, agricultural, and industrial (rubber processing) pollution in the river.
    • Nagercoil Corporation has initiated steps to seal sewage inlets, but pollution remains widespread.

    About the Pazhayar River

    • A perennial river in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
    • Part of the Kodhayar River Basin, covering 1,646.964 sq km.
    • Basin lies entirely within Tamil Nadu, with a small stretch in Radhapuram (Tirunelveli district).

    Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (2017)

    (a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood 

    (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems 

    (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems 

    (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions

  • African Grey Parrot Trade in India

    Why in the News?

    • A series of RTI applications filed by The Hindu across 19 States/UTs revealed that most State Forest Departments have no records of breeders, pet shops, or ownership registrations for the African Grey Parrot, despite the species being widely available in pet markets.
    • Only Kerala reported receiving 17 breeder licence applications through the PARIVESH portal, exposing major gaps in India’s monitoring of exotic species trade.

    About Species Profile

    • African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
    • IUCN Status: Endangered
    • CITES Status: Appendix I (Highest level of protection; commercial international trade highly restricted)
    • WPA 1972: Listed under Schedule IV (post-2022 amendments)

    Legal & Regulatory Framework (India)

    Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024

    • Mandatory registration of all exotic live species on PARIVESH 2.0.
    • Applies to: Pet owners, Pet shops and Breeders.

    Breeders of Species Licence Rules, 2023

    To breed any CITES Appendix I species, an applicant must possess:

    • Breeding Licence from State Chief Wildlife Warden
    • CITES Import Permit
    • DGFT Import Licence Number
    • NOC from State Chief Wildlife Warden prior to import

    Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972

    • African Grey Parrot → Schedule IV
    • Illegal possession/trade punishable under WPA
    With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

    (1) IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments. 

    (2) IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments. 

    (3) CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

    (a) 1 only 

    (b) 2 and 3 only 

    (c) 1 and 3 only 

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • HMDA to use bioremediation to clean up Hussainsagar lake

    Why in the News?

    The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has announced a new advanced bioremediation initiative using enzyme solutions and biochar-based Bokashi balls to clean and restore Hussainsagar Lake, which has long suffered from algal blooms, foul odour, sewage inflow, and industrial pollution.

    About Hussainsagar Lake

    • A 16th-century artificial lake in Hyderabad.
    • Faces severe pollution due to:
      • Sewage inflow
      • Nutrient overload (nitrates, phosphates)
      • Industrial waste
    • Problems: algal blooms, foul odour, low Dissolved Oxygen (DO), high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).

    What Is Bioremediation?

    • Definition: Use of microorganisms, enzymes, or biological materials to break down pollutants and restore ecosystems.
    • Types relevant here:
      • In-situ bioremediation – treating the lake onsite without removing water.
      • Bio-augmentation – adding microbial cultures to enhance degradation.
      • Aerobic/oxygenation systems – boost DO to improve water quality.

    New Intervention Planned by HMDA

    • Enzyme Solutions

        • Enhance microbial breakdown of organic pollutants.
        • Help reduce nutrient load responsible for algal blooms.

    • Bokashi Balls (with Biochar)

      • Bokashi = fermented organic matter rich in beneficial microbes.
      • Biochar:
        • Carbon-rich material produced from biomass.
        • Increases microbial activity, absorbs toxins, improves water clarity.
      • Purpose:
        • Reduce algae, odour, pathogenic bacteria.
        • Increase water transparency and DO levels.
    In the context of solving pollution problems what is/are the advantage/disadvantages of bioremediation technique? (2017)

    1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 

    2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 

    3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Thermal Power Plants Near Delhi Operating Without FGD

    Why in the news?

    Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply in November 2025. A major contributing factor identified is the continued operation of several thermal power plant units within a 300-km radius of Delhi without Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.

    What is FGD?

    Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a pollution-control technology used in thermal power plants and industrial units to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from exhaust flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere.

    Status of FGD Installation 

    Thermal Power Plants within 300 km of Delhi

    • Total plants: 11
    • Total units: 35
    • Units with FGD (as of Apr 2025): 13
    • Units without FGD: 22
    • Units currently operating without FGD (Nov 2025): 15
    • Units shut/reserve shutdown: 6

    States & Operators

    • Haryana (HPGCL): Panipat TPS, Yamuna Nagar TPS.
    • Punjab (PSPCL): Guru Hargobind TPS and Ropar TPS.
    • Private: Talwandi Sabo (Vedanta).

    Why SO₂ Emissions Matter?  

    • SO₂ converts into secondary PM2.5, the most harmful pollutant for human health.
    • Causes: Respiratory diseases, Acid rain and Visibility reduction (smog)
    • Travels long distances, affecting entire regions beyond plant boundaries.
    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions? (2024)

    (a) Locomotives using fossil fuels 

    (b) Ships using fossil fuels 

    (c) Extraction of metals from ores 

    (d) Power plants using fossil fuels

  • CPCB to monitor Yamuna with Delhi and Haryana

    Why In The News?

    Drain water overflow is contaminating the Yamuna, prompting the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to inform the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will jointly conduct quarterly monitoring to track pollution and coordinate corrective action.

    1) About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

    • Legal Status: The NMCG is a registered society under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prevent, control, and abate pollution in the Ganga River and ensure adequate ecological flow.
    • Origin: It functioned as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 until the NGRBA was replaced by the National Ganga Council in 2016.
    • Objectives:
      • Ensure pollution abatement and rejuvenation of the Ganga through a river basin approach.
      • Maintain minimum ecological flows for water quality and sustainable development.
    • Structure:
      • Has a two-tier structure: a Governing Council and an Executive Committee, both headed by the Director General (DG).
      • The Executive Committee can approve projects up to ₹1000 crores.
      • State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) act as implementing arms at the state level.
      • The DG is an Additional Secretary in the Government of India.

    2) About National Green Tribunal (NGT):

    • Purpose: The NGT ensures efficient and expert resolution of environmental disputes and aims to resolve cases within six months.
    • Independence: Operates based on principles of natural justice, not the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, enabling faster decisions.
    • Jurisdiction: Began functioning in 2011 with its principal bench in New Delhi and regional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. It follows a circuit procedure for accessibility.
    • Composition:
      • Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court, appointed by the Central Government.
      • Judicial Members: 10-20 judges from the Supreme Court or High Courts.
      • Expert Members: 10-20 experts with advanced degrees in Science/Engineering/Technology and environmental experience.
    • Powers & Jurisdiction:
      • Handles civil cases under major environmental laws such as the Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, Environment Protection Act 1986, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Biological Diversity Act 2002, and Public Liability Insurance Act 1991.
      • Can impose penalties, act as a Civil Court, and follow the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for certain procedures.
      • Has suo motu powers to take up environmental issues on its own.
      • Can award compensation, order remediation, and ensure time-bound disposal of cases.

    3) About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

    • Establishment: The CPCB is a statutory organisation created under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and later empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Role: Acts as a technical arm of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for enforcing the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Functions:
      • Promote cleanliness of streams and wells and control water pollution.
      • Improve air quality and abate air pollution nationwide.
      • Advise the Central Government on pollution control and coordinate with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
      • Offer guidance, technical support, and help resolve conflicts among SPCBs.
    • Delegated Powers: CPCB delegates its authority under the Water Act, Water Cess Act (1977), and Air Act to regional administrations in Union Territories.
    • Standards & Guidelines:
      • Develops standards for ambient air quality, water quality, and industrial emissions.
      • Prepares manuals, codes, and guidelines for sewage treatment, effluent disposal, and pollution-control devices.
      • Issues Minimal National Standards (MINAS) for various industries regarding effluents, emissions, noise, and waste.
    [UPSC 2016] Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?,

    1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.,

    2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.,

    3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.,

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 2 and 3 only, (c) 1 and 3 only, (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Crop-residue burning turning India into global methane hotspot, UN report warns

    Why In The News?

    India has been identified as a major methane-emission hotspot from crop-residue burning, according to a UN report released on November 17, 2025 at COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Stubble burning, already a key air-pollution source, is now flagged as a major climate threat, and reducing it would benefit both public health and the climate.

    1) Key Findings of the Report:

    • Global Ranking: India is the world’s third-largest methane emitter after China and the United States, releasing 31 million tonnes annually.
    • G20 Contribution: The G20 countries, including India, account for 65% of global methane emissions, while total global emissions are 360 million tonnes per year.
    • Future Outlook: The report notes that although methane levels are rising, emissions could decline by 2030 with strong mitigation efforts.
    • Climate & Food Benefits: Reducing methane is one of the fastest and most effective climate actions, also lowering crop losses and improving food security, as highlighted by UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

    2) India’s Methane Profile:

    • Major Sources: India’s key methane sources include livestock (enteric fermentation, manure) and rice cultivation, with crop-residue burning becoming a major emerging hotspot.
    • Waste-Management Impact: Waste-burning methane emissions increased from 4.5 million tonnes (1995) to 7.4 million tonnes (2020) – a 64% rise, compared to a 43% global increase.
    • Sector-wise Emissions (2020): India generated 20 million tonnes of methane from agriculture and 4.5 million tonnes from the energy sector in 2020.

    3) About Methane:

    • Basic Definition: Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, made of one carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH₄).
    • Key Properties: It is odourless, colourless, tasteless, lighter than air, and burns with a blue flame during complete combustion, producing CO₂ and H₂O.
    • Role as Natural Gas: Methane is the primary component of natural gas, widely used as a fuel.
    • Greenhouse Gas Importance: Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO₂).
    • Global Warming Potential: It has a 20-year GWP of 84, meaning it traps 84 times more heat than CO₂ over the same period.
    • Atmospheric Lifetime: Although highly potent, methane is short-lived in the atmosphere compared to CO₂.
    • Contribution to Warming: It is responsible for about 30% of global temperature rise since the pre-industrial era.
    • Ozone Formation: Methane also helps form ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant.

    4) Global Methane Pledge(GMP):

    • About the Pledge: Launched at COP26 (2021) by the United States and the European Union to catalyse action on methane reduction.
    • Membership: Nearly 130 countries have joined; collectively responsible for 45% of global human-caused methane emissions.
    • Targets: Countries commit to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
    • Climate Impact: A 30% reduction could avoid 0.2°C warming by 2050, supporting the 1.5°C target.
    • India’s Status: India is not a participant, despite being among the top five global methane emitters, mainly from agriculture.

    5) Global Methane Initiative (GMI):

    • Nature of Initiative: An international public-private partnership promoting methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.
    • Technical Support: Provides technical assistance to implement methane-to-energy projects worldwide.
    • Country Participation: Helps partner nations deploy methane utilisation projects; India is a partner country.

    6) Methane Alert and Response System (MARS):

    • Purpose: A data-to-action system delivering reliable and actionable methane-emission data for mitigation.
    • Launch: Announced at COP27 (2022); pilot phase began in January 2023.
    • Technology: Uses satellite-based detection to identify major methane sources globally.
    • Action Mechanism: Provides notifications to countries and companies, enabling rapid response and emission reduction.
    • Partnerships: Operates with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
    • Core Components: Detection, notification, response, and progress tracking for emission control.

    7) International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO):

    • Establishment: Launched at the G20 Leaders’ Summit (2021).
    • Initial Focus: Concentrated on methane emissions from the fossil fuel sector.
    • Data Integration: Combines information from scientific studies, satellites (via MARS), OGMP 2.0 reporting, and national inventories.
    • OGMP 2.0 Role: UNEP’s flagship programme to enhance accuracy and transparency of methane reporting in the oil and gas industry.

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following:

    1. Carbon monoxide

    2. Methane

    3. Ozone

    4. Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

     

  • NCDC flags study on rising antibiotic resistance in India

    Why In The News?

    The NCDC has rejected a Lancet study claiming that over 50% of Indian patients undergoing a specific gastrointestinal procedure are colonised with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), calling the findings inaccurate.

    1) What is Antibiotic Resistance:

    • Definition: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) become resistant to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics.
    • Impact on Treatment: Standard treatments become ineffective, leading to persistent infections that can spread to others.
    • Natural Phenomenon: Resistance develops naturally as bacteria evolve, reducing the effectiveness of drugs.
    • Superbugs: Microorganisms that develop AMR are often called “superbugs.”
    • Global Threat: The WHO identifies AMR as one of the top ten global health threats.

    2) Causes of Antibiotic Resistance:

    • High Disease Burden: A high prevalence of communicable diseases (tuberculosis, diarrhoea, respiratory infections) increases antimicrobial use.
    • Weak Public Health System: An overburdened health system limits diagnostic capacity, leading to improper treatment.
    • Poor Infection Control: Hygiene lapses in hospitals and clinics promote the spread of resistant bacteria.
    • Misuse of Antibiotics: Overprescription, self-medication, incomplete antibiotic courses, and unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics accelerate resistance.
    • Easy Access: Unregulated over-the-counter antibiotic availability increases inappropriate use.
    • Lack of Awareness: Low public awareness about AMR contributes to misuse of antibiotics.
    • Inadequate Surveillance: Limited monitoring systems hinder tracking and understanding of AMR spread.

    3) Implications of AMR:

    • Healthcare Impact: AMR makes previously effective antibiotics ineffective, causing prolonged illnesses, severe symptoms, and higher mortality from common infections such as pneumonia, UTIs, and skin infections.
    • Increased Healthcare Costs: Resistant infections require costlier drugs, longer hospital stays, and sometimes invasive procedures, raising expenses for patients, health systems, and governments.
    • Challenges in Medical Procedures: AMR increases risks in surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants because infections may not respond to standard antibiotics.
    • Limitations in Treatment Options: Growing resistance reduces the availability of effective antibiotics, potentially creating a post-antibiotic era where common infections become untreatable and potentially fatal.

    4) About National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC):

    • Organizational Affiliation: NCDC functions under the Indian Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    • Purpose: Established as a national centre of excellence for the control of communicable diseases.
    • Leadership: The Director, an officer of the Public Health sub-cadre of Central Health Service, serves as the administrative and technical head of the institute.
    • Headquarters: Located in New Delhi.
    • Branches: NCDC has 8 regional branches at Alwar (Rajasthan), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Kozhikode (Kerala), Coonoor (Tamil Nadu), Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Patna (Bihar), Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).
    [UPSC 2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people

    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases

    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming

    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. Options: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

     

  • SC allows CAQM to take ‘proactive’ measures to curb Delhi air pollution

    Why In The News?

    The Supreme Court allowed CAQM full freedom to take proactive anti-pollution measures in Delhi-NCR, including applying GRAP-IV options like work-from-home and 50% office attendance during the ongoing GRAP-III stage.

    About the Judgement:

    • Supreme Court’s Direction: SC empowered CAQM to take proactive pollution-control measures in Delhi-NCR.
    • Bench Observation: CJI Gavai urged stakeholder consultation.
    • Key Proposals: Early use of GRAP-IV measures, vehicle exemptions, staggered timings, and congestion control.
    • Additional Proposals: CAQM proposed advancing GRAP measures, enforcing congestion control, notifying vehicle aggregator policies, reviewing school sports during pollution months, and adopting long-term steps like EV policy review and higher charges on luxury diesel SUVs

    2) What is CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management)?

    • About: A statutory body managing air quality in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas, created under the CAQM Act, 2021, replacing the earlier EPCA (1998) and initially introduced via a 2020 ordinance.
    • Structure: Chairperson is a senior government official (Secretary/Chief Secretary); includes 5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members; 3 NGO members; supported technically by CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog.
    • Functions: Responsible for monitoring, coordinating, and implementing air quality policies, researching pollution sources, proposing mitigation strategies, and raising public awareness.
    • Powers: Holds jurisdiction over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan; can issue binding directions, restrict polluting activities, enforce environmental rules, act against non-compliance, and initiate complaints under the CAQM Act, 2021.

    3) What is GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan)?

    • About: A pre-emptive and emergency framework to control Delhi-NCR air pollution; created under Supreme Court directions in C. Mehta vs Union of India (2016); notified in 2017 and implemented by CAQM, MoEFCC, and State authorities; operates through four graded stages linked to AQI levels.
    • Stages of GRAP:
      Stage I – Poor (AQI 201–300): Road dust control and enforcement of PUC norms.
      Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301–400): Limits on diesel generators and actions in pollution hotspots.
      Stage III – Severe (AQI 401–450): Vehicle restrictions, construction curbs, and remote schooling
      Stage IV – Severe+ (AQI > 450): Ban on heavy vehicles, school closures, and shutdown of non-essential industries.
    • Purpose: To ensure a graded, coordinated, time-bound response that prevents air quality from escalating to hazardous levels.

    4)Air Quality Monitoring Measures:

    1) AQI (Air Quality Index)

    • Launched in 2014 with the concept “One Number – One Color – One Description” for easy public understanding.
    • Developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
    • Based on 8 pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, Pb.
    • Contains six air quality categories ranging from Good to Severe.

    2) SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research)

    • Provides location-specific, real-time air quality information for major Indian metropolitan cities.
    • Introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, developed by IITM Pune.
    • Measures pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, O3, CO, NOx, SO2, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Mercury.
    • Uses Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS); an example includes the one commissioned by the Indian Army in Kolkata.

    3) NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards)

    • Set by CPCB in 2009 under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Covers 12 pollutants, including SO2, NO2, PM10, PM2.5, O3, Pb, CO, NH3, Benzene, Benzopyrene, As, Ni.
    • Specifies annual and 24-hour standards for industrial, residential, rural, and ecologically sensitive areas.

    4) NAMP (National Air Quality Monitoring Programme)

    • Executed by CPCB to monitor ambient air quality across India.
    • Network includes 800+ stations in 344 cities/towns, covering 28 states and 6 UTs.
    • Objectives: track air quality trends, assess compliance with NAAQS, identify non-attainment cities.
    • Monitors SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 along with meteorological factors like wind speed, humidity, and temperature.

    5) WHO Ambient Air Quality Database

    • A global database compiling annual mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2.
    • First released in 2011; updated periodically—2023 is the sixth update.
    • Linked to WHO’s 2021 Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which tightened acceptable pollution limits.
    [UPSC 2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:

    1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³.

    2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.

    3. PM 10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.

    4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only* (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only