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 In line with international scenario, the earlier listed pollutant ‘Suspended Particulate Matter’ (SPM), has been withdrawn from the list of notified pollutants.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)
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)