What is in news : The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Bill to formalise the Commission for Air Quality Management For National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

Structure of the body:

• Full time chairperson
• Representatives from several Ministries
• Independent experts
• Task : Evolving policy and issuing directions to address air pollution in Delhi and the adjoining regions

MAHITI FOR PRELIMS

AIR-QUALITY IN DELHI

• According to air quality data compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Delhi is among the world’s most polluted cities.
• Particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM10 in Delhi, exceed national standards and the more stringent World Health Organization limits.
• Delhi needs a 65% reduction to meet the national standards for PM2.5. Delhi’s toxic air also contains high doses of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
• The lack of wind worsens the pollutant concentration. The Ministry of Earth Sciences published a research paper in October 2018 attributing almost 41% to vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust and 18% to industries. Emission testing of vehicles is only 25%.
• According to the WHO, India has the world’s highest death rate from chronic respiratory diseases and asthma. Air pollution also impacts the environment through reduced visibility, acid rain, and formation of ozone at the tropospheric level.