According to Air Pollution Data released by United States (US) Air Quality Index 2020 on November 30, 2020 Lahore, Pakistan topped the list of World’s most Polluted Cities. It reported a Particulate Matter (PM) rating of 423 (Hazardous). New Delhi with a PM of 229 (very unhealthy) came Second followed by Nepal’s Kathmandu with a PM of 178 (unhealthy).
Key Points:
i.To reduce the pollution, Pakistan has sealed around 613 Brick Kilns, 2, 148 industries and seized 8, 578 vehicles.
ii.According to AQI, the index between 0-50 is “Good”, 51-100 is “Moderate”, 101-150 is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”, 151-200 is “Unhealthy”, 201-300 is “Very Unhealthy”, 301-Higher is “Hazardous”.
Particulate Matter (PM):
i.Particulate Matter (PM) are small microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter which are suspended in air.
iii.Particulates can penetrate deep into lungs, blood streams and brain causing heart attacks, respiratory disease and premature death.
Sources of Particulate Matter:
Activities such as burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, stubble burning, power plants, road dust, wet cooling towers in cooling systems and other industrial processes generate a great amount of particulates.
Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020:
In October 2020, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the ordinance “Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020” for Air Quality Management in Delhi and other areas.
i.It will set up a permanent commission to work for better coordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding air quality index and other connected issues.
ii.The commission will have “exclusive jurisdiction” in the domain of air quality over all other bodies and authorities on aspects of air quality management.
Recent Related News:
i.On October 20, 2020, According to the 3rd State of Global Air 2020 (SOGA 2020) report, India recorded the highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration exposure in the world in 2019 followed by Nepal (2nd), and Niger (3rd).
ii.On October 29, 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind signed an ordinance for Air Quality Management in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
About Pakistan:
Prime Minister – Imran Khan
Capital – Islamabad
Currency – Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
