Air Pollution

CHILDHOOD VULNERABILITY TO PM2.5: CHALLENGES, MEASURES, & THE WAY FORWARD

Short-term exposure to PM2.5, especially from landscape fires and urban pollution, significantly increases hospital admissions among children and adolescents for respiratory, infectious, cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, and other illnesses. Children aged 5–9 years and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly vulnerable.

India has implemented measures like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), air quality monitoring, and crop residue management to reduce PM2.5 exposure. However, challenges persist due to high ambient pollution, indoor smoke, socioeconomic disparities, and gaps in awareness.

A multi-pronged approach involving regulation, clean energy adoption, indoor air quality improvement, public awareness, and child-specific protective measures is essential to safeguard children’s health and reduce the long-term impacts of air pollution.

CLOUD SEEDING TO COMBAT AIR POLLUTION: MEANING, PROCESS, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

As Delhi battles severe air pollution, IIT Kanpur’s cloud seeding plan offers short-term relief by dispersing silver iodide into clouds to trigger rain that clears pollutants. However, its effectiveness depends on weather, and concerns over cost, feasibility, and environmental impact demand long-term pollution control measures.

REAL TIME DECEPTION OF AIR & NOISE POLLUTION

India’s air and noise pollution monitoring systems face challenges like poorly placed sensors, data inaccuracies, and limited real-time noise data. While air quality monitoring has improved with real-time stations and the National Clean Air Programme, noise pollution lacks a strong national policy and effective enforcement. To protect public health and meet global standards, India must expand monitoring coverage, ensure data transparency through independent audits, align regulations with WHO guidelines, and integrate advanced technologies for better forecasting and action.

GREEN CRACKERS: BALANCING TRADITION, ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC HEALTH

Green crackers are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional firecrackers, designed to reduce air and noise pollution. They produce lower emissions of harmful gases and particulate matter, helping protect public health and the environment. Governments promote their use during festivals to balance cultural celebrations with environmental and health concerns.