Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management

Master of Business Administration (Financial Management)

2022-24

Paper No. 103: Management of Information Technology

ASSIGNMENT

“Study and analysis of air quality data

w.r.t. PM2.5 pollutant in the air of
Delhi/NCR in last 5 years.”

Group-6

1. CA Mayur Chandan
2. Shri Diptiman Patra
3. Ms. Meeta Rani Bishwal
4. Shri Dhirendra Kumar Satapathy
5. Shri Madhavendra Pratap Singh

September, 2022

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Topic: Study and analysis of air quality data w.r.t. PM2.5 pollutant in the air of
Delhi/NCR in last 5 years.
*****

1. Introduction:

Air pollution is responsible for many health problems in the urban areas. Of late,
the air pollution status in Delhi has undergone many changes in terms of the levels of
pollutants and the control measures taken to reduce them. The urban air database released
by the World Health Organization in September 2011 reported that Delhi has exceeded the
maximum PM10 limit by almost 10-times at 198 μg/m3. Vehicular emissions and
industrial activities were found to be associated with indoor as well as outdoor air
pollution in Delhi. Studies on air pollution and mortality from Delhi found that all-
natural-cause mortality and morbidity increased with increased air pollution.

2. How is Air Quality measured?

Air Quality is measured using a metric called Air Quality Index (AQI). AQI will
display the changes in air pollution in the atmosphere. Clean air is extremely important to
maintain good health and the environment. Our atmosphere is predominantly made up of 2
important gases that are vital for life on earth, these are Oxygen and Nitrogen. AQI keeps a
tab on 8 major air pollutants in the atmosphere namely,
1. Particulate Matter (PM10)
2. Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
6. Ozone (O3)
7. Ammonia (NH3)
8. Lead (Pb)

3. Air Quality Index

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed Air Quality Index in
consultation with IIT-Kanpur and air quality-professionals and experts. National Air Quality
Index was launched in 2014 to measure the air quality in terms of six categories. The AQI
values and corresponding ambient concentrations (health breakpoints) as well as associated
likely health impacts for the identified eight pollutants are as follows:

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 AQI Category, Pollutants and Health Breakpoints

AQI Category PM10 PM2.5 NO2 O3 CO SO2 NH3 Pb

(Range) 24-hr 24-hr 24-hr 8-hr 8-hr 24-hr 24-hr 24-hr
(mg/m3)

Good (0-50) 0-50 0-30 0-40 0-50 0-1.0 0-40 0-200 0-0.5

Satisfactory (51-100) 51-100 31-60 41-80 51-100 1.1-2.0 41-80 201- 0.5 –1.0
400

Moderately polluted 101-250 61-90 81-180 101- 2.1- 10 81-380 401- 1.1-2.0
(101-200) 168 800

Poor 251-350 91-120 181- 169- 10-17 381-800 801- 2.1-3.0

(201-300) 280 208 1200

Very poor 351-430 121- 281- 209- 17-34 801- 1200- 3.1-3.5
(301-400) 250 400 748* 1600 1800

Severe 430 + 250+ 400+ 748+* 34+ 1600+ 1800+ 3.5+

(401-500)

(Reference: PIB)

Air Quality Category Associated Health Impacts

Index
0-50 Good Minimal Impact
51-100 Satisfactory May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive
people.
101-200 Moderate May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung
disease such as asthma, and discomfort to people
with heart disease, children and older adults.
201-300 Poor May cause breathing discomfort to people on
prolonged exposure, and discomfort to people with
heart disease
301-400 Very Poor May cause respiratory illness to the people on
prolonged exposure. Effect may be more
pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases.
401-500 Severe May cause respiratory impact even on healthy
people, and serious health impacts on people with
lung/heart disease. The health impacts may be
experienced even during light physical activity.
(Reference: PIB)

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4. Particulate Matters (PMs)

The most common measurement used to measure air quality is PM 2.5 and PM10. It
measures the particles in micrograms per cubic metre. PM 2.5 refers to the concentration of
microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter and PM 10 refers to the concentration
of particles less than 10 microns in diameter.

The term ‘PM’ stands for Particulate Matter. It is a term used to define a mixture of
solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles such as dust, smoke, soot
are visible to the naked eye, but other particulate matters are too small that they are only
visible in the electron microscope. Some of the sources of PM are construction sites, fire,
fields, unpaved roads etc. Most of the particles are formed due to complex reactions of
chemicals such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These are the pollutants emitted by
automobiles, industries, power plants etc.

5. Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5):

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people's health
when levels in air are high. PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause
the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Outdoor PM 2.5 levels are most likely to be
elevated on days with little or no wind or air mixing.

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two
and one half microns or less in width. The widths of the larger particles in the PM 2.5 size
range would be about thirty times smaller than that of a human hair.

There are outdoor and indoor sources of fine particles. Outside, fine particles
primarily come from car, truck, bus and off-road vehicle (e.g., construction equipment,
locomotive) exhausts, other operations that involve the burning of fuels such as wood,
heating oil or coal and natural sources such as forest and grass fires. Fine particles also form
from the reaction of gases or droplets in the atmosphere from sources such as power plants.
These chemical reactions can occur miles from the original source of the emissions. Because
fine particles can be carried long distances from their source, events such as wildfires or
volcanic eruptions can raise fine particle concentrations hundreds of miles from the event.

PM2.5 is also produced by common indoor activities. Some indoor sources of fine
particles are tobacco smoke, cooking (e.g., frying, broiling), burning candles or oil lamps, and
operating fireplaces and fuel-burning space heaters (e.g., kerosene heaters).

The PM2.5 values and corresponding ambient concentrations (health breakpoints) have
been given in the following table:

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 PM2.5 Value Category
0-30 Good
31-60 Satisfactory
61-90 Moderate
91-120 Poor
121-250 Very Poor
250+ Severe

6. Negative effects of exposure to PM2.5:

Particles in the PM2.5 size range are able to travel deeply into the respiratory tract,
reaching the lungs. Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye,
nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath.
Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such
as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM 2.5 exposure
with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department
visits and deaths. Studies also suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may
be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased
mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems,
children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM2.5.

Depending on the health of a person, in general, PM 2.5 have different long and short
term negative health effects. When exposed to levels of PM 2.5 between to moderate -
hazardous range, one may experience the following effects:
 shortness of breath
 eye, nose and throat irritation
 excessive coughing and wheezing
 diminished lung function and lung disease
 diminished heart function, sometimes resulting in heart attack
 asthma attacks
 death

PM2.5 also damages the environment by increasing acidity in the soil and water bodies.
Which in turn affects their ability to produce food and support life.

7. Steps taken by the Government of India to tackle the problem of Air pollution:

Air quality regulation and actions for abatement of air pollution is undertaken under
various provisions of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 which prescribes the mechanism and authorities for handling the issue.
In order to address air pollution in the country, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India has undertaken several new initiatives besides
strengthening the on-going national-level as well as city-specific activities on air pollution
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mitigation, which are as under (Source: Annual Report 2021-22 of Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change):

(i). MoEF&CC has been implementing since 10th January, 2019, a National Clean Air
Programme (NCAP) as a national- level strategy outlining the actions for reducing the
levels of air pollution at city and regional scales in India. The NCAP targets to achieve 20 to
30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 (base 2019) across the country.
NCAP is implemented in targeted 132 cities.

(ii). Various committees are constituted to monitor the focused cities at Central, State and
city level viz. Apex Committee headed by Hon’ble Minister EFCC, Steering Committee
headed by Secretary, a Monitoring committee headed by Joint Secretary (CP), MoEF&CC
and Implementation Committee under Chairman (CPCB).

(iii). Under NCAP, MoUs are to be signed between CPCB, SPCB and ULB, to ensure
implementation of city specific targets prescribed in the NCAP guidelines framed by
MoEF&CC. NCAP focuses on preparation and implementation of national level action plan,
state level action plans & city level action plans of the targeted 132 cites. City Action Plans
have been rolled out for implementation in 132 identified cities. The national level plan will
include the action plans of different Ministries/ Departments of Government of India. This
includes convergence of schemes/ programmes of different Ministries/ Departments for
improving the air quality.

(iv). To help the States/UTs implement the action plans, MoEF&CC is collaborating with
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and leading academic institutions in States for which
MoUs have been signed under NCAP. The Ministry has designated IIT Kanpur as the nodal
academic institution to coordinate with all other IITs/other leading Universities and with
States and to ensure collaboration between these institutions/ technical partners & their
respective SPCBs for effective implementation of NCAP.

(v). Considering air pollution as an important matter not only from an environmental point
of view but also for health safety, Hon’ble Prime Minister in his address during 15th August,
2020 had announced to improve air quality in more than 100 cities of the country.
Accordingly, efforts are made to prepare strategies and implement actions for reducing air
pollution. With this view, National Mission for Clean Air (NMCA) with the motto of ‘Clean
Air for All’ is envisaged.

(vi). MoEF&CC is also conducting regional workshops for sensitization, knowledge

sharing and capacity building of the stakeholders in the State. One such workshop was
organized for Western region and States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa
were sensitized about the NCAP and XV- FC grant for improvement in air quality.

(vii). MoEF&CC has also launched “PRANA” a portal for monitoring implementation of
NCAP on 7th September 2021. This ‘Portal for Regulation of Air pollution in Non-

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Attainment cities: (PRANA), has been developed for monitoring physical and financial
progress of city action plan implementation for improvement of air quality made in 132
identified cities and disseminating the information to public on www.prana.cpcb.gov.in.

(viii). Source Apportionment & Emission Inventory studies have been completed for 28
cities. Work is in progress in 60 cities and it is at proposal stage in 44 cities.

(ix). In order to tackle air pollution emergencies, Emergency Response System (ERS)
have been developed for 117 cities. It is in progress in 15 cities. Public Grievance Redressal
Portal (PGRP) has been prepared for 110 cities. Work for app development is in progress in
22 cities.

(x). Pilot studies have been taken up in Delhi for evaluation of air pollution mitigation
technologies. A pilot Smog tower, intended for localised reduction in air pollution, is being
operated from October 01, 2021 onwards at Anand Vihar, ISBT and its performance is being
evaluated by IIT Bombay in association with IIT Delhi for a period of 02 years, and decision
for future operation/replication will depend on these results.

(xi). A Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas

(CAQM) was constituted through promulgation of an Ordinance on 13th April, 2021 for
better co-ordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the air
quality index and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

(xii). The CAQM constituted a sub-committee for operationalization of Graded Response

Action Plan (GRAP) and issuing necessary orders to the effect, under which regular
meetings are held, and Orders are issued under GRAP for mitigation of air pollution in Delhi-
NCR.

8. Objectives of the Study:

Twenty-one of the world’s 30 cities with the worst levels of air pollution are in
India, according to data compiled in IQAir AirVisual’s 2019 World Air Quality Report; six
Indian cities are in the top ten. Among all the cities in India, some of the worst levels of air
pollution are seen in its capital territory, Delhi. The impacts are devastating, including in
the degree of particulate matter concentrations in the air (environmental), reduction in life
expectancy (health), and high costs that the state is incurring to resolve the crisis
(economic).

9. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the air quality status in Delhi in terms of PM 2.5
and analyse the same so as to consider the way-outs for improvements in the Air Quality in
Delhi. Accordingly, necessary measures for controlling the air pollution in Delhi can be
taken.

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10. An analysis of the Monthly City Average of PM2.5 in Delhi during 2014-2018 has
been given as under:

Months/ Years 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

January 252 208 281 180 265
February 163 163 145 124 159
March 98 88 96 91 110
April 123 90 115 112 94
May 113 118 90 107 93
June 107 97 65 70 82
July 82 56 42 43 39
August 93 61 41 45 39
September 65 72 60 65 44
October 163 139 154 180 142
November 243 267 301 301 221
December 244 243 238 240 243
Minimum 65 56 41 43 39
Maximum 252 267 301 301 265
Average 146 134 136 130 128

AQI Category AQI Range AQI Colour Code

Good 0-50
Satisfactory 51-100
Moderate 101-200
Poor 201-300
Very Poor 301-400
Severe 401-500

Yearwise comparison of PM2.5 in different months

350

300

250
2014
200 2015
2016
150 2017
2018
100

50

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12. Conclusion: From the above data and graph, it is observed that the level of PM 2.5 in
Delhi has been in ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’ category during the Winter Season i.e. during the
months of October to February, which has adversely affected the health of the residents of
Delhi.

13. The main sources of air pollution in Delhi include vehicle exhaust, heavy industry
such as power generation, small-scale industries like brick kilns, suspended dust on the
roads due to vehicle movement and construction activities, open waste burning, combustion
of fuels for cooking, lighting, and heating, and in-situ power generation via diesel generator
sets. Compounding the problem are seasonal emissions from dust storms, forest fires, and
open field fires during harvest season. Extreme air pollution from these sources affects
millions of people in densely populated regions who are exposed to thick, toxic smog for
long periods of time.

14. The most crucial reasons for the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi include
the city’s landlocked geographical location, crop burning in neighbouring states (Punjab,
Haryana and Rajasthan), vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and large-scale
construction activities.

15. A summary of variation in the emissions inventory for PM2.5 in five key sectors in
Delhi is as under:

Sector PM 2.5(%)
Transport 5.5-19.0
Industries 1.3-18.3
Power Plants 2.5-17.0
Road Dust 35.6-65.9
Construction 3.6-21.0
[Source: Air Pollution in Delhi: Filling the Policy Gaps – Arpan Chatterji ]

16. Recommendations: - Based on severity of PM 2.5 Level at National and Sub-

National Governments levels wide range of guidelines were issued. These are to be
implemented on Immediate scale as well as in long term. These are as below: -

16.1 Short Term / Immediate measure. The Commission for Air Quality Management in
the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas ("CAQM") has issued the revised Graded
Response Action Plan ("GRAP") for the National Capital Region of Delhi ("NCR") under
the provisions of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region
and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 ("Act").

The revised GRAP provides an action plan to address air pollution in Delhi-NCR based
on four different stages of adverse air quality:

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  Stage – I denotes 'poor' air quality (Air Quality Index is from 201 to 300);
 Stage - II denotes 'very poor' air quality (Air Quality Index is from 301 to 400);
 Stage – III denotes 'severe' air quality (Air Quality Index is from 401 to 450); and
 Stage – IV denotes 'severe+' air quality (Air Quality Index exceeds >450)
respectively.

For each stage of adverse air quality, GRAP prescribes different measures to deal with
various sources of pollution along with the names of agencies responsible for the
implementation of such measures.

It is noteworthy that restrictive measures prescribed under the subsequent stages of

adverse air quality will be implemented in addition to the action already being taken under
the previous stages. This means that when the air quality reaches 'severe+' stage, steps taken
under the previous stages, i.e., 'poor', 'very poor' and 'severe' will continue to be implemented
and all measures mentioned in GRAP will become effective until air the quality improves.

Mentioned below are certain important measures prescribed under the various
stages of GRAP:

Air Quality Prescribed Measures

Stage I – 'Poor' air  Prohibition on construction and demolition activities
quality’ at plots equal to or more than 500 sqm which have not
registered for remote monitoring with relevant authority.
 Strict vigilance and enforcement of norms to ensure
pollution under control in vehicles. Vehicles with visible
emissions will be impounded and / or levied maximum
penalty.
 Strict penal/ legal action against non-compliant and
illegal industrial units.
 Use of only approved fuel by industries and stringent
action against violations in this regard.
 Strict enforcement of all pollution control regulations
applicable for brick kilns and industries.
 Stringent enforcement of emission norms in thermal
power plants (located within 300 km radius of Delhi) and
strict actions against non-compliance.
 Power distribution companies to ensure minimum power
supply interruptions in Delhi NCR.
 Ensuring that diesel generator ("DG") sets are not used
as regular source of power supply.
 Spreading public awareness regarding social media and
mobile applications for reporting air pollution incidents

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 and for quick redressal of these complaints.
Stage II – 'Very Poor'  No use of coal/firewood in tandoors in hotel,
air quality restaurants and open eateries. These businesses should
ensure use of electricity or clean gas fuel based
appliances.
 Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to discourage use
of generator sets.
 Ban on use of DG sets except for emergent and
essential services including medical services, railway,
metro, projects of national importance and
telecommunication/data services. The regulated use of
DG sets will be allowed for industrial sector in
accordance with directions issued by CAQM on 08
February, 2022. However, these restrictions will not
apply on operation of CNG/PNG/LPG fired generators in
any sector.
 Enhancement in parking fees to discourage private
transport and augmentation of public transport facilities.
Stage III – 'Severe' air  Strict ban on construction and demolition activities in
quality Delhi NCR except for certain specified type of projects.
This restriction, however, will not apply on non-polluting
or non-dust generating activities in construction projects.
 In case of industrial operations:
o For industrial areas with PNG infrastructure and
supply, industries using fuels that are not
approved by CAQM will be closed.
o For industrial areas without PNG infrastructure
and supply, industries will be allowed to operate
for a maximum of 5 days a week till 31
December, 2022.
o With effect from 01 January, 2023, industries that
are not running on approved fuels will be closed.
o These restrictions will not apply for milk and
dairy units and manufacturers of life saving
equipments and drugs.
 Closure of brick kilns and hot mix plants not operating
on fuels approved by CAQM. Closure of stone crushers
and mining activities.
 Governments in Delhi NCR may impose restriction on
BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheeler light motor
vehicles.
Stage IV – 'Severe+' air  Four-wheeler diesel light motor vehicles will not be
quality allowed in NCT of Delhi and districts in NCR

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 bordering Delhi, except BS VI vehicles and vehicles
used for essential / emergency services. There will also
be restrictions on movement of trucks, medium and
heavy-goods vehicles.
 Closure of all industries in NCR not running on fuels
approved by CAQM. These restrictions will not apply
for milk and dairy units and manufacturers of life saving
equipment and drugs.
 Ban on construction and demolition activities in linear
public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power
transmission etc.
 State Governments can decide on the requirement for
public, municipal and private offices to work with 50%
strength. Central Government can decide on this aspect
for its offices.
 State Governments may also consider additional
emergency measures like closure of schools/colleges/
educational institutions, closure of non-emergency
commercial activities, plying of vehicles on odd-even
basis etc.

The revised GRAP prescribes pre-emptive measures for addressing air pollution
menace as restrictions under each category will be invoked at least three days prior to the Air
Quality Index reaching the projected levels in that stage.

16.2 Long Term Mitigation Measure: -Long Term measure:

Control of ambient particulate matter pollution requires action in several sectors and
the linkage of these actions for greatest impact. Various studies have estimated the
contribution of different Air Pollution in Delhi. The policy measures undertaken by Union
Ministries are given as under: -

Ministry
Ministry of Power
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stricter vehicle emissions regulation and
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Initiative
a reduction in PM emissions by coal power
plants, and in energy consumption by
energy-intensive industries
setting emission standards for the brick
manufacturing industry and facilitating
management of agricultural residues to
reduce stubble burning
upgrading of vehicles to more fuel-efficient
standards

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 Ministry of Urban Development enhancing availability of public transport

Another initiative is the ‘Clean Air for Delhi Campaign’ launched in early 2018. It
subsequently led to the launch of the National Clean Air Program that aims to sensitise the
public and enhance coordination between the implementing agencies for control of air
pollution.

16.3 Further recommendations/suggestions to improve the air quality of Delhi: -

1. For the development of the country, establishment of new industrial units cannot be
downgraded; however, effective control measures of pollution, and proper
installation of Air Pollution in Delhi - An analytical study of air pollution control
devices and their smooth functioning must be ensured before the establishment of
any industry. After the establishment of industry, proper functioning of the installed
controlling units must also be ensured.
2. Emission from construction industries / activities can be minimized by adopting best
practices such as; use of water sprays for dust suppression, creating ridges to
prevent dust, compaction of disturbed soil, prevention of dumping of earth materials
along road side etc.
3. Restrictions may be imposed over the number of vehicles owned by an/a
individual/family.
4. Fines should be imposed for the parking of vehicles on the roads.
5. Provision of parking space in any commercial establishment/shopping
mall/parks/residential apartments should be mandatory.
6. There should be strict restrictions on old polluting vehicles and subsidies can be
given on the vehicles running on cleaner fuels.
7. There should be strict checking of PUC certificates.
8. There should be more space for pedestrians and two-wheeler vehicles on the roads.
9. Up-gradation of public transport is necessary by improving service quality,
enhancing the number of buses, and better road management.
10. Improvement in traffic signal co-ordination for continuous traffic flow to reduce
traffic jam and idling time can also help to minimize pollution.
11. Corporate firms/ government offices may draw up an action plan to have bus/cab
service for their employees with reasonable rates.
12. Idea of working in different shifts for corporate firms / government offices to
minimize traffic at peak hours can be introduced.
13. Strict rules should be imposed for proper dumping and disposal of solid waste,
since unregulated burning results in pile-up of smoke and particulate matter in
concentrated form at one place. Regular functioning of all the installed solid waste
treatment facilities must also be ensured.
14. Vegetation cover should be increased along the highways, road dividers, and busy
traffic intersection points.

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 15. Mass awareness should be increased through electronic and print media for all age
groups towards sustaining the environment and to reduce pollution. Public should
also be motivated for the use of public transport.
16. Research and development for the battery-run buses/cars etc. needs to be
promoted.

16.4 More awareness needs to be created among policymakers and the general public about
the slow but substantial impact of ambient particulate matter and household air pollution.

******

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