05/11/2020 - Environment

KEY POINTS

·        A considerable contribution to aggravated levels of pollution in the winters is due to inversion-triggered long periods of low ventilation and a consequent build-up of pollutants.

·        If high emission peaks of the fuel burning and combustion cycles (fires, fuel burning, shutdowns, etc) are only allowed during periods of good ventilation, build-up is avoided, but the same processes of burning fuel during the periods of low ventilation in winter evenings will add to pollution by trapping the emissions within.

·        With a considerable part of pollution coming from natural/area sources also, especially dust, we may need to re-examine the ambient air quality standards that are currently difficult to achieve.

·        Under such circumstances, it could be advisable to reconsider the standards, based on the contribution of area sources and meteorological conditions; otherwise, we may have to freeze all further development that is likely to cause an increase in pollution beyond the prescribed standards.

·        The Environment Protection Rules, 1986, provide that the ambient air quality shall not be allowed to increase beyond the prescribed standards. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has evolved the air pollution index.

·        Crop stubble burning has been established to play a very significant role in the deterioration of air quality. There is an immediate need to regulate this. If stubble burning is inevitable, it could be allowed by permit only.

·        Residual crops could be harvested and utilised in energy production, biogas generation, commercial feedstock for cattle, composting, and conversion in biochar, or as raw material.

·        Storage of desilted sludge on roads and embankments has to be prohibited. Staggered business timings, particularly restricting business hours during winter nights, may reduce the emission build-up during fumigation periods.

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