Recently, Principal Scientific Adviser inaugurated a Brainstorming Workshop at India International Centre, New Delhi. "National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI)" has been developed by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru
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Principal Scientific Adviser inaugurated a Brainstorming Workshop at India International Centre, New Delhi to kick start an ambitious National Mission on "National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI).
- National Mission on "National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI)" developed by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru with the support from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (O/o PSA) to the Government of India.
- The framework will provide an all-inclusive guide to collecting air quality data, studying its impact and implementing science-based solutions.
What is NAFRI?
- The NARFI is an information mechanism to help decision-makers in government, municipalities, start-ups and in the private sectors to address air pollution issues in different climatic zones of India.
- Research-based audited Information and industry-oriented solutions will be shared in an easy-to-understand format.
- The short-term basic training modules tailored for different groups such as active ground level staff in government establishments, implementers, media and policymakers, would be an integral part of the framework.
National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI) Themes
The NARFI will evolve around the following five modules:
- THEME-1: Emission Inventory, Air Shed, and Mitigation
- THEME-2: Impacts on Human Health and Agriculture
- THEME-3: Integrated Monitoring, Forecasting and Advisory Framework
- THEME-4: Outreach, Social Dimension, Transition Strategy and Policy
- THEME-5: Solutions, Public-Industry Partnership, Stubble Burning & New Technologies.
What is the Need of NAFRI?
- We are largely dependent on the models created in the west to tackle this problem.
- The NARFI will enable knowledge creation, developing infrastructure and industrial structures and studying its effects on human health in the country which is India specific.
- There is absence of authenticated and integrated information on air quality in the country. To fulfil this vacuum, a science-based integrated air quality resource framework is needed.
What is Air pollution?
Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that is detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole.
Source of Air Pollution
Nitrogen dioxide: It is one of the major pollutants and major sources of NOx include emissions from motor vehicle exhaust, industrial facilities, and chemical solvents.
- Agriculture & Allied Sources: Ammonia (NH3) -It is another gaseous pollutant that is monitored.
- It occurs naturally in air, soil and water, and is used as an agricultural fertilizer and in cleaning products.
- Short-term inhalation of high levels of ammonia can cause irritation and serious burns in the mouth, lungs and eyes.
Stubble burning: It is also one of the major sources of air pollution in northern India, especially in winters.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2): They emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels have, historically, been the main component of air pollution in many parts of the world.
- The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is burning fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities.
- Short-term exposure to SO2 can harm the respiratory system, making breathing more difficult.
Particulate Matter: Particulate matter (PM) are inhalable and respirable particles composed of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water.
- Both PM2.5 and PM10 are capable of penetrating deep into the lungs but PM2.5 can even enter the bloodstream, primarily resulting in cardiovascular and respiratory impacts, and also affecting other organs.
- In 2013, outdoor air pollution and particulate matter were classified as carcinogenic by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Carbon monoxide (CO): It is a toxic, colorless and odorless gas, given off when fuel containing carbon, such as wood, coal and petrol, are burned.
- Major sources of methane include waste and fossil fuel and agricultural industry.
Ozone (O3): It occurs both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. At the ground, O3 is created by the chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds.
- It is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, refineries and other sources chemically react in presence of sunlight.
- It can trigger a variety of health problems, including chest pain, throat irritation and airway inflammation.
Steps Taken by Government
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Household LPG program and other schemes have helped to dramatically expand access to clean energy, especially for rural households.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- It was launched in 2019) now renamed National Clear Air Mission which aims to reduce the particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations in the air by 20–30% by 2024.
Commission for Air Quality Management
- The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, 2020 — with a provision for a fine of Rs 1 crore and/or jail for 5 years for those violating air pollution norms.
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