Basic need for life is air, water and soil. The clean air provide a healthy environment and life. It has been seen that the quality of air is getting degrade due to anthropogenic activities as well as natural activities. Human activities such as blooming industrialization, urbanization, deforestation and other unsustainable activities cause air pollution. Air Pollution is an area of concern for everyone as it affects our health directly. As per WHO, globally, an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths are linked to ambient air pollution. Ailments like heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections have been linked to air pollution. In India, exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to over 1.2 million deaths in India in 20171.7 million deaths in 2019 which is 18% of the total death in the country. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has listed down some 122 cities which do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Under National Clean Air Plan (NCAP) efforts are being made on reducing the key air pollutant - (PM 10 and PM 2.5) by the year 2024, in a time framed manner, with the support of state pollution control boards. The 122 cities will be given special attention for reducing the air pollution.
- Teacher: Shibani Hansdah