Editorial on cleaner air.

Question 1

Which steps are already taken?

Answer 1

1.Budget allocation for
air pollution increased substantially
in 2020-21 from what it was in 2018-19
to ensure cleaner air in cities having
populations above one million.

2.establishment of the Commission for
Air Quality Management with penal
provisions against polluters in the
NCR and adjoining areas

3.India has jumped from
BSIV to BSVI vehicles.

4. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana,
   there has been an effort to reduce indoor air pollution in rural areas by increasing LPG coverage.

Question 2

Technologies for immediate impact?

Answer 2

1.PUSA Bio Decomposer, which
turns crop residue into manure in 15-
20 days, could become a cost-effective alternative to tackle stubble
burning.

2. UNDP is also promoting
   startup-led innovations such as a filter-less retrofit device for cutting particulate matter at source in industries
   and vehicles, and a nature-based solution to amplify air purification
   through breathing roots technology
   for improving indoor air quality.

3.GeoAI platform for brick
kilns(i.e.In Marathi->Vit bhatti), developed by UNDP in partnership with the University of Nottingham, is supporting environment regulators to identify non-complaint
brick kilns from space. The platform
has already mapped over 37,000
brick manufacturing units across the
Indo-Gangetic plains.