Question

With respect to the new initiative by the government regarding air pollution - AQI, choose the correct statement(s).
1. It aims to monitor the air quality of four metro cities only.
2. It is a real-time measuring process.
3. Dark red colour indicates the severe condition of air quality.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

• A. 1 and 3
• B. Only 3
• C. 1, 2 and 3
• D. 2 and 3

Answer 1

The correct option is D 2 and 3

The AQI, as ‘One Number- One Colour-One Description’ for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe and colour will be from light green to dark red which is severe. The AQI will consider eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed. The PM launched the National Air Quality Index (AQI) for monitoring the quality of air in major urban centres across the country on a real-time basis and enhancing public awareness for taking mitigative action. As part of the endeavor, the Union Environment Ministry proposes to extend the measurement of air quality to 22 state capitals and 44 other cities with a population exceeding one million.