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CPCB explains why its official AQI is capped at 500 while private apps show higher readings
बातमीत का?
AQI stops at 500, yet apps show more: the CPCB methodology and Very Poor band Prelims tests
CPCB says AQI differences with private apps stem from methodology.
Why it matters: GS-3 core
What you need to know
2 मिनिटे
The Central Pollution Control Board has explained that differences between its Air Quality Index and private apps arise from methodology, not under-reporting of data.
India's National AQI tops out at 500, with 301-400 rated 'Very Poor' and 401-500 'Severe'.
Delhi's AQI around the Deepavali period was about 370, in the 'Very Poor' band.
स्रोत: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
महत्त्वाची तथ्ये
Remember these
- India's National AQI is capped at 500; CPCB says gaps with private apps stem from methodology, not under-reporting.
- AQI bands: 0-50 Good, 51-100 Satisfactory, 101-200 Moderate, 201-300 Poor, 301-400 Very Poor, 401-500 Severe.
- Delhi's AQI around the Deepavali period was about 370, in the 'Very Poor' band.
- The National AQI was launched in 2014 and is computed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- The index has six categories, from 'Good' to 'Severe'.
पूर्व · मुख्य
How the exam will ask it
पूर्व
- India's National AQI classifies air quality into six categories, from Good to Severe.
- An AQI reading of 301-400 is rated 'Very Poor' and 401-500 'Severe'.
- The CPCB, a statutory body under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, publishes the National AQI.
- Private air-quality apps may show readings above 500 because they use different methodologies than the official AQI.
मुख्य
GS Paper 3 (Environment): Differing AQI readings erode public trust in official data. The National AQI framework of CPCB, with its capped 500 scale and fixed pollutant-based methodology, differs from private apps' methods. The way forward is transparent methodology, denser monitoring networks, and communicating health advisories alongside the index.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Consider the following statements about India's National Air Quality Index (AQI):
- A reading of 370 falls in the 'Very Poor' category.
- The index classifies air quality into six categories, from 'Good' to 'Severe'.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
उत्तर पहा
उत्तर: C — Correct: Both 1 and 2 — Readings of 301-400 are 'Very Poor', and the six categories run Good, Satisfactory, Moderate, Poor, Very Poor and Severe. • 1 only — wrong: Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is also correct, so '1 only' is incomplete. • 2 only — wrong: Statement 2 is correct, but statement 1 is also correct, so '2 only' is incomplete. • Neither 1 nor 2 — wrong: Both statements are factually correct, so 'Neither' cannot be right.
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