NIAS proposes 16 airshedem regions to manage India's air pollution
What happened
The National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) proposed dividing India into 16 air-quality management regions, called “airshedem”. The study identified two high-emitting regions, AS-2 and AS-7, which together cover 23% of the landmass but contribute 50% of the national PM2.5 and nitrogen oxide (Nox) source loads. AS-2 includes Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, among other states.
From indiatimes.com
Why it matters
The framework integrates factors such as economic activity and population density to plan targeted pollution control. NIAS found that controlling human-generated emissions in the heavily polluted region could reduce local PM2.5 concentrations by approximately 60% and lower the national average by 10%. This classification mandates pollution control measures based on local geography and emissions.
A coordinated pollution control program is already underway involving multiple states, including Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, to address air quality issues in Delhi.
From indiatimes.com
Who's involved
- DelhiLocation of the heavily polluted region identified by the study.
- Uttar PradeshState included in the high-emitting AS-2 region.
- HaryanaState included in the high-emitting AS-2 region.
- IndiaCountry being divided into 16 airshedem regions.
- RajasthanState included in the high-emitting AS-2 region.
- UttarakhandState included in the high-emitting AS-2 region.
- PunjabState included in the high-emitting AS-2 region.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- HaryanaSpeculative
Might face regulatory action or cost increases due to its classification in AS-2 and mandated pollution control measures.
- Uttar PradeshSpeculative
May face regulatory action or cost increases due to its classification in AS-2 and mandated pollution control measures.
- RajasthanSpeculative
Could face regulatory action, potentially increasing operational costs due to inclusion in AS-2.
- UttarakhandSpeculative
Might face regulatory action, potentially increasing operational costs due to inclusion in AS-2.
Keep exploring
Part of
Delhi NCR air quality: Multi-state enforcement and airshed planningAlso in this story
- CPCB directed authorities to shut units in Delhi-NCR and asked Rajasthan, UP, and Haryana to issue show-cause notices over pollution.
- Officials reviewed pollution control measures and monitoring stations across Delhi, involving DPCC and IITM.
- Gurjar Bainsla cited recent direction in Delhi.
The entities involved
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Delhi
megacity and union territory of India
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Uttar Pradesh
state in northern India
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Haryana
state in North India