{"id":81366,"date":"2026-01-07T17:08:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=81366"},"modified":"2026-01-07T17:08:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T11:38:43","slug":"smog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/smog\/","title":{"rendered":"Smog, Types, Causes, Composition, Impact, Govt Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog is a type of air pollution formed by a mixture of smoke, harmful gases, and fine particles, reducing air quality and visibility. It is mainly of two types: <\/span><b>Classical (Sulphurous) smog<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Photochemical (Oxidizing) smog<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Smog is caused by <\/span><b>vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning, and construction dust<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, often worsened by winter weather conditions. Its composition includes <\/span><b>PM2.5, PM10, SO\u2082, NOx, CO, ozone, and VOCs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, leading to serious <\/span><b>health, environmental, and economic impacts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which the government addresses through <\/span><b>NCAP, GRAP, BS-VI norms, and public awareness initiatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is Smog?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog is a type of air pollution formed by the combination of smoke, fog, and harmful chemical pollutants present in the atmosphere. The term <\/span><b>\u201csmog\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is derived from the words <\/span><b>smoke and fog<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, indicating its composite nature. It develops when pollutants released from vehicles, industries, and burning activities react with atmospheric components under specific weather conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Smog is Formed?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog is formed when pollutants released from vehicles, industries, and burning activities accumulate in the atmosphere and undergo chemical reactions under specific weather conditions. Factors like sunlight, high moisture, and <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/temperature-inversion\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>temperature inversion<\/strong><\/a> prevent dispersion of pollutants and intensify smog formation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emission of primary pollutants such as PM, SO\u2082, NOx, CO, and VOCs from human activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chemical reactions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between NOx and VOCs in the presence of sunlight form secondary pollutants like ozone and PAN.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Unfavourable meteorological conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (low wind speed, high humidity, temperature inversion) trap pollutants near the ground, creating dense smog.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Types of Smog<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog can broadly be classified into two major types based on its composition and formation mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Classical Smog (London Smog \/ Sulphurous Smog)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Formation Conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Develops in <\/span><b>cold, humid winter conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, often during <\/span><b>temperature inversion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which traps pollutants close to the ground.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Primary Source<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Caused mainly by <\/span><b>burning of coal and heavy fossil fuels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in industries and for domestic heating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Major Pollutants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dominated by <\/span><b>sulfur dioxide (SO\u2082)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, smoke, soot, and <\/span><b>sulfuric acid aerosols<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> formed due to high moisture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chemical Nature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Known as <\/span><b>reducing smog<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because it contains reducing agents rather than oxidants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appearance &amp; Effects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Appears as a <\/span><b>dense grey-black haze<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, drastically reducing visibility and creating choking conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Impacts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Causes <\/span><b>severe respiratory illnesses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, corrosion of buildings, and historically led to high mortality (e.g., <\/span><b>Great Smog of London, 1952<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><b>2. Photochemical Smog (Los Angeles Smog \/ Oxidizing Smog)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Formation Conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Forms in <\/span><b>warm, dry, and sunny climates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where strong sunlight triggers chemical reactions in the atmosphere.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Primary Sources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Originates mainly from <\/span><b>vehicular emissions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Major Pollutants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Contains <\/span><b>ground-level ozone (O\u2083)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, aldehydes, and other secondary oxidants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chemical Nature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Known as <\/span><b>oxidizing smog<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to the dominance of strong oxidizing agents like ozone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Appearance &amp; Timing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Appears as a <\/span><b>yellowish-brown haze<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with peak intensity during <\/span><b>afternoon hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Impacts: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes eye and throat irritation, aggravates asthma, reduces lung function, and damages crops, rubber, and painted surfaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Causes of Smog<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog is caused by a combination of human activities and unfavourable meteorological conditions that lead to the accumulation and chemical transformation of air pollutants near the Earth\u2019s surface.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vehicular Emissions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Exhaust from cars, buses, and trucks releases nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons, which are primary contributors to photochemical smog in urban areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Industrial Activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thermal power plants, refineries, brick kilns, and manufacturing units emit sulfur dioxide (SO\u2082), particulate matter, and toxic gases that intensify smog formation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Burning of Fossil Fuels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Extensive use of coal and petroleum for electricity generation, heating, and cooking releases smoke, soot, and sulfur compounds into the atmosphere.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Agricultural Stubble Burning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Seasonal burning of crop residue, especially in northern India, adds large quantities of particulate matter and gases, worsening smog episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Construction and Road Dust<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Large-scale urban construction, mining, and poorly maintained roads contribute fine dust particles (PM10 and PM2.5) that remain suspended in air.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Open Waste Burning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Burning of municipal solid waste and landfill fires release toxic fumes, dioxins, and particulate matter, aggravating air pollution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Meteorological Conditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Temperature inversion, low wind speed, high humidity, and calm atmospheric conditions prevent dispersion of pollutants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Urbanization and Population Growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Rapid growth of cities increases energy demand, vehicle density, and industrial output, all of which elevate smog levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Composition and Pollutants Involved in Smog<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog is a complex mixture of primary pollutants released directly into the atmosphere and secondary pollutants formed through chemical reactions under specific climatic conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Fine particles originating from vehicle exhaust, coal burning, construction dust, and biomass burning; PM2.5 penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, making it highly harmful.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sulfur Dioxide (SO\u2082)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emitted mainly from coal-based power plants and industries; reacts with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid aerosols, a key component of classical smog.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nitrogen Oxides (NO and NO\u2082)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Released from vehicle engines and industrial combustion; act as precursor pollutants in the formation of photochemical smog.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Carbon Monoxide (CO)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Produced by incomplete combustion of fuels; reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and worsens respiratory stress during smog episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ground-Level Ozone (O\u2083)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of NOx and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight; a major irritant in photochemical smog.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emitted from fuels, solvents, paints, and industrial processes; play a crucial role in ozone and PAN formation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A toxic secondary pollutant responsible for eye irritation and damage to vegetation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smoke and Soot<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Carbon-rich particles released from fossil fuel and biomass burning, contributing to reduced visibility and health hazards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trace Heavy Metals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Elements like lead, mercury, and arsenic present in industrial emissions, adding to the toxicity of smog.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Smog Impact<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smog has wide-ranging impacts on <\/span><b>human health, environment, economy, and daily life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Prolonged exposure to smog significantly lowers quality of life and poses a major challenge to sustainable urban development.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Health Impacts<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes respiratory problems such as <\/span><b>asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and lung infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increases risk of <\/span><b>cardiovascular diseases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including heart attacks and strokes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leads to <\/span><b>eye irritation, headaches, fatigue, and throat discomfort<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affects <\/span><b>children, elderly, and pregnant women<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more severely due to weaker immunity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term exposure can result in <\/span><b>reduced lung capacity and premature deaths<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Environmental Impacts<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduces <\/span><b>visibility<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, disrupting road, rail, and air transport.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damages <\/span><b>crops and vegetation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially due to ground-level ozone affecting photosynthesis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leads to <\/span><b>acid rain formation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, harming soil, water bodies, and forests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alters local climate conditions by trapping heat near the surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Economic Impacts<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increases <\/span><b>healthcare expenditure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to rising pollution-related illnesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes <\/span><b>loss of productivity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from sick days and reduced work efficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Results in <\/span><b>school closures, work restrictions, and emergency measures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> during severe smog episodes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negatively impacts <\/span><b>tourism, aviation, and outdoor economic activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Social and Urban Impacts<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduces overall <\/span><b>quality of life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in cities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forces vulnerable populations to remain indoors, affecting mental well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlights <\/span><b>environmental inequality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as poorer communities are more exposed to polluted environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Smog Monitoring and Measurement<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitoring and measurement of smog are essential for assessing air quality, issuing health advisories, and implementing timely control measures. In India, smog is monitored through a combination of ground-based stations, forecasting systems, and satellite observations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-air-quality-index\/\" target=\"_blank\">Air Quality Index<\/a> (AQI)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: AQI is a standardized numerical scale used to communicate air pollution levels and associated health risks. It integrates concentrations of major pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO\u2082, SO\u2082, CO, O\u2083, Lead, and NH\u2083 into a single value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Government Initiatives and Policy Measures<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations by a targeted percentage through city-specific action plans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Implements emergency measures in Delhi-NCR during severe smog episodes, such as restricting vehicles, banning construction, and closing schools.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Introduced stringent vehicular emission standards to reduce NOx, SO\u2082, and particulate emissions from vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Ensures coordinated and integrated management of <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/air-pollution\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>air pollution<\/strong><\/a> across Delhi-NCR and adjoining states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Promotion of Electric Vehicles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: FAME scheme and state EV policies encourage cleaner transportation to reduce vehicular pollution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Supports transition to electric and hybrid vehicles to curb emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Control of Industrial Emissions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Mandates installation of pollution control devices and adoption of cleaner fuels in industries and power plants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stubble Burning Management Measures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Provides incentives, machinery, and alternatives to farmers to discourage crop residue burning.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expansion of Public Transport<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Investments in metro rail, buses, and non-motorized transport to reduce private vehicle dependence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Challenges in Smog Management<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inter-State Nature of Air Pollution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Smog often results from pollutants transported across state boundaries, making coordinated action and accountability difficult.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Weak Enforcement of Pollution Norms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Poor monitoring, limited manpower, and regulatory gaps reduce the effectiveness of existing environmental laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rapid Urbanization and Vehicle Growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Increasing population, urban sprawl, and rising vehicle ownership continuously add to emission levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic Dependence on Polluting Activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Industries, construction sector, and farmers rely on practices that contribute to smog, limiting strict action.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seasonal Agricultural Practices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Crop residue burning remains prevalent due to time constraints and lack of affordable alternatives for farmers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inadequate Public Awareness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Limited understanding of pollution sources and health impacts hinders behavioral change at the individual level.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Way Forward<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthen Regional &amp; Inter-State Coordination<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Studies show that <\/span><b>30\u201340% of Delhi-NCR\u2019s winter smog<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> originates from outside the city, highlighting the need for coordinated action among Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, and Delhi through bodies like <\/span><b>CAQM<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Accelerate Clean Energy Transition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India still derives <\/span><b>over 70% of its electricity from coal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a major source of SO\u2082 and PM emissions. Rapid expansion of renewables (India\u2019s target: <\/span><b>500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) can significantly reduce smog-forming pollutants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improve Urban Transport Systems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Vehicular emissions contribute nearly <\/span><b>40% of PM2.5 pollution in major cities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Expanding metro networks, electric buses, and EV adoption (target of <\/span><b>30% EV penetration by 2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) can substantially cut NOx and VOC emissions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Address Agricultural Stubble Burning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Satellite data indicates that stubble burning accounts for <\/span><b>20\u201335% of peak PM2.5 levels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in North India during October\u2013November. Scaling alternatives like Happy Seeders, bio-decomposers, and biomass-based power plants is critical.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strengthen Industrial Emission Controls<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thermal power plants contribute around <\/span><b>50% of SO\u2082 emissions in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Enforcing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units and cleaner fuels can reduce classical smog components.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Enhance Air Quality Monitoring &amp; Forecasting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Currently, India has air quality monitoring stations in only <\/span><b>~800 locations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is insufficient for a country of its size. Expanding real-time monitoring and early-warning systems like <\/span><b>SAFAR<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can enable timely preventive measures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Smog is harmful air pollution caused by PM2.5, NOx and SO\u2082. Learn its types, causes, composition, health impacts, monitoring methods and key government initiatives in India.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":81452,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[4617],"class_list":{"0":"post-81366","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-smog","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81366"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81366\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}