(a) whether there is a sharp increase of Nitrogen level in the air as reported in the
Dainik Jagran, dated October 25, 2007;
(b) If so, whether the Government endorses the estimates prepared by the European Space
Agency; and
(c) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to keep the quantity of Nitrogen Dioxide
within permissible limit?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b) The news item in Dainik Jagran, New Delhi dated 25th October, 2007 entitled ‘The
Rising Levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in Indian Ambient Air’ refers various estimates
pertaining to NO2 and its trend. The Central Pollution Control board (CPCB) is monitoring
ambient air quality including NO2 at 339 locations across the country under the National Air
Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The monitored data from 1989 onwards in various cities
indicates that annual average concentration of NO2 is within the permissible norms and showing
uneven trend.
(c) Various steps taken to keep the quantity of Nitrogen Dioxide within permissible limits
are:
# notification of general and source specific environmental standards;
# implementation of Bharat Stage-III emission norms, for vehicles at manufacturing stage;
# introduction of improved Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certification System for in-use
vehicles;
# encouraging the use of low NOx burner in thermal power plants; and
# regular monitoring for environmental compliance.