Delineate the linkages between urbanization patterns and rising PM 2.5 levels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India. What are the various mitigation measures and the government's initiatives to mitigate air pollution in India?

1. Vehicular exhaust → rising private vehicles (eg 1-2 person travel by car)

2. Declining public transport efficiency and reach (eg Pune has inadequate)

3. Concentration → vertical growth → greater density of emission (eg Apartment blocks)

4. Cooling sector → warming gases ↓ (Heat Island effect)

Measures to mitigate

1. Green planning → green roofs & rejuvenate park, Miyawaki forest

2. Efficient public transport system eg RRTS - Meerut

3. PM 2.5 level management → geo-engineering, eg fog towers as in Delhi

Initiatives taken

1. AQI → Air quality Index to monitor

2. NCAP → National clean Air Programe to address PM 2.5 levels → Reduce by 25%

3. Bharat stage (BS VI) → transition

[SC noted] that clean air is basic right

• thus imperative to tackle pollution