In the letter sent to the Union environment minister, IISc has requested rolling back the present framework and replacing it with a scientifically robust system that prioritises measurable pollution reduction
The framework remains focused on PM10 concentrations while under-representing critical pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides and secondary particulate matter, which are known to pose significant public health risks, according to the report. Instead, it is said to place greater emphasis on procedural compliance and self-reported data from urban local bodies.
Such cases demonstrate that cities can score exceptionally well even when residents continue to breathe in unhealthy air, according to the report. The report says several major pollution sources, including regional transport of pollutants and agricultural residue burning, are not adequately captured within the scoring system. In the letter sent to the environment minister, Prof Verma said the current methodology could create a misleading impression of air-quality progress and requested that the ministry consider rolling back the present framework and replacing it with a scientifically robust system that prioritises measurable pollution reduction and health outcomes.
Bengaluru: The methodology underpinning the Centre’s flagship Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan has come under scrutiny, with a team from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, arguing that its rankings do not adequately reflect the air quality experienced by citizens. The findings have been submitted to Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav along with a recommendation to scrap and redesign the existing framework. The researchers have also questioned the scientific basis of several indicators used in the assessment.