Reading Comprehension – Test 137

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the questions out of five alternatives. <br><br> Attempts to improve air quality after the alarming detection of life-threatening levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are showing some signs of success, going by the analysis of average annual PM10 data for 2016, 2017 and 2018 from 50 cities. Among the cities showing a declining trend in PM10 levels were Delhi, Varanasi, Ranchi, Raipur and Vijayawada. On the worrying side, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Surat and Vadodara registered a spike in PM10 levels, though these cities were much better off earlier. Yet Delhi's success in bringing down PM10 levels from 278 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016 to 223 in 2018 will relieve policy makers. However, there is no scope for complacency until levels fall below 60-100 microgram/cubic metre.<br><br> The capital city's air quality problem, especially in winter, attracts bad press across the globe. The dip in PM10 levels is not a coincidence but the outcome of conscious policy choices. Cleaner BSVI fuel was introduced in Delhi much before the national rollout in April 2020. Delhi also opened two peripheral expressways on its eastern and western flanks to divert traffic, especially heavy vehicles, that transited through the capital. It also shut down a polluting thermal power station despite its criticality for the city's energy security. <br><br> A common pattern across cities with higher PM10 levels like Delhi, Raipur and Vijayawada which made localised plans to tackle air pollution were high vehicular density, burning of crop residue in neighbouring districts, solid waste disposal, and construction activity. A carrot and stick approach is needed to move farmers away from burning crop stubble. Cities like Mumbai and Kolkata that are seeing an uptick in pollution must focus on upgrading urban infrastructure to ease traffic snarls and modernise decrepit public transport. Localised air quality measurement and their public display will generate awareness and public pressure. This is a fight we can win.

What is the safe PM10 level?

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the questions out of five alternatives. <br><br> Attempts to improve air quality after the alarming detection of life-threatening levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are showing some signs of success, going by the analysis of average annual PM10 data for 2016, 2017 and 2018 from 50 cities. Among the cities showing a declining trend in PM10 levels were Delhi, Varanasi, Ranchi, Raipur and Vijayawada. On the worrying side, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Surat and Vadodara registered a spike in PM10 levels, though these cities were much better off earlier. Yet Delhi's success in bringing down PM10 levels from 278 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016 to 223 in 2018 will relieve policy makers. However, there is no scope for complacency until levels fall below 60-100 microgram/cubic metre.<br><br> The capital city's air quality problem, especially in winter, attracts bad press across the globe. The dip in PM10 levels is not a coincidence but the outcome of conscious policy choices. Cleaner BSVI fuel was introduced in Delhi much before the national rollout in April 2020. Delhi also opened two peripheral expressways on its eastern and western flanks to divert traffic, especially heavy vehicles, that transited through the capital. It also shut down a polluting thermal power station despite its criticality for the city's energy security. <br><br> A common pattern across cities with higher PM10 levels like Delhi, Raipur and Vijayawada which made localised plans to tackle air pollution were high vehicular density, burning of crop residue in neighbouring districts, solid waste disposal, and construction activity. A carrot and stick approach is needed to move farmers away from burning crop stubble. Cities like Mumbai and Kolkata that are seeing an uptick in pollution must focus on upgrading urban infrastructure to ease traffic snarls and modernise decrepit public transport. Localised air quality measurement and their public display will generate awareness and public pressure. This is a fight we can win.

Which of the following city did not register an increase in PM10 levels?

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the questions out of five alternatives. <br><br> Attempts to improve air quality after the alarming detection of life-threatening levels of PM2.5 and PM10 are showing some signs of success, going by the analysis of average annual PM10 data for 2016, 2017 and 2018 from 50 cities. Among the cities showing a declining trend in PM10 levels were Delhi, Varanasi, Ranchi, Raipur and Vijayawada. On the worrying side, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Surat and Vadodara registered a spike in PM10 levels, though these cities were much better off earlier. Yet Delhi's success in bringing down PM10 levels from 278 micrograms per cubic metre in 2016 to 223 in 2018 will relieve policy makers. However, there is no scope for complacency until levels fall below 60-100 microgram/cubic metre.<br><br> The capital city's air quality problem, especially in winter, attracts bad press across the globe. The dip in PM10 levels is not a coincidence but the outcome of conscious policy choices. Cleaner BSVI fuel was introduced in Delhi much before the national rollout in April 2020. Delhi also opened two peripheral expressways on its eastern and western flanks to divert traffic, especially heavy vehicles, that transited through the capital. It also shut down a polluting thermal power station despite its criticality for the city's energy security. <br><br> A common pattern across cities with higher PM10 levels like Delhi, Raipur and Vijayawada which made localised plans to tackle air pollution were high vehicular density, burning of crop residue in neighbouring districts, solid waste disposal, and construction activity. A carrot and stick approach is needed to move farmers away from burning crop stubble. Cities like Mumbai and Kolkata that are seeing an uptick in pollution must focus on upgrading urban infrastructure to ease traffic snarls and modernise decrepit public transport. Localised air quality measurement and their public display will generate awareness and public pressure. This is a fight we can win.

According to the passage, which is not a deliberate choice made by Delhi's governing authorities in order to reduce PM10 levels?