Nature Connection- Air Pollution’s Danger | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The concerning issue of air pollution in Delhi has sparked widespread alarm, as the air quality has reached hazardous levels, making even simple breathing a challenge. Acknowledging the severity, the Supreme Court emphasized the urgent need for strict measures to combat this crisis. The Delhi government initially planned to implement the odd-even traffic scheme from November 13 to 20 as a solution, but it has currently been postponed. To address pollution stemming from transportation, experts suggest specific measures that could significantly alleviate this problem.

Escalating Air Pollution

• The problem of air pollution has significantly worsened over the years, with a lack of adequate mechanisms to measure air quality in many locations. Particulate matter, which surpasses the limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), is the primary pollutant. These CPCB standards exceed the international benchmarks set by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the breach in these standards persists for extended periods.
• Various factors contribute to Delhi's air pollution, such as nearby thermal power plants emitting polluted air that spreads to neighboring areas. Additionally, industries using highly polluted high-sulfur oil, massive solid waste heaps, and seasonal burning of crop residues in Punjab and Haryana exacerbate the problem during winter, leading to heavy air and reduced dispersal of pollutants.
• The collective impact of activities like burning fires for warmth during winter nights, slow progression towards renewable energy sources due to expense and time, and significant particulate matter emissions from construction and demolition activities further deteriorates air quality. Deforestation and soil erosion also add to particulate matter pollution as vegetation decreases.
• The poor air quality indicates a governance failure, and the problem is expanding geographically each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Delhi ranks among the most polluted cities globally. Both PM2.5 and PM10 levels in Delhi exceed national standards and the more stringent WHO limits. To meet national standards for PM2.5, a 65% reduction is necessary. Delhi's toxic air also contains high levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
• The lack of wind exacerbates the concentration of pollutants. Research from the Ministry of Earth Sciences attributes around 41% of the pollution to vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust, and 18% to industries. Shockingly, only 25% of vehicles undergo emission testing.
• The WHO reports that India has the world's highest mortality rate due to chronic respiratory diseases and asthma linked to air pollution. Additionally, air pollution adversely impacts the environment by reducing visibility, causing acid rain, and triggering ozone formation at the tropospheric level.

Consequences of Air Pollution

• Large number of deaths (around 2000) is attributed due to pollution which is very frightening. The figures may not be correct because they are only estimates. To find out precise data it requires a serious investigation for which neither the man power is available nor are the time and resources available. Therefore we need to take a precautionary approach towards tackling pollution.
• India has recorded 50% increase in the pre mature deaths linked to PM 2.5 and this is between 1990 and 2015 almost coinciding with the economic liberalisation.
• Air quality has become a serious health issue because the pollutants entre deep inside the lungs and the lungs capacity to purify bloods gets reduced which affects the person’s growth, mental ability and the working capacity especially for children, pregnant women and elderly people.
• Poor people are more vulnerable to air pollution because they are the one who spend more time on roads.

Measures to improve air quality

• Improving public transport
• Limiting the number of polluting vehicles on the road
• Introducing less polluting fuel
• Strict emission regulations
• Improved efficiency for thermal power plants and industries
• Moving from diesel generators to rooftop solar
• Increased use of clean renewable energy
• Electric vehicles
• Removing dust from roads
• Regulating construction activities
• Stopping biomass burning, etc.

Way Forward

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing laws and institutions to assess their effectiveness and relevance in combating air pollution.
• Facilitate detailed consultations with all pertinent stakeholders, notably those beyond Delhi such as farmers' associations, small-scale industries, and the general public.
• Develop a draft bill and initiate a public feedback process by inviting comments and suggestions.

Recent Actions by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjacent Areas:

The Commission recently convened to evaluate the prevailing air quality situation in the region. Emphasizing the vital role of public participation in mitigating air pollution, the Commission identified immediate key measures:

• Encourage reduced usage of private vehicles whenever possible.
• Impose travel restrictions unless absolutely necessary.
• Promote and support work-from-home arrangements.
• Ensure stringent enforcement of regulations concerning dust control, especially at construction sites.
• Enforce strict measures to prevent the burning of municipal solid waste and biomass.
• Increase water sprinkling activities, particularly in areas prone to dust accumulation.
• Employ anti-smog guns at pollution hotspots, particularly at construction sites.
• Ensure strict adherence to existing rules, court orders, and tribunal directives concerning stubble burning and the use of firecrackers.
• Encourage civil society and conscientious citizens to report instances of air pollution using the Sameer App.
• Encourage industries using coal in the NCR to reduce coal usage in the upcoming months.