The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 20th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

A Consistent Response 

Why in News?

Delhi, the capital of India, is facing a serious problem with air pollution that is getting worse these days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has moved into the severe category, posing major health risks for millions of people living there.

• Currently, the AQI readings in places such as: 
  • Bawana: 456
  • IGI Airport: 447
  • Anand Vihar: 441
  indicate a dangerous environmental situation.
• The high levels of harmful particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10, along with gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), have created a toxic atmosphere in the city.
• This toxic mix is causing poor visibility and increasing cases of respiratory problems among residents.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that smog and shallow fog will continue in the coming days, which will make the situation even worse.
• This ongoing issue is often called Delhi’s “gas chamber” effect, highlighting the urgent need for effective and sustainable solutions.
• It is important to explore the seriousness of air pollution in Delhi, understand its effects, learn about the role of AQI in tracking air quality, and examine the actions being taken to combat this growing problem.

Delhi Air Pollution (Current Scenario)

• The air quality in Delhi-NCR is still very poor, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 420 noted at 7 am today.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)reports that some areas in Delhi have even worse air quality:
  • Bawana: AQI 456
  • IGI Airport: AQI 447
  • Anand Vihar: AQI 441
  • Okhla Phase-2: AQI 422
  • ITO: AQI 352
  • Chandni Chowk: AQI 346
• In the early morning, there was shallow to moderate fog across the national capital.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that smog and fog will continue during the night and morning over the next two days, making the air quality even worse.
• A study on air pollution in Delhi shows that urban air pollution is a major issue in India, with many cities ranking among the worst in the World Air Quality Index (AQI).
  • Delhi ranks 5th
  • Kolkata ranks 8th
  • Mumbai ranks 9th
• Due to the serious pollution levels, the government has had to take emergency actions, such as:
  • Banning construction activities
  • Shutting down schools
  • Closing roads

Air Quality Index Delhi

• The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an important tool to measure how clean or polluted the air is.
• The AQI looks at various pollutantsin the air, which include:
  • PM 2.5 - tiny particles that can easily enter the lungs.
  • PM 10 - larger particles that can also affect health.
  • NO2 - nitrogen dioxide, a harmful gas from vehicles and power plants.
  • SO2 - sulfur dioxide, often produced by burning fossil fuels.
  • O3 - ozone, which can be harmful at ground level.
  • CO - carbon monoxide, a colorless gas that can be dangerous in high amounts.
  • Lead - a metal that can enter the air from various sources, including old paint and industrial processes.
• The AQI categorizes the air quality into six levels:
  • Good - Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • Moderate - Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a concern for some people.
  • Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, but the general public is not likely to be affected.
  • Unhealthy - Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
  • Very Unhealthy - Health alert; everyone may experience more serious health effects.
  • Hazardous - Health warnings of emergency conditions; the entire population is more likely to be affected.

• Delhi often experiences air quality levels that are classified as “Very Poor” and “Severe” during the winter season.
• This situation is mainly caused by a mix of stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities.
• The current air quality index (AQI) readings show that the problem is still serious.
• There is an immediate need for effective and thorough solutions to address this crisis.

Causes of Delhi Air Pollution

• Sources of Air Pollution in Delhi: The air pollution in Delhi comes from both natural sources and human activities. A study by IIT Kanpur in 2015 identified the main causes of air pollution in the city, which include:
• Vehicular Pollution: Delhi has many vehicles on the road. These vehicles produce emissions like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particles known as particulate matter (PM 2.5), which significantly add to the pollution.
• Road and Soil Dust: Dust from roads and unpaved areas is a major factor contributing to air pollution. Activities like construction and vehicle traffic disturb the ground, sending tiny particles into the air.
• Construction and Demolition Dust: The rapid growth of the city, along with ongoing building projects, generates a lot of dust. This dust contributes to higher levels of PM 10 in the air due to construction and demolition work.
• Burning of Dry Leaves and Garbage: In many parts of Delhi, people commonly burn dry leaves and waste. This open burning releases harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
• Trans-state Movement of Pollutants: Farmers in nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh often burn leftover straw after harvest. The smoke and particles from this burning travel into Delhi, worsening the air quality.
• Industrial Sources and Thermal Power Stations: Factories and thermal power plants around Delhi that do not follow eco-friendly practices release harmful emissions into the air.
• Natural Causes: Natural factors, such as the geography of the area, also play a role in air pollution. For example, temperature inversions can trap pollutants close to the ground, causing smog and poor air quality, especially in winter.
• Additional Contributors:Other factors that add to air pollution in Delhi include:
  • Firecrackers used during festivals.
  • Fires at landfill sites.
  • Still wind conditions in winter.
  • Poor road infrastructure.

Impact of Delhi Air Pollution

• Health Effects: High levels of pollutants such as PM 2.5 and NO2 can cause serious health problems, including respiratory issues, heart diseases, and even early deaths. There has been a noticeable rise in asthma cases in Delhi, particularly among children and the elderly.
• Impact on Children’s Development: Being exposed to air pollution can negatively affect children's health and growth. Research indicates that pollution can hinder the natural development of babies.
• Environmental Damage: The elevated pollution levels harm the environment in Delhi, impacting plant growth, animal habitats, and water sources due to acid rain.
• Economic Costs: Air pollution in Delhi has substantial economic impacts. The loss of productivity caused by pollution-related illnesses results in higher healthcare expenses and decreased efficiency in the workforce.
• Reduced Quality of Life: Residents of Delhi face a diminished quality of life due to smog, poor visibility, and the necessity to remain indoors for extended periods during times of high pollution. Reports indicate that air pollution in the city has reduced life expectancy by 11.9 years.
• Social Impact: Air pollution tends to affect lower-income communities more severely, as they frequently reside in areas with higher pollution levels and have limited access to healthcare services.
• Urgent Action Needed: To address these challenges, it is essential for the government, industries, and the community to take immediate and effective measures to combat the air pollution problem in Delhi.

The Solution to Delhi Air Pollution Problem

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): This is a plan started in 2017 that describes the specific actions to take when the air quality in Delhi NCR falls below a certain level.
• Odd-Even Rule: This rule allows cars with odd and even license plate numbers to drive on alternate days, which helps to cut down the number of vehicles on the roads.
• Peripheral Highways: The building of western and eastern peripheral highways aims to lessen traffic and reduce pollution in the city.
• Old Fossil Fuel Vehicles Ban: The government of Delhi has prohibited petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from being on the roads.
• Stubble Burning Control: The government is offering subsidies for farm equipment to minimize burning, imposing penalties for burning stubble, and encouraging the use of new farming techniques.
• Bharat Stage VI Norms: All vehicles in Delhi-NCR are required to meet the Bharat Stage VI emission standards to help improve air quality.
• Green War Room and Green Delhi Application: A special system has been set up to monitor air quality in real-time, along with an app that allows citizens to report pollution-related issues.

However, several more long-term steps can be taken to resolve the Delhi air pollution issue:

• Improving Public Transport: Expanding and enhancing the metro system in Delhi, boosting bus services, and promoting the use of electric vehicles can help lower vehicle emissions.
• Regulating Industrial Emissions: Strictly enforcing emission standards for industries and encouraging clean technologies can significantly reduce industrial pollution.
• Better Waste Management: Adopting sustainable waste management methods, such as separating waste and recycling, can help avoid the burning of solid waste.
• Green Initiatives: Planting more trees and developing green areas can assist in absorbing pollutants and improving air quality.

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a complex problem that requires both short-term measures and long-term planning with active citizen participation.