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Context:
- A thick layer of smog, initially deemed “severe” and then an “emergency”, enveloped Delhi.
- And this condition is not solely because of setting paddy fields on fire in Punjab and Haryana.
What is the debate brought forward by the farmers?
- The farmers argue that their practice in only once in a year.
- It in fact adds to particulate matter already in place due to the capital’s polluting factories, diesel vehicles, thermal power plants and dust generated from construction sites.
- Thus, it is not just them who contribute to the pollution and they cannot be blamed for the year-long consequences of the city’s consumption patterns.
What are the other reasons behind the pollution?
- Delhi’s landlocked geography contributes to trapping pollutants.
- It means that as the winter season sets in, dust particles and pollutants in the air become unable to move.
- Due to stagnant winds, these pollutants get locked in the air and affect weather conditions, resulting in smog.
- Also the current high levels of smog in some areas were the result of meteorological conditions.
- Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers were common sights this Diwali which contributed to its build up the smog.
- Over-population also adds up to the various types of pollution, whether it is air pollution or noise pollution.
What are the initiatives taken in this matter?
- For better surveillance, the government inaugurated 20 additional monitoring stations making Delhi the most-watched city in India for the air it breathes
- Considering the dipping air quality, a number of construction sites have stalled work, as directed by the Delhi Government
- The Centre has requested state governments in NCR to take effective steps to mitigate the levels of air pollution and bring them to acceptable levels.
- The National Green Tribunal has also urged states to sit together and look at the problem, collectively.
