Delhi’s persistent air pollution issue

Source: The post Delhi’s persistent air pollution issue has been created, based on the article “Clearing the air on Delhi’s pollution crisis” published in “The Hindu” on 21st November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Environment

Context: The article highlights Delhi’s persistent air pollution issue, comparing it to Beijing’s effective strategies. It critiques Delhi’s ineffective measures, stresses dispersed pollution sources like vehicles, and calls for long-term, integrated plans with political and regional coordination.

What is the air pollution problem in Delhi and other cities?

1. Delhi faces severe air pollution, especially in October, despite long-term efforts since M.C. Mehta’s 1984 PIL.
2. Air pollution remains a “wicked problem,” needing long-term and coordinated solutions.
3. Other cities like Los Angeles and Beijing face similar issues, with 60% of pollution from vehicles, 20% from soil dust, and less than 20% from other sources.

For detailed information on Air Pollution In Delhi- Reasons and Solutions read this article here

Why have existing measures failed?

1. The National Clean Air Programme (2019) has had little impact despite focusing on monitoring, targets, and emergency measures.
2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM, 2021) addresses symptoms but not the deeper, interlinked causes of pollution like urbanization and traffic.

What are the major causes of pollution?

1. Vehicles: Account for 60% of pollution due to emissions and traffic congestion.
2. Photochemical reactions: Sunlight and low temperatures create ozone from vehicle emissions.
3. Stubble burning: Its share in Delhi’s PM 2.5 was less than 1% on October 17, but it still draws disproportionate focus.
4. Dust: Soil dust contributes 20%, prompting dust control measures.

How does judicial intervention help?

1. The Supreme Court emphasizes the right to clean air under the fundamental right to life.
2. It questions why compliance reports show minimal ground results and highlights coordination issues.
3. The court critiques Delhi for relying on “cosmetic steps” and shifting blame to Haryana and Punjab.

What lessons can Delhi learn from Beijing?

1. Monitoring: Beijing uses 1,000 sensors to track high-emission areas.
2. Public transport: Beijing operates over 30,000 low-floor buses, compared to Delhi’s 6,000.
3. Warning systems: Smog forecasts are issued 24 hours in advance.
4. Regional solutions: Managing regional transportation and secondary pollutants like PM 2.5 is prioritized.

What Should be done?

1. Mandate the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and create a long-term toxicity management plan.
2. Ensure proper budget and political support for effective implementation.
3. Focus on regional mechanisms and public awareness campaigns instead of quick-fix measures like smog towers.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons behind Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem and the measures that can be adopted to address it effectively.