Delhi’s worsening air pollution, despite reduced farm fires

Source: The post Delhi’s worsening air pollution, despite reduced farm fires has been created, based on the article “Delhi’s continuing severe air pollution challenge” published in “Indian Express” on 15th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3-Environmental pollution and degradation.

Context: The article highlights Delhi’s worsening air pollution, despite reduced farm fires. It criticizes ineffective measures like smog towers and water sprinklers. It urges the CAQM to focus on data-driven, long-term solutions and regional coordination for sustainable pollution control.

For detailed information on Air Pollution In Delhi read this article here

Why is Delhi’s air pollution worsening despite reduced farm fires?

1. Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated, with the AQI reaching “severe” for the first time this season. 2. This is the most delayed occurrence of such pollution in 10 years.

3. Average PM 2.5 levels are the highest in five years.
4. Pollution persists even after the crop residue burning season in Haryana and Punjab has seen a decline.
5. Chandigarh, for example, recorded the second-worst air quality recently, showing the regional nature of the problem.

For detailed information on Delhi’s air quality crisis read this article here

What measures has the Delhi government taken, and are they effective?

1. The government has used smog towers and water sprinklers, but their effectiveness is limited to small areas. There has been no emission audit for these devices.

2. Cloud seeding and drones are also being considered, but their impact remains unproven.
3. These measures are seen as temporary fixes and do not address long-term pollution control.

What role does the CAQM play in managing pollution?

1. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), established three years ago, has mainly acted as a regulatory body.

2. It has not prioritized data-driven, scientific methods to combat pollution.
3. Experts emphasize the need for solutions like airshed pollution management, which requires coordination between local and state agencies to identify and tackle pollution hotspots.

For detailed information on Commission for Air Quality Management read this article here

What long-term approach is needed to solve the problem?

1. Experts stress the need to move beyond seasonal approaches and emergency responses.

2. They recommend institutional reforms and better coordination between agencies.
3. The focus should be on sustainable measures that address local and regional pollution comprehensively, beyond just stubble burning or temporary solutions.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind the worsening air pollution in Delhi despite a decline in farm fires and the effectiveness of the measures taken to address it.