Own the crisis 

Own the crisis 

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.