Battling Delhi’s Choking Air
Delhi-NCR is in the throes of a severe air pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering near “severe plus” levels. On November 18, 2024, the AQI touched a staggering 494, leaving the capital enveloped in smog and posing grave health risks to its residents. This environmental emergency isn’t new to Delhi, where annual spikes in pollution during winter have become a predictable nightmare. Despite the implementation of emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), sustainable improvements remain elusive. Addressing Delhi’s air quality woes demands a comprehensive and long-term strategy. A 2016 report by IIT Kanpur outlined nine critical steps that, if implemented effectively, could lead to transformative change.
Understanding the Sources of Pollution
Escalating Pollutants
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was 20 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety threshold, while PM10 levels exceeded limits by 12 times. These pollutants, primarily from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction, and biomass burning, worsen during winter due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Temporary Measures Under GRAP
Stage IV of GRAP, activated in response to the crisis, bans truck entry into Delhi, halts construction activities, and restricts the use of certain vehicles. While these measures help reduce peak pollution levels, they are not enough to tackle the root causes of Delhi’s persistent air quality issues.
Nine Measures to Combat Pollution
- Ban Coal Use in Hotels and Restaurants
Delhi’s 9,000 hotels and restaurants that use coal-fired tandoors are significant contributors to air pollution. Transitioning these establishments to cleaner alternatives like electricity or gas can substantially reduce particulate emissions.
- Ensure Access to LPG for All Households
Many households in Delhi still rely on traditional fuels like wood, crop residue, and cow dung for cooking, contributing to indoor and outdoor pollution. Universal access to LPG can cut down harmful emissions of PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen oxides.
- Stop Burning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Delhi burns 190 to 246 tons of municipal waste daily, releasing toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Developing efficient systems for waste collection, segregation, and disposal can eliminate this practice and improve air quality.
- Cover Construction Materials
Construction activities contribute heavily to dust pollution. Measures like covering raw materials, using water sprays, and employing windbreakers at construction sites can reduce PM emissions by up to 50%.
- Control Dust from Concrete Batching
Concrete batching sites are another significant source of fly ash emissions. Introducing telescopic chutes, water spraying, and windbreakers at these locations can help curtail pollution from these operations.
- Promote Electric and BS-VI Vehicles
Vehicles account for up to 35% of PM2.5 pollution in certain areas during winter. Expanding the fleet of electric vehicles, upgrading to BS-VI standards, and encouraging public transport use can drastically cut vehicular emissions.
- Install De-SOx-ing and De-NOx-ing Systems
Power plants and refineries emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Installing De-SOx-ing and De-NOx-ing systems can help these facilities reduce their pollution output.
- Eliminate Biomass Burning
Crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana is a perennial issue that exacerbates Delhi’s winter smog. Promoting alternative uses for crop residue, such as biogas production or cattle feed, can address this major pollution source.
- Address Fly Ash Pollution
Fly ash, especially during summers, is a dominant contributor to PM10 levels in Delhi. Solutions include regular water spraying, planting trees, and erecting windbreakers around fly ash hotspots.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Solutions
Implementing Systemic Changes
While the IIT Kanpur report provides a blueprint for tackling Delhi’s air pollution, execution remains a challenge. Ensuring inter-state cooperation, particularly with Punjab and Haryana for stubble burning, is essential. Similarly, enforcing strict pollution control norms for industries and construction requires robust governance.
Citizen Participation
Public awareness and participation are equally vital. Encouraging Delhi’s residents to adopt cleaner technologies, reduce personal vehicle use, and segregate waste can amplify the impact of these measures.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Delhi
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a complex issue that demands both immediate and long-term solutions. While emergency measures under GRAP provide temporary relief, addressing root causes is imperative for sustainable improvement. The nine steps outlined in the IIT Kanpur report offer a roadmap to cleaner air, but their success hinges on coordinated efforts by the government, industries, and citizens.
With proactive policymaking, technological innovation, and public commitment, Delhi can transform its air quality, ensuring healthier skies and a better quality of life for its residents. The vision of a smog-free Delhi may seem distant, but with sustained action, it is certainly achievable. Delhi’s future depends on today’s resolve to breathe clean, live green.
(With inputs from agencies)
