With the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and the onset of winter, Delhi’s air quality has started to worsen. The city has consistently recorded high particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels, exceeding 300, categorized as “very poor,” and this is expected to continue.
Factors Behind Delhi’s Deteriorating Air Quality
- Stubble Burning
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- Seasonal burning of paddy stubble in Punjab and Haryana during October-November.
- Contributes significantly to PM 2.5 levels, accounting for around 22% of Delhi’s pollution.
- Urban Emissions
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- High emissions from vehicles in Delhi, contributing about 18% to PM 2.5 levels.
- Emissions include particulate matter and gases, which worsen air quality.
- Secondary Aerosols
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- Pollutants reacting in the atmosphere form secondary aerosols, a significant share of winter air pollution in Delhi.
- Weather Conditions
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- Low wind speeds, high moisture, and low temperatures during winter trap pollutants, creating stagnant air conditions.
- Trans-boundary Pollution
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- Pollutants originating from neighboring states are carried to Delhi by northwesterly winds, worsening air quality.
- Delayed Implementation of Measures
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- Measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) often struggle to bring immediate relief, as pollution sources are widespread and complex.
Government Measures to Mitigate Delhi’s Air Pollution
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
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- Phased measures based on pollution levels, including vehicle restrictions, construction bans, and school closures.
- Alternative Stubble Management
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- Subsidies and equipment for farmers to prevent stubble burning.
- Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme
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- Restricts vehicle use based on registration numbers to reduce traffic emissions.
- Public Transport & EV Promotion
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- Expanding buses, metro, and subsidies for electric vehicles.
- Anti-Smog Guns & Water Sprinkling
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- Used on roads and construction sites to reduce dust.
- Firecracker Ban
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- Restricting firecracker use during high pollution periods.
- Real-time Monitoring & Enforcement
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- Increased air quality monitoring and stricter penalties for violations.
- Cleaner Fuels & BS-VI Norms
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- Promoting CNG, phasing out old diesel vehicles, and implementing BS-VI emission standards.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
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- Targeting a 20-30% reduction in PM levels by end of 2024.
- Cross-State Coordination
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- Working with Punjab, Haryana, and UP to address stubble burning and other sources.
Addressing the deteriorating air quality of Delhi requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving stricter enforcement of existing measures, improved stubble management, and long-term strategies to reduce vehicular emissions and industrial pollution. While the government has implemented several initiatives like the Graded Response Action Plan, promoting cleaner technologies, and incentivizing public transport, sustained efforts from all sectors, including cross-state collaboration, are essential to protect public health and the environment from the escalating air pollution crisis.
