Dr. Arvind Kumar*
Delhi air pollution has become an increasingly grave, chronic, and recurring phenomenon, especially in winter, and the situation deteriorates with every passing year. As India is now strides ahead into the realm of technology watched by the entire world, the capital is fighting back against extremely hazardous levels of air that severely damage the health and well-being of millions of its people and go on to interfere with life. This pollution is caused due to diverse sources, stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial activities and construction dust along with the burning of firecrackers during various festivals.
The consequences of this type of pollution are grave. It can be seen in each category with higher rates of diseases like respiratory and cardiovascular sicknesses and nearly 1.2 million deaths in India each year are due to such bad air quality, as pointed out by the World Health Organization figures. Apart from health impacts, air pollution causes environmental damage, causing harm to biodiversity and ecosystems. The economic burden through healthcare costs and lost productivity is estimated at around $30 billion annually. Ascertaining the causes of the mounting menace of air pollution in Delhi is equally important to discern the remedial measures to tackle this menace as well as to know the way forward.
Causes
The major contribution to the air pollution in Delhi comes from neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana, where stubble burning is common. The amounts of particulate matter and toxic gases emitted are immense. The effort to cut down on this practice, however, does not succeed as many farmers continue the practice because there is no affordable alternative to this practice. It contributes around 30% to the pollution during winter, because the smoke and particulate matter go into the city. Apart from stubble burning, vehicular emissions are also a large source of pollution in Delhi. More than 10 million registered vehicles are there. The transport sector contributes towards around 30% of city air pollution and emits nitrous oxides and PM. Although emission norms are tightening up and cleaner fuel promotion is underway, the high number of diesel vehicles continues to degrade the quality of air.
Industrial activities are also one of the significant sources that contribute nearly 25% to the total level of pollution in the National Capital Region. The fast industrialization at the periphery releases harmful substances into the atmosphere. Construction work contributes nearly 30% to the PM (10) levels in Delhi due to high urbanization causing a vast amount of dust from construction sites. The bursting of crackers during Diwali etc., aggravates the problems of air pollution, showing a short-term peak impact, but a long-standing impact on the health of those people living there, specifically with a history of other diseases such as respiratory complications. Meteorological conditions do not favour this season when the country faces the peak pollution crisis during winter time.
In the case of cold weather, with air that is practically stagnant, pollutants are confined near the ground, raising harmful particle concentrations. It thus produces dense smog with all serious health risks to man such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological disturbances. Burning solid waste is another source, making up 10 percent of Delhi’s air pollution. The unscientific and ill-directed management of wastes and consequently, open burning heighten the issue. Henceforth, Delhi is receiving more and more sources to have an increased pollution degree- including stubble burn, emissions by vehicular medium, industrial operations and firecracker burn by building specks of dust. Therefore, this devastating effect of smog carries a poor quality of life to those whose area is experiencing bad climate conditions.
Remedial Measures
To control air pollution effectively in Delhi, a multi-pronged approach is the need of the hour; that is, the involvement of the government, engagement of civil society, and public participation. For the government, the need is effective and strict enforcement of environmental regulations. It includes tighter emission standards for vehicles and industries, cleaner fuels, and investment in public transportation that reduces the number of vehicles on the road. The government should take up the issue of stubble burning by providing some affordable alternatives to farmers, such as crop residue management technologies. Expansion of air quality monitoring stations and increasing data transparency can make easier tracking and management of levels of pollution.
Raising public concern is also the job of civil society organizations with awareness and policy advocacy; these organizations can promote awareness with public education on health hazards associated with air pollution; and can help develop advocacy on the development of greener practices and the means of implementation with collaboration efforts from the government and the private sector by proposing alternative community solutions in terms of tree planting or setting green zones. Other than this, civil society is a watchdog so that there are no violations in terms of policies followed and those accountable for lapses. Even the general public has their part to play in containing air pollution.
The simple ways to attain this could be through creating eco-friendly habits like carpooling, public transportation, or reduction in private vehicle use. Proper management of waste and not setting garbage or firecrackers on fire will reduce further levels of pollution. Public participation in community projects, such as tree planting and clean-up campaigns, will improve air quality. In addition, citizens need to interact more with policy-makers, demanding stronger action against pollution.
However, what is needed is different stakeholders working towards an effective overall strategy to curb the growing menace of air pollution in Delhi. This has to first begin with the government with more stringent emissions control regulations, curbing stubble burning, and an enhancement in public transport infrastructure. Concurrently, civil society has a role in developing this awareness and ensuring accountability among citizens, and there must be public involvement, but this is done on a personal and community basis, where each contributes positively to better air quality, in turn, ensuring their well-being.
The Way Forward
Despite this technological superiority of India, the fight against air pollution in Delhi is very broad. The National Clean Air Program has been planned as a move to usher clean air into more than 100 of India’s most polluted cities but stands badly funded and under-devised. Furthermore, issues related to air pollution cannot but spill over from one state to another due to the necessity of co-coordinated and collective responses from all concerned states involved. It is annually growing during winter months, and this is also one of the outcomes to be taken with serious intensive steps in the area. Improving norms will focus on stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust. These are essential activities to enhance the quality of air and health conditions of the public.
The government, civil society, and the citizensshould work in tandem towards control of air pollution in Delhi. A combination of strict laws, public awareness of the problem, and sustainable measures in the long term can also improve air quality.It will, therefore, take the collective efforts of all stakeholders to achieve clean air in Delhi. Every citizen, organization, and governmental body needs to understand that they have a role in this critical battle for health. Delhi will be working toward becoming a city without air pollution when it can develop a culture of environmental responsibility.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
