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Solutions to Combat Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis

Syllabus:

GS-2:

Government Policies & Interventions

GS-3:

Environmental Pollution & Degradation

Focus:

Delhi continues to face severe air pollution, especially during winters, leading to health hazards. Experts have proposed solutions, including crop diversification, electric vehicles (EVs), and innovative technologies like smog towers to address this pressing issue. The urgency of these measures is underscored by their impact on residents’ life expectancy.

The Growing Pollution Crisis in Delhi

• Severe Air Quality: Every November, Delhi faces a severe air quality crisis, with the AQI crossing 400, making it difficult to breathe.
• Health Impact: The University of Chicago’s 2023 Air Quality Life Index report warns that prolonged exposure to such pollution could reduce Delhi’s residents’ life expectancy by an alarming 9 years.
• Blame Game: Rather than implementing sustainable solutions, political leaders focus on blaming each other for the crisis.

What is Air Pollution?

• Introduction of harmful chemicals, particulates, or biological materials into the atmosphere.
• Causes discomfort, disease, or death to humans.

Measurement of Air Pollution in India:

• National Air Quality Index (NAQI) developed by CPCB in 2014.
• Measures based on 8 pollutants:
• Particulate Matter (PM10)
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
• Ozone (O3)
• Ammonia (NH3)
• Lead (Pb)

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): Key Points

• Formation & Mandate: Established in 2020 through an ordinance, became an Act in 2021. A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
• Objective: To improve coordination, conduct research, and address air quality issues effectively.
• Transition from EPCA: Replaced the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) in 2021.
• EPCA lacks statutory authority, while CAQM has stronger enforcement powers.
• Powers: Can issue directives, take necessary actions, and enforce compliance. Can initiate stringent actions against non-compliant officers (Section 14).
• Composition: Initially 15 members, now expanded to 27 members, chaired by Rajesh Verma.

Indian Government Initiatives Related to Air Pollution:

• Graded Response Action Plan (Delhi): A set of emergency measures to tackle severe air pollution in Delhi.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR): A platform providing real-time air quality data and forecasts.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): Reports daily air quality based on major pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and ozone.
• Turbo Happy Seeder (TH S) Machine: Used to reduce stubble burning by direct seeding of crops.
• National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): Monitors air quality across India.
• Polluter Pay Principle: Holds polluters accountable for the environmental damage they cause.

Reducing Vehicular Pollution:

• BS-VI Vehicles: Introduced to reduce vehicular emissions.
• Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs): Promotes the adoption of EVs to reduce air pollution.
• Odd-Even Policy (Delhi): Emergency measure to reduce vehicular emissions in Delhi.

Government Initiatives to Reduce Air Pollution in Delhi:

• Crop Residue Management Scheme:
• Provides subsidies for equipment like Turbo Happy Seeder, Super SMS attachment, and rotavators to manage crop residue and reduce stubble burning.
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
• Statutory body established to address air pollution in the NCR, focusing on stubble burning and other pollutants.
• Vehicular Pollution Reduction Initiatives:
• Shift from BS-IV to BS-VI, promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs), and implementation of the Odd-Even Policy.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
• Implements measures like shutting down thermal plants and banning construction to curb pollution during high AQI periods.

Identifying Pollution Sources:

• Stubble Burning: A major contributor is stubble burning, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, which accounted for approximately 18% of pollution in early November 2024.
• Transport Sector: Delhi’s transport sector contributes around 19% to particulate matter (PM2.5).
• Other Pollutants: Residential areas, industries, and construction activities contribute 9%, 4.6%, and 2.4%, respectively.
• Cross-Border Pollution: Neighbouring areas like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad also contribute 30-35% to Delhi’s air pollution.

Policy Solutions for Pollution Reduction

• Crop Diversification in Punjab and Haryana:
  • The diversification of 1-1.5 million hectares of paddy fields in Punjab and Haryana to other crops like pulses, oilseeds, and maize is vital.
  • Paddy cultivation leads to excessive water depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Current incentives of Rs 17,500 per hectare for farmers to switch crops are insufficient to match the profitability of paddy.
  • Proposed Solution: Increase the incentive to Rs 35,000 per hectare for at least five years, ensuring financial viability for farmers. This would reduce the subsidies on power and fertilisers, thus helping to address environmental concerns.
• Assured Procurement: The government should assure the procurement of pulses and oilseeds at Minimum Support Price (MSP), which will help mitigate market risk for farmers and reduce the import dependence on these crops.
• Environmental and Economic Benefits: By incentivizing crop diversification, we can reduce groundwater depletion and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable agriculture practices in the region.

Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy

• Delhi’s EV Policy: The EV policy aims for 25% of new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2024, extended to 2025. However, high upfront costs and insufficient charging infrastructure have delayed its success.
• Challenges: Currently, there are only 1,919 charging stations with limited coverage across Delhi, and the city plans to establish 30,000 charging points by the end of 2025.
• Proposed Solutions:
  • Speed up the rollout of EV infrastructure, ensuring charging points are available in residential colonies, offices, and malls.
  • Make EV charging stations mandatory in parking areas to create widespread access.
  • Incentivize EV adoption through subsidies and low-interest loans to reduce the upfront cost burden.

Innovative Technologies for Pollution Control:

• Smog Towers: The installation of vacuum cleaning towers (smog towers) at major traffic intersections and areas with high pollution levels can help in capturing and neutralising airborne pollutants.
• Government’s Role: The Delhi government can take inspiration from the success of these towers in other cities and implement them in areas with the highest concentrations of pollution.
• Technology Integration: Such innovative technologies, along with the proper infrastructure and policies, can make a significant difference in air quality improvement. In fact, Delhi’s ruling party could even consider changing its symbol from a broom (jhadu) to a vacuum cleaning tower, symbolising a shift toward effective air pollution management.

Role of Public Awareness and Participation:

• Raising Awareness: Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens about the causes and consequences of air pollution. Encouraging behavioural changes, such as reducing vehicle use and adopting greener alternatives, can significantly reduce pollution.
• Community Involvement: Citizens should be encouraged to participate in government-led initiatives, such as tree planting and reducing waste burning, to mitigate pollution at the local level. Community-driven action can supplement official policies and accelerate their effectiveness.

Long-Term Urban Planning and Green Infrastructure

• Sustainable Urban Design: To reduce long-term pollution levels, Delhi must prioritise sustainable urban planning. This includes creating more green spaces, improving public transportation, and ensuring eco-friendly construction practices.
• Integration of Green Infrastructure: Incorporating green roofs, urban forests, and green walls can help absorb pollutants, provide clean air, and contribute to the overall quality of life in urban areas. A holistic approach to urban planning will reduce reliance on harmful practices and create healthier living environments.

Challenges in Addressing Air Pollution in Delhi:

• Stubble Burning:
  • A significant contributor (35%) to Delhi’s air pollution, particularly from Punjab and Haryana.
  • Farmers continue to burn stubble due to the profitability of paddy and lack of incentives to switch to alternative crops.
• Transport Sector Emissions:
  • The transport sector contributes 19% to the pollution levels.
  • The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been slow due to high upfront costs and a lack of charging infrastructure.
• Limited Crop Diversification Incentives:
  • Existing crop diversification schemes, such as those offering Rs 17,500/ha to switch from paddy, are insufficient to encourage farmers to adopt alternative crops.
  • The subsidies provided for paddy cultivation continue to encourage its growth despite environmental consequences.
• Charging Infrastructure for EVs:
  • Insufficient EV charging stations and battery swapping points hamper the rapid transition to electric vehicles.
  • There is a need for a more expansive and accessible charging infrastructure across the city.
• Technological Gaps:
  • Insufficient use of innovative technologies like vacuum cleaning towers (smog towers) to capture and reduce pollutants in heavily polluted areas.

Way Forward:

• Enhanced Crop Diversification Policies:
  • Increase incentives for farmers to shift from paddy to more sustainable crops like pulses, oilseeds, and millets.
  • Provide longer-term financial support (5 years or more) and ensure assured procurement at MSP to reduce market risks.
  • Subsidies on fertilisers and power can be redirected to support these alternatives.
• Expedited EV Adoption:
  • Implement EV policies faster, with a target of 25% EV adoption in new vehicle registrations by March 2025.
  • Expand the charging infrastructure significantly, with mandatory EV charging stations in residential, commercial, and public spaces.
  • Encourage public-private partnerships to develop EV infrastructure.
• Investment in Innovative Technologies:
  • Install more smog towers in high-pollution areas like major traffic intersections and industrial zones.
  • Research and adopt additional air purification technologies to capture pollutants effectively.
• Strengthening Government and Public Collaboration:
  • Increase public awareness about the sources and impacts of air pollution through educational campaigns.
  • Encourage local participation in actions such as reducing waste burning and increasing green cover.
• Long-Term Urban Planning:
  • Integrate sustainable urban design with a focus on green spaces, eco-friendly public transport, and better waste management.
  • Promote green infrastructure, such as urban forests, green roofs, and walls, to absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

Conclusion:

• Combining Efforts for Change: The battle against Delhi’s air pollution requires a mix of policies, technological solutions, and economic incentives.
• Collaborative Effort: State and central governments must collaborate on initiatives like crop diversification and the expansion of EV infrastructure, which would not only help combat pollution but also promote long-term sustainability.
• Extending Solutions Nationwide: Once these solutions are effectively implemented in Delhi, they can be extended to other cities in the Himalayan region facing similar air quality issues. The survival of future generations depends on tackling this pollution crisis effectively.

Source: Indian Express

Mains Practice Question:

Delhi’s air pollution continues to worsen, with major contributors being stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and construction activities. Discuss the solutions needed to mitigate this crisis. How can crop diversification, electric vehicle adoption, and innovative technologies contribute to improving air quality?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/delhi-launches-24×7-green-war-room-to-combat-pollution/