The air quality in the Indian capital city of New Delhi has become a major cause of concern in recent years. The Delhi government, earlier this month, announced that all primary schools in the city will remain shut until the 10th of November as the air pollution spikes to severe levels. In addition, the entry of trucks has been restricted to ease the deteriorating air quality. 

This move has left thousands of schools shut and millions of children at home. The decision came after air quality in the city dipped to “severe” levels, with the air quality index (AQI) above 400. 

Delhi’s Air Pollution Problem

To prioritise essential projects, the authorities have prohibited all construction and demolition activities in the city and its surrounding areas. However, work on infrastructure projects like the metro rail, airport, defence, and water pipelines will continue.

The Environment Minister of New Delhi, Gopal Rai, has cautioned the public about the deteriorating smog conditions as Diwali, the Hindu festival of light accompanied by firecrackers, approaches November 12th. A report found that during the Diwali festival, when the use of diesel generators is at its peak, the concentration of PM2.5 particles exceeds the safe limits recommended by the World Health Organization by tenfold.

Causes of Air Pollution in New Delhi

The causes of air pollution in New Delhi are numerous and complex. The main contributors to the pollution are industrial activities, vehicular emissions, construction activities, stubble burning in the neighbouring states, burning of waste, and dust from construction sites and roads.

The primary source of air pollution is the burning of fossil fuels in transport, industry, and households. The combustion of petrol and diesel releases air pollutants like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulphur dioxide (SO2), which are harmful to human health and the environment. Several factors contribute to high diesel emissions in New Delhi. Firstly, diesel fuel is heavily subsidised, making it cheaper than petrol. This has led to a greater number of diesel vehicles on the roads. Secondly, there are currently no regulations to control emissions from older diesel vehicles. Finally, poor vehicle maintenance and illegal modifications have also contributed to higher emissions levels. If you want to learn more about diesel emissions, click here.

Stubble burning, a common practice in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, also contributes to the air pollution in New Delhi. Every year, farmers in these regions burn their crop residue, leading to a thick blanket of smog that engulfs the entire region, including the national capital.

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution has serious implications for human health, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and lung cancer. Long-term exposure to polluted air can also lead to premature death. Children, elderly people, and people with existing medical conditions like asthma and heart disease are at higher risk of suffering from the effects of air pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks air pollution as one of the leading risk factors for global mortality, causing an estimated 7 million deaths yearly. In addition, air pollution, particularly the effect of diesel emissions on the environment, adversely causes acid rain, climate change, and degradation of ecosystems.

Furthermore, the economic implications of air pollution are significant. Healthcare costs associated with pollution-related illnesses are estimated to be billions yearly. Additionally, the impact on productivity due to missed workdays and reduced quality of life is not negligible.

Measures to Tackle Air Pollution

Air pollution is a complex issue that requires a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle. The Delhi government has taken several measures to control air pollution, including the Odd-Even scheme—a car rationing system where cars with even-numbered registration plates can ply the roads on even dates, and those with odd-numbered plates are allowed on odd dates. The government has also banned firecrackers during Diwali, a festival of lights celebrated with fireworks. Many Hindus oppose the bans on Diwali firecrackers, as they perceive them as an intrusion on their ability to celebrate their religious festivals.

To reduce the impact of stubble burning, the government has introduced a scheme for managing crop residue. The scheme provides farmers financial incentives to convert stubble into compost, biofuel, and other useful products.

The government has also undertaken initiatives to improve public transport, including introducing electric buses in the city. The government is also promoting the use of bicycles and has introduced cycle-sharing schemes in various parts of the city.

Apart from the measures taken by the government, individuals can also play a crucial role in reducing air pollution. Carpooling, using public transport, walking, or cycling, and avoiding the use of coal for cooking are some ways in which individuals can help reduce pollution.

The worsening air quality in New Delhi is a public health emergency, and the long-term impact of air pollution on public health cannot be ignored. Immediate measures need to be taken to control the situation and prevent it from becoming any worse.