Delhi’s air quality continues to be a pressing issue as 2024 unfolds, with the winter months exacerbating the situation. The capital has seen alarming spikes in PM2.5 levels, reaching an average of 168 µg/m³ in late October, far above the national standard of 40 µg/m³. Despite a slight improvement from previous years, the city remains in dire need of effective solutions to combat air pollution, which has complex roots beyond the commonly cited stubble burning.
Recent Trends in Air Quality
The air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating, particularly in the lead-up to Diwali, with fluctuations in PM2.5 levels. Certain areas, like Wazirpur and Rohini, have recorded concentrations exceeding 200 µg/m³. The increase in “very poor” air quality days from three in 2023 to six in 2024 marks the urgency of addressing this environmental crisis. As winter approaches, the stagnant air is likely to worsen conditions, making immediate action imperative.
The Role of Stubble Burning
Historically, stubble burning in neighbouring states has been blamed for much of Delhi’s pollution. However, recent data indicates a shift in this narrative. Between 2018 and mid-October 2024, there was a 51% reduction in farm fires, with stubble burning contributing only 0.92% to PM2.5 levels during a recent analysis. This decline suggests that while agricultural practices still impact air quality, they are no longer the primary culprit.
Local Contributors to Pollution
The predominant source of Delhi’s air pollution is now identified as local emissions, particularly from vehicular traffic. Over half of the city’s PM2.5 pollution stems from vehicles, with the number of registered cars exceeding one million. The inadequacy of public transport and the reliance on private vehicles exacerbate the situation. Additionally, construction dust, industrial emissions, and open waste burning further contribute to the toxic air.
Regional Factors and Transboundary Pollution
Air quality in Delhi is also affected by pollution from neighbouring states. Wind patterns carry emissions from industries and vehicles in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh into the capital. This transboundary pollution complicates efforts to tackle air quality issues, necessitating a collaborative approach across state lines to mitigate the impact of regional contributors.
Strategies for Improvement
Addressing Delhi’s air pollution requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy. Key measures include promoting electric vehicles, enhancing public transport, and implementing stricter controls on construction dust and industrial emissions. Effective waste management practices and enforcement of bans on open burning are crucial. Furthermore, encourageing regional cooperation for a coordinated air pollution management plan will be essential for sustainable improvements.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi and their respective roles.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of current measures in place to combat air pollution in Delhi.
- What are the implications of transboundary pollution for air quality management in urban areas?
- Analyze the impact of vehicular emissions on air quality in metropolitan cities.
- Propose a multi-pronged strategy to improve air quality in Delhi.
