Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis and Its Causes

Air pollution in Delhi has reached alarming levels, making it the most polluted city in India as of December 2024. The concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeds the World Health Organization‘s limits by over 17 times. This severe air quality poses health risks, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and miscarriages. Despite government initiatives and Supreme Court interventions, the situation remains dire.

Main Sources of Air Pollution

The primary sources of air pollution in Delhi are human activities. These include: – Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petrol, diesel, and gas. – Emissions from industries and coal-based power plants. – Smoke from cooking and vehicular exhaust. – Construction activities and the burning of agricultural waste. During winter, the air quality deteriorates further due to temperature inversion, which traps pollutants near the ground.

Role of Thermal and Waste-to-Energy Plants

Thermal power plants contribute to air pollution. Reports indicate that these plants emit sulphur dioxide at levels 240 times higher than that from stubble burning. While penalties are imposed for stubble burning, coal-fired plants often receive extensions for compliance with pollution control regulations. The Ministry of Environment mandates flue-gas desulfurization systems to reduce emissions, but deadline extensions have been repeatedly requested. Waste-to-energy (WtE) plants in Delhi also exacerbate pollution. These plants burn garbage to produce electricity but generate harmful by-products, including toxic ash. The Timarpur-Okhla WtE plant has been reported to contain levels of cadmium and dioxins that far exceed permissible limits. This raises concerns about public health and environmental safety.

Environmental Justice and Community Impact

Marginalised communities bear the brunt of air pollution in Delhi. Many WtE plants are located near these vulnerable populations. The lack of adequate regulations and the failure to implement effective pollution control measures highlight the need for urgent evaluation of WtE technologies. Environmental justice advocates for the protection of these communities from the adverse effects of pollution.

Recommendations for Improvement

To combat air pollution, several recommendations have been proposed: – Promote crop diversification in neighbouring states to reduce stubble burning. – Transform the transport sector to decrease vehicular emissions. – Ensure that thermal plants comply with ecological norms and install necessary pollution control technologies. – Implement stringent regulations for WtE plants to reduce toxic emissions and ensure safe waste management practices. The need for effective policies and technologies to mitigate air pollution in Delhi is critical.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas.
2. What are the environmental implications of waste-to-energy plants? Discuss with suitable examples.
3. Estimate the role of government regulations in controlling air pollution in metropolitan cities.
4. Point out the socio-economic factors that contribute to environmental injustice in urban settings.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas.

1. Air pollution leads to increased respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2. It is linked to higher incidences of cancer, particularly lung cancer, due to toxic particulate matter.
3. Pregnant women exposed to high pollution levels face risks of miscarriages and low birth weight.
4. Long-term exposure can result in cardiovascular diseases and reduced life expectancy.
5. Vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected by poor air quality.

2. What are the environmental implications of waste-to-energy plants? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Waste-to-energy (WtE) plants can reduce landfill use but often emit harmful pollutants like dioxins and heavy metals.
2. For instance, the Timarpur-Okhla WtE plant has been reported to exceed permissible limits for cadmium and dioxins.
3. These plants generate toxic bottom ash and fly ash, contributing to soil and water contamination.
4. They often lack adequate pollution control technologies, leading to air quality degradation.
5. Environmental justice issues arise as marginalized communities bear the brunt of pollution from these facilities.

3. Estimate the role of government regulations in controlling air pollution in metropolitan cities.

1. Government regulations set emission standards for industries and vehicles to limit pollutants released into the air.
2. Compliance mechanisms, such as penalties for violations, aim to enforce adherence to environmental norms.
3. Regulations like the requirement for flue-gas desulfurization systems in thermal plants are intended to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions.
4. However, frequent extensions and non-compliance undermine the effectiveness of these regulations.
5. Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement are essential for improving air quality in metropolitan areas.

4. Point out the socio-economic factors that contribute to environmental injustice in urban settings.

1. Marginalized communities often live near pollution sources, such as WtE plants and industrial zones.
2. Poverty limits access to healthcare, making these communities more vulnerable to health impacts from pollution.
3. Lack of political representation means their concerns about environmental hazards are often overlooked.
4. Socio-economic disparities result in unequal exposure to environmental risks and limited resources for mitigation.
5. Education and awareness gaps hinder effective community responses to pollution-related issues.