Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis – A Growing Concern

Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, driven by increasing vehicle emissions and an overwhelmed public transport system. Despite technological advancements aimed at reducing pollution, local sources remain the primary contributors to persistent pollution peaks. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently brought into light these issues, revealing alarming trends in particulate matter (PM) pollution.

Current Air Quality Trends

Recent data shows that while Delhi’s long-term PM2.5 levels initially declined, they have recently begun to rise again. The average concentration of PM2.5 is now at its highest level in five years. Though winter peak levels fell by 35% since 2019, local pollution sources have overshadowed these improvements. Notably, in October 2024, local emissions were the main contributors to pollution, with minimal impact from seasonal farm fires.

Vehicle Emissions and Pollution Sources

Research indicates that vehicles are responsible for about 40% of PM2.5 emissions and a staggering 81% of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in Delhi. During periods of heavy congestion, emissions from idling vehicles increase, exacerbating air quality issues. These emissions correlate strongly with low traffic speeds, which are common in the city.

Rapid Motorisation and Traffic Congestion

Delhi is experiencing explosive growth in vehicle numbers, with a 15.6% annual increase. The city now sees over 1,100 two-wheelers and 500 private cars added each day. This surge reflects urban sprawl and longer travel distances, straining infrastructure. Traffic congestion not only deteriorates air quality but also incurs economic losses, costing unskilled workers between Rs 7,500 and Rs 20,100 annually.

Public Transport Shortcomings

Delhi’s public transport system is inadequate, with only 45 buses per 100,000 residents, below the recommended 60. This shortage, combined with increased travel distances and high interchange times, discourages public transport use. While private vehicles may appear cheaper per journey, the overall costs related to traffic delays and lost productivity are higher.

Recommendations for Improvement

CSE advocates for an expansion of Delhi’s public transport system, particularly the bus fleet. The goal is to achieve an 80:20 modal split in favour of public and shared transport by 2041. This requires increased public transit usage and reduced reliance on private vehicles. Infrastructure improvements and incentives for public transport use are essential to reverse current trends.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of rapid motorisation on air quality in urban areas like Delhi.
2. Explain the relationship between traffic congestion and economic productivity in metropolitan cities.
3. Comment on the effectiveness of technological interventions in combating urban pollution.
4. What are the primary sources of particulate matter in Delhi? Discuss their implications.
5. With suitable examples, underline the challenges faced by public transport systems in major cities.

1. Critically analyse the impact of rapid motorisation on air quality in urban areas like Delhi.

Rapid motorisation impacts air quality in urban areas, particularly in cities like Delhi, where vehicle emissions contribute substantially to pollution levels. The following points illustrate this impact:

• Increased Emissions: With a 15.6% annual growth in vehicle numbers, particularly two-wheelers and cars, emissions of harmful pollutants such as PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have surged. Vehicles are responsible for approximately 40% of PM2.5 emissions and a staggering 81% of NOx in Delhi, exacerbating air quality issues.
• Congestion and Idling: The increase in vehicles leads to severe traffic congestion, which results in idling. During congested periods, emissions from idling vehicles can increase , contributing to spikes in pollutants like NO2. Low traffic speeds, common in congested areas, correlate directly with higher emissions, creating a vicious cycle of worsening air quality.
• Urban Sprawl: The rise in private vehicle ownership reflects urban sprawl and longer travel distances. This not only strains existing infrastructure but also makes public transport less attractive, pushing more commuters towards personal vehicles, further aggravating pollution levels.
• Health Implications: Poor air quality due to rapid motorisation has dire health consequences, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increased mortality rates. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected.
• Economic Costs: The economic implications of rapid motorisation are deep. Traffic congestion costs unskilled workers between Rs 7,500 and Rs 20,100 annually due to lost productivity. This economic burden marks the need for sustainable transport solutions.

Thus, rapid motorisation in urban areas like Delhi severely compromises air quality, necessitating urgent measures to promote sustainable transportation options and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

2. Explain the relationship between traffic congestion and economic productivity in metropolitan cities.

The relationship between traffic congestion and economic productivity in metropolitan cities is complex and multifaceted. Key aspects of this relationship include:

• Time Loss: Traffic congestion leads to time loss for commuters. Studies estimate that unskilled workers in Delhi lose between Rs 7,500 and Rs 20,100 annually due to traffic delays. This loss of productive time directly impacts overall economic output.
• Increased Operational Costs: Businesses face higher operational costs due to delayed deliveries and increased fuel consumption during congested periods. These costs can reduce profit margins and deter investment in urban areas, further stifling economic growth.
• Impact on Workforce Mobility: Congestion hampers workforce mobility, making it challenging for employees to commute efficiently. This can lead to higher absenteeism rates and lower job satisfaction, ultimately affecting productivity levels within companies.
• Attraction of Investment: Persistent congestion can deter businesses from establishing operations in metropolitan areas. Cities with efficient transport systems are more attractive to investors, leading to job creation and economic development. Conversely, congestion can lead to businesses relocating to less congested areas.
• Environmental Costs: The economic costs of congestion extend to environmental degradation. Increased emissions from idling vehicles contribute to air pollution, which has associated health costs. Poor air quality can lead to increased healthcare expenditures and reduced workforce productivity.

In this way, traffic congestion in metropolitan cities has a detrimental impact on economic productivity through time loss, increased operational costs, and decreased workforce mobility. Addressing congestion through improved public transport and infrastructure is essential for enhancing urban economic performance.

3. Comment on the effectiveness of technological interventions in combating urban pollution.

Technological interventions can play a critical role in combating urban pollution, but their effectiveness is often contingent on several factors:

• Emission Standards: The implementation of stringent emission standards, such as Bharat Stage VI, has been an important step in reducing vehicular emissions. However, compliance and enforcement remain challenges, and many older vehicles still contribute to pollution.
• Fleet Electrification: The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is a promising technological intervention. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can reduce urban air pollution. However, the effectiveness of this transition depends on the availability of charging infrastructure and the source of electricity used for charging.
• Real-time Monitoring: Technologies that enable real-time monitoring of air quality can help in identifying pollution hotspots and implementing timely interventions. However, data collection must be coupled with actionable policies to be effective.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Technological advancements can facilitate public awareness campaigns that inform citizens about pollution levels and encourage behavioral changes. However, the impact of such campaigns often depends on public engagement and the perceived urgency of the issue.
• Limitations of Technology Alone: While technology can mitigate pollution, it cannot address underlying issues such as urban planning, traffic congestion, and public transport inadequacies. For instance, despite technological advancements, Delhi’s air quality continues to decline due to local pollution sources and increased vehicle numbers.

Thus, while technological interventions are essential in the fight against urban pollution, their effectiveness is limited without comprehensive policies and infrastructural improvements. A holistic approach that integrates technology with urban planning and public transport enhancement is necessary to achieve reductions in urban pollution levels.

4. What are the primary sources of particulate matter in Delhi? Discuss their implications.

The primary sources of particulate matter (PM) in Delhi can be categorized as follows:

• Vehicular Emissions: Vehicles are the largest contributors to PM2.5 in Delhi, accounting for about 40% of total emissions. The proliferation of personal vehicles, especially during peak hours, exacerbates air quality issues, leading to health concerns for the urban population.
• Construction Activities: Dust from construction sites contributes to PM levels. With rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, construction dust is a major pollutant, denoting the need for better dust control measures.
• Industrial Emissions: Industries located in and around Delhi release various particulate pollutants. The lack of stringent regulations and enforcement allows these emissions to contribute to the city’s air quality crisis.
• Burning of Biomass and Waste: Open burning of biomass and waste, including agricultural residue, further contributes to PM levels. Although seasonal farm fires have minimal impact during certain months, they still play a role in the overall pollution profile.
• Natural Sources: Natural sources, such as dust storms and pollen, also contribute to PM levels, but their impact is often overshadowed by anthropogenic sources. However, they can exacerbate pollution during specific seasons.

The implications of these sources are deep. High levels of PM2.5 are linked to severe health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality rates. The economic costs associated with healthcare and lost productivity due to poor air quality are . Moreover, persistent pollution can lead to social unrest and decreased quality of life, necessitating urgent policy interventions to address these sources comprehensively.

5. With suitable examples, underline the challenges faced by public transport systems in major cities.

Public transport systems in major cities face numerous challenges that hinder their effectiveness and attractiveness. Some of the key challenges include:

• Inadequate Infrastructure: Many cities, including Delhi, have insufficient public transport infrastructure. For instance, Delhi has only 45 buses per 100,000 residents, below the recommended benchmark of 60. This shortage leads to overcrowding and long wait times, discouraging public transport use.
• High Interchange Times: Inefficient transfer points between different modes of transport can deter commuters. In cities like Mumbai, lengthy interchange times between local trains and buses can make public transport less appealing compared to private vehicles.
• Reliability and Frequency: Public transport systems often suffer from reliability issues. For example, if buses or trains do not run on time or frequently enough, commuters may opt for private vehicles, contributing to congestion and pollution.
• Safety Concerns: Safety is an important concern for users of public transport. Reports of harassment or crime on buses and trains can deter potential users. Cities like Kolkata have faced challenges in ensuring the safety of female passengers, impacting overall ridership.
• Funding and Investment: Public transport systems often struggle with inadequate funding. For instance, budget constraints can limit maintenance, expansion, and improvements in service quality. Cities like Los Angeles have faced criticism for underfunding public transit, leading to a reliance on cars.

Thus, public transport systems in major cities face challenges related to infrastructure, reliability, safety, and funding. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing public transport usage, reducing congestion, and improving overall urban mobility.