Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 400. This situation has escalated into a public health emergency for millions in the capital and surrounding areas. The Supreme Court is set to review pollution control measures, denoting the urgency of the crisis.
About Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI is a measure of air pollution levels. An AQI above 300 is considered ‘hazardous’ according to the World Health Organization. In Delhi, the AQI frequently exceeds this threshold, particularly during winter months.
Factors Contributing to Pollution
Several factors contribute to Delhi’s worsening air quality. These include: – Temperature Inversion – This phenomenon traps pollutants close to the ground. – Low Wind Speeds – Reduced wind limits the dispersion of pollutants. – Stubble Burning – Agricultural practices in neighbouring states contribute to air pollution. – Vehicular Emissions – Responsible for over half of the city’s pollution.
Major Pollutants in Delhi
The primary sources of pollution in Delhi include: – Vehicular Emissions – 51.5% of pollution. – Neighbouring Districts – 34.97% contribution. – Stubble Burning – Accounts for 8.19% of pollution. – Dust Particles – Make up 3.7% of the total.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
Air pollution poses severe health risks. Short-term effects include eye irritation and respiratory issues. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic illnesses like asthma and lung cancer. The public health crisis is exacerbated by the high levels of harmful pollutants.
Government Response to Air Quality Issues
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the government has implemented Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap). This includes: – Banning construction activities. – Suspending in-person classes for younger students. – Restricting certain vehicle types to reduce emissions.
Supreme Court’s Role in Addressing Pollution
The Supreme Court has intervened, questioning the effectiveness of government measures. It has mandated stricter enforcement of pollution control laws and called for accountability from state governments. The court emphasises that religious practices should not harm public health.
Stubble Burning Trends in Punjab and Haryana
Stubble burning remains a contentious issue. While Punjab has seen a reduction in incidents, Haryana has experienced an important increase. This trend raises concerns about air quality as winter approaches when pollution levels typically rise.
Future Measures and Expectations
Authorities must act decisively to combat air pollution. The deadline set by the Supreme Court for improving air quality is November 25. This urgency reflects the critical need for effective solutions to safeguard public health.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of vehicular emissions on urban air quality in India.
- With suitable examples, estimate the effects of temperature inversion on air pollution levels in metropolitan areas.
- Point out the health implications of prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality in urban regions.
- What are the challenges faced by state governments in implementing effective measures against stubble burning? Discuss with relevant examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of vehicular emissions on urban air quality in India.
- Vehicular emissions account for approximately 51.5% of Delhi’s air pollution, making them the largest contributor.
- Common pollutants from vehicles include nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, which are harmful to human health.
- Heavy traffic congestion exacerbates emissions, particularly in urban areas with high vehicle density.
- Older vehicles and inadequate emission controls contribute to the deterioration of air quality.
- Government initiatives like stricter emission standards and promotion of electric vehicles are essential to mitigate this issue.
2. With suitable examples, estimate the effects of temperature inversion on air pollution levels in metropolitan areas.
- Temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing pollutant dispersion.
- In Delhi, this phenomenon is more prevalent during winter months, leading to hazardous levels of air quality (AQI above 400).
- Examples include the persistent smog in Delhi post-Diwali, where inversion traps smoke from firecrackers and stubble burning.
- Similar patterns have been observed in cities like Los Angeles, where inversions lead to smog formation and air quality issues.
- Mitigation strategies include urban planning to reduce heat islands and improve air circulation in cities.
3. Point out the health implications of prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality in urban regions.
- Short-term exposure leads to immediate health issues such as eye irritation, respiratory problems, and asthma attacks.
- Long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis and lung cancer.
- Air pollution is linked to cardiovascular diseases, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk from hazardous air quality.
- Prolonged exposure can lead to premature mortality, making it an important public health crisis in urban areas.
4. What are the challenges faced by state governments in implementing effective measures against stubble burning? Discuss with relevant examples.
- State governments face resistance from farmers due to the economic necessity of stubble burning for quick land preparation.
- Lack of awareness and education about alternative practices, such as using bio-decomposers, hinders progress.
- Inconsistent enforcement of regulations and guidelines leads to non-compliance, as seen in Haryana’s rising stubble burning incidents.
- Coordination between neighboring states is often lacking, complicating efforts to address the cross-border pollution issue.
- Government subsidies for alternative methods and effective communication strategies are needed to encourage compliance.
