News Highlight
A revised action plan to fight the severe challenges of air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region has come into force.
Key Takeaway
- On October 6, the first stage of the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was implemented.
Data on Delhi air pollution
- According to air quality data compiled by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Delhi is the world’s most polluted city.
- Delhi and Kolkata are the two most polluted cities in the world regarding average annual population-weighted Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 exposure.
Reasons for the Delhi air pollution
- Vehicular Emission:
- Delhi has more than 9 million registered vehicles. Further, vehicles from the neighbouring states entering Delhi are also very high.
- The Landlocked Geography of Delhi:
- Delhi and the region around the northern plains are landlocked. So, on the one hand, the source wind from North-West already has pollutants; on the other, the Himalayas obstruct the air escape route.
- Stubble Burning:
- One of the main reasons for increasing air pollution during October-November is crop burning by the farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
- High Population:
- Over-population adds to the various types of pollution, e.g. huge solid waste, water waste, construction activities emitting particulate pollution etc.
- Construction activities and open waste burning:
- Large-scale construction and demotion in Delhi-NCR lead to dust and pollution in the air.
- Thermal Power Plants and Industries:
- Industrial pollution and coal-based power plants in Delhi and surrounding areas cause pollution in the air.
- Firecrackers:
- Firecrackers are used in Diwali celebrations as well as in weddings. It is the primary reason for smog in Delhi after Diwali.
Government initiatives
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
- It is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold, such as
- Heavy fines for garbage burning
- Closure of brick kilns or strict enforcement of pollution control regulations in such kilns,
- Mechanised sweeping and water sprinkling on roads with heavy traffic
- A strict ban on firecrackers
- The action plan was formulated in 2016 and notified in 2017 for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
- It is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold, such as
- The National Clean Air Programme:
- It is a pollution control initiative launched by the Ministry of Environment to cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometres or less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter of diameter 2.5 micrometres or less, or PM2.5).
- Turbo Happy Seeder:
- The government is giving subsidies to farmers for buying Turbo Happy Seeder(THS) to control stubble burning from neighbouring states·
- Construction and demolition (C and D) waste management rules:
- As per the rules, all generators of Cand D waste must segregate it into four categories– concrete, soil, steel and wood, plastics, bricks and mortar – and then either deposit it at collection centres set up by the local authority or hand it over to processing facilities.
- Smog Towers:
- They are large-scale air purifiers usually fitted with multiple layers of air filters, which clean the air of pollutants as it passes through them.
- Green Crackers:
- Green Crackers are environmentally friendly fireworks and can reduce the air pollution caused by traditional firecrackers.
- These have been developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Way forward
- Replacing coal in energy generation:
- As a substitute for coal, solar and wind-derived energy is placed as a solution. Companies are setting up large solar farms on degraded lands. This has resulted in solar tariffs being lower than even thermal power.
- Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure:
- Creating fast charging stations for EVs in parking lots in offices, housing societies, petrol pumps, etc., can help to generate demand for EVs. In addition, the government can incentivise it by providing upfront EV subsidies.
- The commercialisation of paddy straw:
- Instead of burning the stubble, it can be used in different ways, like cattle feed, compost manure, roofing in rural areas, biomass energy, mushroom cultivation, packing materials, fuel, paper, bio-ethanol, industrial production, etc.
- More Smog towers:
- More smog towers and anti-smog guns should be installed to reduce smog in the capital.
- Implementation of legislation:
- Environment-related Legislation must be implemented and followed in Letter and spirit.
- Carbon sink:
- Delhi also needs a good carbon sink. Rejuvenating the Ridge area with dense forests and developing thick forests on both sides of the Yamuna may help.
Content Source: The Hindu