The ongoing struggle to manage air quality in Delhi has become an increasingly urgent public health crisis, brought into sharp relief during the recent Diwali celebrations. This year, despite extensive and well-coordinated measures by the Delhi government, firecrackers returned to the streets with a vengeance, leading to a significant deterioration in air quality across the national capital. The government had established 377 crack teams dedicated to monitoring and enforcing the ban on firecrackers, coupled with various campaigns organized in schools and by resident welfare associations (RWAs). However, these initiatives failed to prevent a grim reality: as revelers celebrated, the aftermath revealed a shocking surge in pollution levels. On November 1, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to an alarming average of 360 for particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), placing it firmly in the "very poor" category. This spike marked a stark increase from the previous day, when the PM 2.5 levels had already reached a concerning high of 328.
This troubling rise in pollution levels occurred despite the proactive pollution-containment measures that had been implemented in the weeks leading up to Diwali. As early as mid-October, troubling signs regarding air quality were evident, with pollution levels escalating even before the winter chill typically exacerbates the problem by trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The acceptable level for PM 10—comprising particles as large as 10 microns—should ideally remain at or below 50, while PM 2.5 levels should be kept below 35 over a 24-hour period. An AQI exceeding 300 poses significant health risks, emphasizing the severity of the situation for residents in the area.
While some RWAs reported a noticeable reduction in firecracker usage compared to previous years, the post-Diwali AQI figures tell a different story, suggesting that the root causes of pollution extend far beyond just firecrackers. In response to the soaring pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which mandates a series of immediate actions aimed at curbing pollution. These actions include comprehensive deep cleaning of major roads, the implementation of dust suppressants in high-traffic areas, and increased monitoring of construction sites to mitigate sources of pollution that contribute to deteriorating air quality.
The measures outlined in the CAQM’s response are reactive to forecasts indicating that the air quality is likely to remain in the "very poor" category due to calm winds and high humidity levels. To address these conditions, authorities are actively encouraging the public to utilize public transportation, take alternative driving routes to avoid congestion, frequently change car filters to minimize emissions, and avoid dust-generating activities like construction work from October through January. These recommendations aim to minimize the impact of individual behaviors on overall air quality, particularly during the critical winter months when pollution levels typically surge.
Despite these efforts, the significant deterioration in air quality during the Diwali festival underscores the persistent challenges associated with managing pollution in Delhi. One of the ongoing issues is the smoke from agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana. Each year, this practice drifts into Delhi, compounding the pollution crisis. The CAQM has advocated for tougher regulations targeting key pollution sources, including construction practices, power generation, and vehicle emissions within the Delhi-NCR region. Furthermore, new regulations targeting diesel generators—commonly used for electricity backup—are being introduced to encourage a transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Yet, the re-emergence of alarming air quality levels during Diwali celebrations indicates that merely prohibiting firecrackers addresses only a fraction of the broader pollution problem. Other significant contributors, such as dust from construction sites, vehicular emissions, industrial outputs, and agricultural burning, necessitate more comprehensive policy interventions. While the GRAP measures may provide temporary relief, a more robust and continuous strategy to combat air pollution is essential for meaningful and lasting change.
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched to address these persistent issues, has faced growing criticism regarding its overall effectiveness. A recent assessment conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) identified several critical shortcomings in the NCAP's implementation and effectiveness. One major concern raised is that the NCAP predominantly focuses on PM10 levels while largely neglecting PM2.5 levels, which pose a far greater health risk due to their ability to penetrate deeper into the lungs and bloodstream. Initially, the program’s emphasis on PM10 was justified due to the lack of adequate tools for measuring PM2.5. However, with advancements in monitoring technology, experts now argue that a shift in focus is essential. By redirecting funding and resources toward combating the sources of PM2.5 pollution—such as emissions from vehicles and industrial operations—more effective and targeted outcomes could be achieved.
Additionally, the ranking systems utilized within the NCAP, as well as the 15th Finance Commission and Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS), have come under scrutiny for their methodologies. While cities may follow policies effectively under SVS, they may still struggle to achieve tangible reductions in PM10 levels, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of these policies in producing desired results. For instance, while Delhi may rank favorably in terms of policy implementation, the city still falls short in actual pollution reduction, demonstrating that even significant policy measures may not effectively cut pollution due to external pollution sources and unfavorable weather conditions.
The CSE report further highlights systemic issues related to funding and planning at both the city and state levels. While substantial resources are allocated through the NCAP and the Finance Commission, smaller cities often struggle to effectively utilize these funds due to inadequate planning and management practices. As a result, much of the allocated funding may not translate into effective pollution reduction initiatives on the ground.
In conclusion, the persistent air quality crisis in Delhi, exacerbated by the recent Diwali celebrations, underscores the limitations of current pollution control measures. The complex interplay of firecracker usage, agricultural practices, and urban pollution sources creates a challenging environment for policymakers and citizens alike. To effectively combat this multifaceted issue, a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the immediate sources of pollution but also implements long-term strategies aimed at improving air quality is crucial for achieving sustainable improvements. As the situation continues to unfold, a concerted commitment to policy reform, community engagement, and public education will be essential in tackling the pervasive issue of air pollution in one of the world's most densely populated cities. The road ahead requires not only immediate action but also a vision for a cleaner and healthier future for all residents of Delhi.
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