Air Pollution in Delhi - A State of Public Health Emergency, Outcrosses Air Quality Index, Lesson for Metropolitan Cities

This article talks about the situation of heavy air pollution in Delhi, capital of India resulting in declaration of public health emergency by the concerned authority. The article also mentions about Air Quality Index to measure the level of air pollution. It discusses the causes of growing air pollution in Delhi, possible solutions to ameliorate the current situation and what other steps can be taken to prevent further deterioration of atmosphere of Delhi.

Introduction

Parameters to Measure Air Pollution

Current Situation of Air Pollution in Delhi

Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi

Impact of Air Pollution

Measures to Tackle Air Pollution in Delhi

Conclusion

Introduction

Air pollution is an issue worldwide. According to an estimate by WHO, 6 million children under the age of 15 years died globally in the year of 2016 due to air pollution. India is not different from other countries. Among most polluted 50 cities of the world, half are present in India itself. Delhi is one of the most polluted cities. The national capital of India, Delhi and adjoining areas are suffering from severe air pollution. The residents are suffocating, facing inflammation and exposed to various diseases caused by air pollution.

Parameters to Measure Air Pollution

Air pollution is measured by Air Quality Index (AQI). Air Quality Index measures levels of various air pollutants which are PM 2.5, PM 10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia, lead. The state of air pollution is communicated in terms of levels of above mentioned pollutants in air. Their quantities falling in specific range categorize the state of pollution. State of air pollution as per Air Quality Index (AQI) is classified as following:

Air Quality Range	State of Air Pollution
0-50	Good
51-100	Satisfactory
101-200	Moderate
201-300	Poor
301-400	Very Poor
401-500	Severe
>500	Severe Plus

   

Current Situation of Air Pollution in Delhi

The city of Delhi is in crisis due to heavy air pollution. According to Air Quality Index (AQI), the level of air pollution in Delhi falls in the category of severe plus. Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority declared the state of public health emergency in Delhi. The schools were shut.

Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi

Delhi is a landlocked city located in north India. It is geographically proximal to the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Residents of Delhi inhale toxic air pollutants more than ten months in a year. But the situation draws the attention of authorities in the month of October onwards. The reason is that pollutants become visible in the winter in the form of smog because pollutants do not get dispersed in winter unlike summer. The aggravating factors are stubble burning and crackers. The intense air pollution in Delhi can be attributed to its large population, industrial growth, vehicular emissions etc. The detail causes of severe air pollution in Delhi are described ahead:

Industrialization

Delhi is growing heavily. The city is a centre of industries releasing number of pollutants in the atmosphere.

Vehicular Emissions

On account of industrialization, Delhi is a magnet for large number of people. In search of employment, a large number of migrants enter the city. Their regular commutation to the work place causes heavy vehicular traffic. Vehicles emit pollutants in large quantities contributing to the significant percentage towards air pollution of the city. Everyday thousands of trucks coming in to Delhi for supply of commodities add on to the air pollution.  

Large Population

Growing population due to immigration puts burden on the electricity supply, fulfilling which require burning of fossil fuels.

Construction and Demolition

The large population and growing industries need residence, roads, schools, hospitals. All this trigger the activities of construction and demolition which constitute a big source of dust.  

Stubble Burning 

Every year, in the months of September and October, farmers of Punjab and Haryana harvest the crop of paddy. The machinery used for its harvesting separates the crop from stubble and collects the paddy grains. The farmers have to clear their lands for sowing next crop. The residue of crop called stubble, left on land needs to be uprooted which requires labour and time. Since it is a festive time in India due to Diwali, it is difficult for farmers to find labour. Apart from that, they also need to pay them. Thus, the cheapest way available to them is to burn off the standing stubble and clearing the land. The stubble burning in two states of Punjab and Haryana emit large quantities of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants which travel to the neighboring city of Delhi.  

Deforestation 

In the name of development, the forest areas of Aravali hills are cut down heavily in last few years. The forest trees of Aravali used to serve as a filter for the air currents coming from western Rajasthan and Western countries. Due to deforestation, dust particle coming from Thar desert add to the air pollution not only in Delhi but also other nearby states of North India.

Crackers 

Diwali is a major festival of India which is celebrated in the month of October or November. People fire crackers in large number leading to both air pollution and noise pollution.

Impact of Air Pollution

Air pollution is a silent killer. It has short term and long term impacts on human and animal health. It also alters the meteorological conditions leading to climate change. Short term affects on health include irritation in eyes and nose, inflammation of throat, surge of allergies, difficult breathing, headache, precipitation of asthmatic attacks etc. The long term impact may include the lung disorders. The fine particulate matter can penetrate deep in the lungs and even can pass to the blood circulation leading to the obstruction in blood flow. The air pollutants include carcinogens and exposure to them results in development of cancer. Air pollution is a strong factor to drive climate change.

Measures to Tackle Air Pollution in Delhi

The steps taken by the authorities to tackle the air pollution are mentioned below:

1. Industrial standards are tightened by regulatory authorities.
2. The waste management facilities like those for processing of waste from construction and demolition, processing of waste for composting, are put in place with the invoking of waste management rules.
3. UJWALA scheme is activated for giving LPG connections to the poor to substitute wood with cooking gas.
4. Construction of Eastern and Western expressways has created alternative pathways for trucks. The large number of trucks can bypass Delhi to reach their destinations.
5. BS IV standards for fuels and vehicles were introduced in 2017. BS VI standards will begin to operate in 2020.
6. Machines for removing stubble were distributed.
7. Bench of Supreme Court headed by Justice Arun Mishra has given a number of directions. It has called to stop activities of construction and demolition in Delhi NCR. Any activity related to garbage burning, construction, demolition etc. impose a penalty of Rs 1 Lakh. The top court has asked administration to ensure that no further incidence of stubble burning takes place.

Conclusion

Though the measures already taken by the government are in right direction, but they have not given their adequate outcomes at present. The above measures are long term solutions and their impact might become visible in next three to five years. Further steps need to be taken on the basis of understanding about agriculture pattern. Instead of paddy cultivation, other crops like maize, strawberry, flowers may be good alternative options. The present situation of national capital is a lesson for all the metropolitan cities. The solutions for advancing air pollution are not only political, administrative or legislative but also need public participation.   

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