17-September-2024-Editorial

DELHI’S WINTER ACTION PLAN

Delhi’s air pollution problem worsens during winter, leading to severe health and environmental concerns.

 To tackle this, the Delhi government launched a 21-point winter action plan focusing on real-time pollution monitoring, addressing key pollution sources, and emergency measures.

The plan seeks to control air pollution through various means such as drone surveys, vehicular emission checks, dust control, stubble management, and public participation.

Features of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan

Real-Time Drone Surveys:

• For the first time, drones will be deployed to monitor high-pollution areas.
• This will provide real-time data, enabling authorities to take immediate action in areas with severe pollution.

Creation of Special Task Force:

• A dedicated task force will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and success of the action plan.
• This group will ensure that measures are followed, and pollution is effectively tackled.

Focus on Pollution Hotspots:

• Areas with the highest pollution levels will receive special attention.
• Efforts will target reducing emissions and pollutants in these zones.

Control of Vehicular and Dust Pollution:

• The government will focus on limiting vehicular emissions, a major contributor to air pollution.
• Dust control mechanisms will be implemented, especially at construction sites and roads.

Work-From-Home Encouragement:

• Companies will be urged to adopt remote working options to reduce traffic on roads and hence cut down on vehicular emissions.

Measures Against Stubble and Garbage Burning:

• The plan includes stringent regulations to prevent stubble and garbage burning, significant sources of harmful emissions during winter.

Industrial Emission Regulation:

• Industrial emissions will be monitored and controlled to reduce their contribution to air pollution.

Emergency Measures:

• In times of extreme pollution, emergency measures like odd-even vehicle rationing and artificial rain will be introduced.
• The government will also incentivize organizations involved in green initiatives through the ‘Harit Ratna’ (Green Award).

Main Causes of Winter Air Pollution in Delhi

Stubble Burning:

• Farmers in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana burn leftover crop residues, which results in large amounts of smoke and particulate matter being carried to Delhi by winds.
• This is a significant contributor to winter air pollution in the city.

Vehicle Emissions:

• Vehicular emissions from cars, trucks, and two-wheelers are one of the leading causes of pollution, especially harmful particulate matter (PM2.5).
• According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), traffic hotspots in the city experience dangerously high levels of pollution.

Wind Direction:

• During winters, winds often blow from the northwest, carrying pollutants from Punjab and Haryana towards Delhi.
• This is exacerbated by post-monsoon wind patterns that bring dust and smoke from northern India to the city.

Dry and Still Air:

• The lack of rain and low wind speeds during winter prevent pollutants from dispersing, causing them to accumulate in the atmosphere.

Temperature Inversion:

• This phenomenon traps pollutants close to the ground, making it difficult for them to dissipate.
• In winters, the cooler air near the surface traps pollutants, leading to a thick layer of smog in the city.

Other Pollution Sources:

• Dust storms, firecracker use during festivals, and domestic biomass burning for heating also contribute to the air pollution problem.
• Studies suggest that biomass burning contributes significantly to particulate matter levels in Delhi during winters.

Government Initiatives

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of measures enforced when pollution levels cross certain thresholds, including vehicle restrictions and halting construction activities.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR): A portal that provides real-time air quality data to monitor pollution levels across Delhi and other cities.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): A tool that monitors and reports air quality on a daily basis, helping citizens stay informed about pollution levels.
• Crop Residue Management Machines: Machines like the Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) are promoted to farmers to avoid stubble burning.
• Vehicle Emission Standards: Introduction of BS-VI vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality.
• Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs): Delhi is encouraging the transition to electric vehicles through subsidies and awareness campaigns to reduce vehicular pollution.
• Odd-Even Scheme: Implemented during times of severe pollution, this rationing system limits vehicles on roads based on their license plate numbers.

Way Forward

• Stricter Emission Regulations: Implement stronger policies to regulate vehicle emissions and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles through continued subsidies and infrastructure development.
• Effective Waste Management: Enforce strict rules against open waste burning, and promote waste segregation, recycling, and composting to reduce pollution from landfills and waste disposal. Adopt successful waste management practices from other cities like Indore and Surat.
• Improving Crop Residue Management: Provide farmers with affordable alternatives to stubble burning, such as subsidized crop residue management machines. Offer incentives to farmers who adopt eco-friendly methods.
• Green Infrastructure: Promote urban greening efforts like creating parks, planting trees, and developing green belts to increase Delhi’s capacity to absorb pollutants.
• Public Awareness and Engagement: Conduct campaigns to educate the public on how they can contribute to reducing air pollution, including limiting car usage and preventing waste burning.

Conclusion

Delhi’s winter action plan aims to tackle air pollution through innovative methods like drone surveys, dust control, and strict regulation of emissions.

By focusing on key contributors such as vehicular emissions, stubble burning, and industrial pollution, along with emergency measures, Delhi hopes to see a significant reduction in pollution levels.

Implementing green infrastructure, enforcing waste management regulations, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles are critical steps forward.