Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi, a bustling metropolis, stands at a critical juncture in its battle against air pollution. This urban giant, attracting masses for its vibrant lifestyle and opportunities, now grapples with a health crisis fueled by deteriorating air quality. From cardiovascular diseases to respiratory disorders, the city’s air pollution contributes significantly to escalating health risks and premature mortality rates.

Delhi pollution measures: Despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for healthy air, Delhi’s air quality often falls short, posing a stark contrast to global standards. With data spanning over 7,300 cities worldwide, Delhi’s air pollution scenario is not just a local issue but a global concern. Dive into this comprehensive guide to understand the depth of Delhi’s air pollution crisis and the measures being taken to combat it.

Delhi – World’s Most Polluted City

Pollution Control in Delhi: The global air quality report, conducted by the State of global air (SoGA) initiative, has announced the cities with the highest exposure to poor air quality. This SoGA publication offers insights into the levels of pollution in various cities across the globe. For the fourth consecutive year, Delhi has maintained its position as the world’s most polluted city, with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 92.6 micrograms per cubic meter. Additionally, Delhi has also stood second on the list of the world’s most polluted capital cities among 116 capital cities.

While the WHO suggested ideal annual PM2.5 levels of 5 μg/m3, Delhi recorded an average annual PM2.5 level of 92.6 μg/m3 in 2022. According to the report, Lahore, Hotan (China), and Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) ranked as the most polluted cities in the world. While Lahore recorded PM2.5 levels of 97.4 μg/m3 with the worst air quality, Hotan and Bhiwadi had PM2.5 levels of 94.3 and 92.7 μg/m3, respectively.

In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India declared that Delhi has become worse than “narak (hell)” and suggested using explosives to kill everyone. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, water quality in the Yamuna and Ganges river basins improved due to industry closures. However, air quality has also significantly improved during this time. India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences published a research paper in October 2018 attributing almost 41% of vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust, and 18% to industries.

Read: Air Pollution

Why Delhi is the most polluted city in the world?

Air pollution health effects: Delhi’s air pollution problem is attributed to animal agriculture, as Delhi smog and other harmful particles have been produced by farmers burning their crops in other states since the 1980s. Initiatives such as the Great Green Wall of Aravalli green ecological corridor are being considered to combat pollution.

• In December 2019, IIT Bombay, in partnership with the McKelvey School of Engineering of Washington University in St. Louis, launched the Aerosol and Air Quality Research Facility to study air pollution in India.
• Poor air quality in Delhi is primarily caused by motor vehicle emissions, wood-burning fires, cow dung cake combustion, agricultural land fires, diesel generator exhaust, construction dust, garbage burning, and illegal industrial activities.
• Despite being kerosene-free, 10% of households use wood, crop residue, cow dung, and coal for cooking. Fire in Bhalswa landfill is another major cause of airborne particles in Delhi.

Court-ordered restrictions on bus service in Delhi have exacerbated the large contributions of vehicles and road dust to air pollution.The Delhi government has implemented measures to address the poor air quality in the city, including reducing staff tenures, advising staff to reconsider bringing their children to Delhi, providing high-end air purifiers, and installing expensive air purifiers in their offices. The Air Quality in Delhi index reached 465 on 14 November 2021, leading to the closure of all educational institutions for a week.

The Commission for Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM) directed that schools, colleges, and educational institutions will be closed until further notice. In addition, trucks have been banned, construction activities have been halted until 21 November, and 6 out of 11 thermal power plants in Delhi have been shut down until 30 November. The Delhi government plans to add 1000 extra CNG buses and randomly check registrations and pollution certificates of cars to curb pollution. Diesel cars above 10 years and petrol cars about 15 years old are banned due to pollution. The Supreme Court of India has suggested that government officers living in government colonies should commute by car pooling together or by public transport.

Also Read:

• Types of Pollution
• Types of Environmental Pollution and their Causes
• Air Pollution Control

Analyzing Delhi’s Air Pollution: Data and Statistics

Current Pollution Levels

• As of [latest data year or month], Air Quality in Delhi index (AQI) frequently oscillates between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories, especially during winter months. For instance, in [specific month/year], the AQI reached alarming levels of over 300, categorizing the air quality as hazardous.

Historical Trends

• Over the past decade, Delhi has seen a consistent rise in pollution levels. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates a [percentage] increase in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) since [specific year].

Comparative Analysis

• Compared to other major cities in India, Delhi often records the highest pollution levels. For instance, in [specific year], Delhi’s average PM2.5 concentration was about [specific value], significantly higher than cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.

Seasonal Variations

• The pollution levels in Delhi show marked seasonal variation. Post-monsoon and winter months (October to January) typically record the highest pollution levels due to factors like stubble burning, firecrackers during festivals, and meteorological conditions.

Impact of Lockdowns and Restrictions

• The lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw a temporary improvement in air quality. For example, during the initial lockdown phase in [specific month/year], the AQI improved by [percentage] compared to the same period in the previous year.

Global Comparison

• When compared globally, Delhi often ranks among the top cities with poor air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Delhi’s air pollution levels are several times higher than the safe limits set by the organization.

Government Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi

Introduction to Government Efforts

• The government has implemented several initiatives to tackle the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi. These efforts aim to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and safeguard public health.

Key Initiatives

1. Odd-Even Scheme: A traffic rationing measure to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
2. Ban on Crop Burning in Neighboring States: Enforcement of regulations to prevent crop residue burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution.
3. Promotion of Electric Vehicles: Incentives for electric vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions.
4. Installation of Smog Towers: Setting up smog towers to filter and purify the air.
5. Green Cover Expansion: Initiatives to increase green spaces in and around Delhi.

Impact Assessment

• While these Delhi pollution measures have shown some positive outcomes, continuous monitoring and adaptation of strategies are essential for long-term improvement in air quality.

Read: World Air Quality Report 2023

Public Health Impacts of Air Pollution in Delhi

Understanding Health Risks

• Prolonged exposure to polluted air in Delhi poses significant health risks to its residents, affecting all age groups.

Major Health Concerns

1. Respiratory Issues: Increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.
2. Cardiovascular Problems: Heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes due to poor air quality.
3. Impact on Children’s Health: Children are particularly vulnerable, with air pollution affecting lung development and causing frequent respiratory infections.
4. Long-Term Effects: Chronic exposure can lead to severe health issues like lung cancer and reduced life expectancy.

Preventive Measures

• Recommendations for residents include using air purifiers, wearing masks, and minimizing outdoor activities during high pollution days.

Read: Strategies to Control Environmental Pollution

Conclusion

The ranking of Delhi in terms of pollution has always been a matter of significant concern and attention, both nationally and internationally. The city has been ranked 4th on the list of the World’s Most Polluted Cities 2022 and has been facing severe air quality challenges impacting the health and quality of life of its residents. Effects to address this issue have included policy initiatives and increased public awareness. While rankings may alter, the ultimate focus remains on creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for the residents of Delhi and its environment as a whole.

FAQs on Delhi Air Pollution

1. What makes Delhi the most polluted city in the world?

Delhi’s air pollution is attributed to factors like motor vehicle emissions, wood-burning fires, agricultural land fires, and industrial activities.

2. How does Delhi’s air quality compare to WHO guidelines?

The WHO suggests ideal annual PM2.5 levels of 5 μg/m3, but Delhi recorded an average annual PM2.5 level of 92.6 μg/m3 in 2022, far exceeding these guidelines.

3. What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on Delhi’s air quality?

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Delhi saw a temporary improvement in air quality due to reduced industrial activity and vehicular traffic.

4. What measures has the Delhi government taken to improve air quality?

The Delhi government has implemented measures like reducing staff tenures, advising staff to reconsider bringing their children to Delhi, providing high-end air purifiers, and installing expensive air purifiers in their offices.

5. What are the health impacts of air pollution in Delhi?

Pollution in Delhi is linked to health problems such as cardiovascular issues, respiratory disorders, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory infections, contributing to premature mortality rates.

6. What are some of the initiatives to combat pollution in Delhi?

Initiatives include the Great Green Wall of Aravalli green ecological corridor and the Aerosol and Air Quality Research Facility launched by IIT Bombay and Washington University.

7. How does the Supreme Court of India view Delhi’s pollution situation?

The Supreme Court of India has expressed severe concern about Delhi’s pollution, suggesting measures like carpooling and public transport for government officers to reduce pollution.

8. What are the consequences of Delhi’s air pollution on public health?

The consequences include a prevalence of diseases such as cardiovascular issues, respiratory disorders, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory infections, leading to increased mortality rates.