Delhi’s air pollution crisis during the winter months is a recurring problem caused by a combination of human activities and natural factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Major Causes of Pollution
a. Crop Stubble Burning
- Farmers in neighboring Punjab and Haryana burn crop residues (stubble) to clear fields for the next planting season. This activity peaks during October-November and releases massive amounts of smoke into the atmosphere, which drifts into Delhi due to prevailing wind patterns.
- The problem has intensified because of delayed sowing and harvesting cycles mandated by water preservation laws, which coincide with unfavorable wind conditions during the post-monsoon period【9†source】【10†source】.
b. Vehicular Emissions
- Delhi’s dense traffic emits pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). The use of older, less efficient vehicles worsens the situation, contributing significantly to the city’s pollution levels【9†source】【11†source】.
c. Construction Activities
- Unregulated construction generates a significant amount of dust (PM10) that remains suspended in the air. Despite regulations to curb this, enforcement is often lax【11†source】.
d. Industrial Emissions
- Factories and industrial zones around Delhi release pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), adding to the city’s smog【9†source】.
e. Firecrackers
- Fireworks during Diwali contribute to a spike in pollution levels. Though bans and restrictions have been imposed, they are not always effectively implemented【11†source】.
f. Natural Factors
- Weather Conditions: Low temperatures and high humidity during winter trap pollutants close to the ground.
- Calm Winds: A lack of wind in winter prevents the dispersal of pollutants, leading to smog.
- Topography: Delhi’s location in the Indo-Gangetic plain exacerbates pollution as the region acts as a basin for airborne particles【9†source】【10†source】.
2. Health Impacts
- Respiratory Issues: High levels of PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung cancer【9†source】.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Mental Health Effects: Poor air quality has been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and cognitive decline【8†source】.
3. Current Measures
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): This includes measures like restricting vehicle use, halting construction, and deploying water sprinklers when air quality deteriorates【11†source】.
- Technological Interventions: Efforts include using anti-smog guns, increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs), and deploying air purifiers in public spaces【11†source】.
- Ban on Stubble Burning: Farmers are incentivized to adopt alternative methods of stubble disposal, but implementation remains a challenge【10†source】.
4. Solutions
a. Immediate Actions
- Enforce Regulations: Strictly ban illegal stubble burning, regulate industrial emissions, and control vehicular pollution through tighter enforcement.
- Enhance Public Transport: Improve Delhi’s metro and bus systems to reduce private vehicle usage【9†source】【11†source】.
- Promote Green Practices: Encourage rooftop gardening, urban forestry, and the use of renewable energy.
b. Long-Term Strategies
- Policy Changes: Reassess agricultural laws contributing to delayed sowing and burning cycles【10†source】.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Build more bypasses and ring roads to reduce congestion.
- Mass Awareness: Educate citizens on sustainable practices and involve them in pollution control efforts.
c. Regional Cooperation
- Collaborative action plans with neighboring states are essential to mitigate cross-border pollution.
Addressing Delhi’s pollution requires a mix of enforcement, public cooperation, and structural reforms. Immediate actions can provide relief, but long-term strategies are crucial for sustainable improvement.