Delhi’s air pollution has become an alarming public health crisis, with the potential to dramatically reduce life expectancy. According to the University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index Report 2023, prolonged exposure to Delhi’s toxic air could lower the life expectancy of its residents by an alarming 11.9 years. This is not just a statistic but a stark warning that requires immediate and sustained action. Yet, while citizens endure this environmental catastrophe, political leaders often engage in blame games instead of collaborating to find sustainable solutions.
Identifying the Root Causes of Delhi’s Air Pollution
The first step in addressing any issue is diagnosing its root causes. In Delhi, the sources of pollution are multifaceted and vary by season, with winter being the most challenging period. During this time, reduced wind velocity exacerbates the accumulation of pollutants, particularly PM 2.5, leading to the infamous smog that blankets the city.
- According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana contributes significantly to Delhi’s air pollution during the smog months. On November 1, 2024, stubble burning was responsible for 35.18% of the PM 2.5 levels.
- Other significant contributors include the transport sector in Delhi, which accounts for around 19% of the pollution.
- Additional sources include residential emissions (3.9%), industrial activities (4.6%), construction dust (2.4%), and road dust (14%).
- Neighboring regions such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar collectively add 30-35% to Delhi’s pollution levels.
The interplay of these factors creates a toxic environment, particularly during the winter months, making it essential to target these sources individually and collectively.
Tackling Agricultural Practices
One of the most significant contributors to Delhi’s pollution is the practice of paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. While this practice ensures quick clearance of fields for the next crop cycle, it comes at an enormous environmental cost. Paddy cultivation, which spans 4.5 million hectares in these states, is not indigenous to the region and has been artificially sustained by subsidies and government procurement policies.
- According to research by ICRIER, paddy cultivation in Punjab received input subsidies amounting to ₹8,393.79/ha in 2023-24. These subsidies cover free electricity, highly subsidized fertilizers, and canal irrigation.
- Despite its profitability, paddy cultivation has led to the depletion of groundwater by 11-12 meters over the past 22 years and emits 5 tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs) per hectare.
To address these issues, it is essential to diversify cropping patterns. Although existing diversification schemes offer farmers ₹7,500/ha to switch from paddy to alternative crops, this incentive is insufficient and limited to just one year. A more robust and sustained program is necessary.
- Experts suggest upscaling this incentive to at least ₹35,000/ha and extending it for a minimum of five years. This increased support can help offset the profitability gap when farmers transition to crops like pulses, maize, or oilseeds.
- The savings on fertilizer and power subsidies could offset the financial burden of these incentives. Moreover, ensuring minimum support price (MSP) procurement for alternative crops will reduce market risks for farmers, encouraging them to make the switch.
Such measures not only address air pollution but also promote sustainable agriculture in Punjab and Haryana, ensuring a long-term solution to both environmental and agricultural challenges.
Promoting Electric Vehicles
Delhi’s transport sector is the second-largest contributor to its pollution problem, making it crucial to reduce vehicular emissions. The implementation of the Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy is a vital step in this direction. The policy aims to ensure that 25% of all new vehicle registrations are EVs by 2024, with plans to extend the target to March 2025.
- The city has already made significant progress by installing 3,452 EV charging points and 2,252 battery-swapping stations.
- To accelerate adoption, it is essential to make EV charging infrastructure mandatory in residential colonies, office spaces, and shopping malls.
Expanding EV adoption will not only reduce pollution but also position Delhi as a leader in sustainable urban transport, setting a precedent for other cities in India to follow.
Leveraging Technology
Technological innovation can play a transformative role in combating air pollution. One such solution is the installation of vacuum cleaning towers (smog towers) at major traffic crossings and high-pollution zones. These towers can filter particulate matter from the air, providing immediate relief in areas with severe pollution levels.
While implementing such technology, it is also important to address public awareness and engagement. Initiatives to encourage citizens to adopt cleaner technologies, reduce waste burning, and support pollution control measures can amplify the impact of government and private efforts.
Expanding the Fight Beyond Delhi
Although Delhi often garners the most attention for its pollution crisis, neighboring regions significantly contribute to and are affected by the problem. Collaborative efforts with cities in the National Capital Region (NCR)—including Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram—are essential for a comprehensive solution.
- Coordinated policies to control industrial emissions, improve waste management, and enhance public transport connectivity can have a broader regional impact.
- The extension of successful Delhi-specific policies, such as the EV initiative, to these cities can further reduce overall emissions.
A Call for Sustained and Collaborative Action
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is not merely a seasonal issue but a year-round challenge that requires long-term commitment and coordination among various stakeholders. The central and state governments must work together to implement policies that address the root causes of pollution. At the same time, citizens, industries, and local governments must take responsibility for adopting cleaner practices and supporting sustainable initiatives.
With a strategic combination of policy reforms, technological advancements, and economic incentives, Delhi can turn the tide on its pollution crisis. Success in this endeavor will not only improve the quality of life for millions of its residents but also serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges. The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.