Delhi Pollution: Strategies For Cleaner Air And Healthier Living

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air pollution causing over 17,000 premature deaths and an economic loss of 1,207 million USD in 2019 alone. While the pandemic-induced lockdown provided temporary relief, the annual average PM2.5 concentration in 2020 was still more than twice the permissible limit. To address this issue, the Delhi government has implemented various action plans, such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the Winter Action Plan, which include measures like encouraging the use of CNG-powered cars, reducing garbage burning and traffic emissions, and monitoring pollution hotspots.

Reduce traffic congestion

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and traffic congestion is a significant contributor to this issue. To reduce traffic congestion in Delhi, the following measures can be implemented:

Carpooling and Shared Taxis

Encourage carpooling by designating carpool lanes for vehicles with three or more passengers. The transport department can also play a role by developing a taxi-sharing website and setting up taxi stands to offer reduced fares for shared rides.

Improve Public Transport

Make public transportation more attractive by supporting the Metro, overhead rail, and bus services. Make it convenient, affordable, and safe for people to choose public transport over private vehicles. This includes improving the user experience and providing comfortable and efficient services.

Bicycle Infrastructure

Encourage the use of bicycles by creating dedicated bicycle lanes in residential areas and on all roads in Delhi. Ensure the safety of cyclists and promote a culture of cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Reduce Private Vehicle Dependence

Implement Transport Demand Management (TDM) strategies to reduce the over-reliance on private cars. This includes providing incentives for public transportation or carpooling, such as commuter subsidies. Companies can also provide company buses from nearby metro stations to offices, improving "last-mile connectivity".

Efficient Truck Usage

Encourage the use of six-axle trucks instead of four-axle trucks to increase payload per truck and reduce the number of trucks on the roads. Additionally, ensure that trucks going to other destinations do not pass through Delhi and use the bypass instead.

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)

Implement advanced traffic management systems, such as the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), to improve traffic efficiency and safety. This includes technologies such as advanced traffic management systems, advanced vehicle control systems, electronic toll collection systems, and advanced public transportation systems.

By implementing these measures, Delhi can significantly reduce traffic congestion, improving the quality of life for its residents and reducing air pollution.

Ban on open burning of waste

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and the air quality often reaches alarming levels. One significant contributor to this issue is the open burning of waste, which has been identified as a major cause of air pollution in the city. To address this problem, a ban on open waste burning has been implemented, with strict fines imposed on violators.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a complete prohibition on burning waste in open places, including landfill sites. This ban applies to all states and union territories, and those who violate it are subject to environmental compensation fines. For each incident of simple burning, the violator must pay a fine of Rs. 5,000, while bulk waste burning incurs a fine of Rs. 25,000. The NGT has directed all states and union territories to prepare action plans for waste management and disposal, following the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016.

The open burning of waste, especially plastic, rubber, and metal, releases carcinogenic substances into the air, posing significant health risks to Delhi's citizens and visitors. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded 2,900 complaints of pollution norm violations between October 7 and November 21 in one year, with 966 of these complaints related to garbage burning and open dumping of waste. North Delhi was the highest contributor to waste-burning cases, followed by the northwest and northeast districts.

The Delhi government has identified 13 pollution hotspots, and enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action to check cases of open fires in these areas. The problem of garbage, leaf burning, and small fires lit by people for warmth, especially from homeless and labour populations, has been a persistent challenge. While it may be challenging to monitor and control all small fires, the authorities are taking serious action against garbage burning and larger open fires.

To effectively control Delhi's pollution, a comprehensive approach is necessary, including strict enforcement of the ban on open waste burning. This measure, along with other pollution control strategies, can help improve the air quality in Delhi and ensure a safer and healthier environment for its residents and visitors.

Improve road infrastructure

Improving road infrastructure is a key aspect of reducing pollution in Delhi, a city that has been dubbed one of the most polluted in the world. Here are some ways that road infrastructure can be improved to help control pollution in Delhi:

Enhance Road Maintenance

Delhi should invest in better maintenance of roads leading to complexes such as Nehru Place. Poor road conditions not only increase wear and tear on vehicles and driving hazards but also contribute to congestion as drivers slow down to navigate potholes and uneven surfaces. Well-maintained roads can help reduce travel times, congestion, and vehicle emissions.

Improve Road Signage

Upgrading road signs and ensuring they are placed in optimal locations can help reduce the time vehicles spend on the road. Clear and strategically placed signage can help drivers navigate efficiently, reducing the distance travelled and the time spent on the road, thereby lowering vehicle emissions.

Implement the RO-RO Scheme

The Indian Railways' Roll-on-Roll-off (RO-RO) scheme, which involves carrying loaded trucks on goods trains to reduce congestion and air pollution in Delhi, should be made compulsory for trucks passing through the city. This will not only reduce the number of trucks on Delhi's roads but also help decongest the city and improve air quality.

Encourage Shared Mobility

Delhi should promote shared mobility options such as carpooling and taxi-sharing services. By incentivising ride-sharing and providing dedicated lanes for cars with three or more passengers, the city can reduce traffic congestion and the number of vehicles on the road, thereby lowering vehicle emissions.

Enhance Public Transportation

Delhi can make public transportation more attractive by supporting and expanding the Metro, overhead rail, and bus services. Making public transportation more affordable, accessible, and reliable will encourage people to leave their private vehicles at home, reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

Promote Bicycle Usage

Delhi should encourage bicycle usage by developing dedicated bicycle lanes in residential areas and on all roads. Creating a safe and convenient environment for cyclists will not only reduce traffic congestion but also promote a healthier and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation, contributing to lower vehicle emissions and improved air quality.

Promote the use of bicycles

Delhi's air pollution is a pressing issue, and one way to combat it is to promote the use of bicycles. Here are some measures to encourage cycling in the city:

Dedicated Cycling Infrastructure

The Delhi CycleWalk project is a step in the right direction. This dedicated 200-km track for cycling and walking is expected to reduce pollution in the city by at least 20%. The project aims to connect metro stations, bus stands, residential areas, business districts, and educational institutions, providing a safer and greener alternative to vehicular transport. The government should continue to invest in and expand such infrastructure, prioritising areas with high cycling demand.

Encourage Safe Travel by Bicycles

To promote cycling, it is essential to ensure the safety of cyclists. This can be achieved by implementing dedicated bicycle lanes on all roads and in residential areas. Additionally, the government should address the issue of encroachment on existing cycling tracks and ensure that malls and offices provide designated parking spaces for bicycles. Improving road signs and road maintenance can also make cycling safer and more efficient.

Incentivise Cycling

The government should introduce incentives to make cycling more attractive. This could include subsidies for purchasing bicycles, especially for low-income groups who rely on this mode of transport. Additionally, the government could offer tax breaks or other financial incentives for those who cycle to work or school, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable transport options.

Raise Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about the benefits of cycling can help encourage more people to adopt this mode of transport. Campaigns and initiatives can highlight the environmental and health benefits of cycling, such as reduced air pollution and improved physical health. Educational programmes can also teach road safety and promote the importance of respecting cyclists' rights and sharing the road.

Data-Driven Planning

When designing cycling infrastructure, it is crucial to utilise data to make informed decisions. Automatic sensors, CCTV footage, and manual counting can provide valuable information about cycling demand, popular routes, and the total number of cycles on the road. This data can help identify areas where new interventions are needed and assess the success of existing policies.

By implementing these measures, Delhi can promote the use of bicycles, reduce air pollution, and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for its residents.

Encourage the use of public transport

Delhi's transport infrastructure is heavily relied upon, with 16.6 million registered vehicles in the city as of June 2014—the highest in the world. Private vehicles account for 30% of the total demand for transport, while the remaining 70% is met by public transport and taxis.

To reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, the city should encourage greater use of public transport. The Delhi Metro, for example, is a highly efficient, punctual, and comfortable mode of transport that connects the city to outlying regions. It is also undergoing rapid modernisation and expansion. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates the world's largest fleet of CNG-powered buses, which are environmentally friendly and cover almost every part of the city. The DTC also offers sightseeing buses that stop at famous attractions, such as the Red Fort, the Lotus Temple, and the Akshardham Temple.

To incentivise the use of public transport, the government could implement measures such as enhancing parking fees to discourage private transport and augmenting CNG/electric bus and metro services by increasing the frequency of services and procuring additional fleets. The government could also encourage offices to start a unified commute for employees to reduce traffic.

To make public transport a more attractive option, the city could also improve its bus shelters and integrate GPS systems into buses and bus stops to provide reliable information about bus arrivals. Additionally, the city could offer discounted or free public transport during high pollution periods to incentivise people to leave their cars at home.

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