Delhi's Air Pollution: Strategies For Improvement

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air pollution reaching alarming levels of 485 AQI (air quality index) in 2018, where the safe limit for humans is less than 100 AQI. The situation has become so severe that it has been deemed unsafe for people to leave their residences. To address this pressing issue, a range of strategies and initiatives have been proposed and implemented by both the government and citizens. This includes encouraging the use of public transportation, reducing forest fires and smoking, implementing afforestation, and improving traffic management systems.

Use public transport

Delhi's air quality is notoriously poor, and one of the biggest contributors to this is vehicular pollution. The good news is that there are several ways to tackle this, and one of the most effective is to encourage the use of public transport.

Firstly, let's look at the economics of it. In Delhi, the cost of travelling by bus is comparable to using a two-wheeler for trips under 10km. The bus is even more economical for longer trips. So, for those who are able, taking the bus instead of a two-wheeler is a great way to save money and reduce air pollution.

However, there is a societal dimension to personal vehicle ownership that cannot be ignored. In India, owning a vehicle is a symbol of social mobility and freedom, and a two-wheeler is often the first vehicle purchased. This means that simply making public transport cheaper may not be enough to encourage people to give up their personal vehicles.

To address this, Delhi needs to invest in its public transport infrastructure. This includes approving Phase IV of the Delhi Metro to complete the network and cater to a wider range of travel needs. The expansion of the metro system will also help bring in more riders overall, which will, in turn, help to further improve the system and encourage even more riders.

In addition to expanding the metro, Delhi should also increase its bus supply. The current bus system is inadequate, and the number of buses has actually decreased in recent years, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of two-wheelers on the road. A person travelling 10km on a two-wheeler contributes 16 times more cancer-causing particulate matter to the air than they would if they took the bus.

To make public transport a more attractive option, the government should focus on making it more accessible and convenient. This includes improving first- and last-mile connectivity to the Delhi Metro, with direct access from large residential and commercial complexes. The current lack of connectivity means that many people have to use their personal vehicles to get to and from the metro, which defeats the purpose.

Another way to improve convenience is to integrate the various transport systems in Delhi into one comprehensive system. Currently, the metro, bus, paratransit, and suburban train systems all operate independently, with little to no communication between them. By integrating these systems, end-to-end connectivity can be offered, making it easier for people to get around without a personal vehicle.

Finally, to encourage personal vehicle users to shift to public transport, the public transport system must meet their quality expectations. This includes comfortable passenger spaces, convenient pick-up and drop-off points, and on-demand availability. Mini-buses operated by bus aggregators could be particularly useful, as they can carry more passengers per unit of fuel consumed compared to shared cabs.

Avoid burning garbage

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air pollution reaching alarming levels of 485 AQI (Air Quality Index), far above the safe limit of 100 AQI for humans. One of the major causes of Delhi's poor air quality is the burning of garbage.

Burning garbage releases a multitude of toxic chemicals and gases into the atmosphere, including nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants have severe impacts on both the environment and public health. Nitrogen oxides, for instance, contribute to acid rain, global warming, ozone depletion, and the formation of smog. Carbon monoxide, a significant greenhouse gas, reacts with sunlight to create harmful ozone, degrading ambient air quality. Particulate matter, or fine particles produced by burning, reduce visibility and create haze, while also carrying dangerous chemicals such as dioxins.

The act of burning garbage also poses a serious risk of wildfires, which can have devastating consequences for both the environment and human life. The residue from burning garbage, or ash, is harmful to water bodies as it contains nutrients that can disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the toxic chemicals released during burning can enter the human food chain through crops, livestock, and the consumption of meat, fish, and dairy products.

To address this issue, strict action must be taken against those who burn garbage instead of utilising proper waste disposal methods. The government should enforce laws and regulations to punish violators with fines and even jail terms. Educating the public about the harmful effects of burning garbage is also crucial. People should be encouraged to use municipal garbage dumping sites and services provided by garbage haulers, ensuring that waste is disposed of properly and does not end up being burned.

By avoiding the burning of garbage and adopting safer waste management practices, Delhi can significantly reduce its air pollution levels and improve the health and well-being of its citizens and the environment.

Walking or cycling for short distances

Walking is an excellent, eco-friendly mode of transportation that produces no carbon emissions. It is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and can be easily incorporated into daily routines. Walking provides a moderate cardiovascular workout, strengthens muscles, and improves overall fitness. It is a low-impact activity that can aid in weight management, improve bone density, and promote mental well-being. Additionally, walking is a great way to explore and appreciate the surrounding environment at a leisurely pace.

Cycling, on the other hand, offers a more intense workout, increasing cardiovascular fitness and building strength in the lower body. It is a higher-impact activity that requires more effort but can be a fun and exhilarating way to get fit and explore the outdoors. While cycling does have a small carbon footprint due to bicycle production and maintenance, it still produces significantly fewer emissions than driving a car. Promoting cycling as a mode of transportation can also help reduce traffic congestion, which is another contributing factor to Delhi's air pollution.

Both walking and cycling have their advantages, and the choice between the two depends on personal preferences, fitness goals, and specific circumstances. However, by opting to walk or cycle for short distances, residents of Delhi can play a crucial role in reducing the city's air pollution and improving their overall health and well-being.

Use inverters for power backup

Inverters are a possible solution to Delhi's power woes, especially in the context of shorter but frequent power outages. Inverters are a more environmentally friendly option compared to diesel generators, which have been banned in the city due to their contribution to air pollution.

Inverters are devices that convert one form of electrical energy to another, typically from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This eliminates the need for fuel, as inverters can be charged by solar energy, a free and renewable source of power. During a power outage, an inverter draws power from its batteries, and the solar panels simultaneously recharge the batteries, ensuring they remain fully charged and prolonging their lifespan.

Inverters are more cost-effective and easier to operate and maintain than diesel generators. They are also quieter and do not produce harmful fumes or emissions, making them a cleaner and safer alternative. Inverters can power sensitive appliances like computers and laptops, which are not recommended to be used with generators due to the risk of power spikes and surges that can damage electronic devices.

By choosing inverters over diesel generators for power backup, Delhi can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and air pollution levels. Inverters are a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, especially when charged by solar energy, helping to improve the city's air quality and protect the health of its citizens.

Additionally, inverters are more cost-effective and efficient, making them a more attractive option for both households and commercial sectors. With no moving parts, inverters are maintenance-free, and their ability to utilise solar energy makes them a long-term, sustainable solution for power backup, reducing the city's reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a greener future for Delhi.

Prevent landfill fires

Landfill fires are a common occurrence, with over 8,000 of them happening annually. They are especially dangerous as they emit toxic fumes from the combustion of the wide range of materials contained in the landfill. To prevent landfill fires in Delhi, the following steps can be taken:

Comprehensive Sorting and Screening of Waste Materials

Hazardous materials are one of the leading causes of landfill fires. Before dumping waste in a landfill, staff must carefully sort through the garbage to remove any hazardous and/or flammable materials. As citizens, we can also play a part by not placing prohibited substances into regular trash or dumpsters.

Increased Vigilance in the Summer and Spring Seasons

Most landfill fires occur between March and August. The high temperatures during these months increase the likelihood of spontaneous combustion within the landfill. Landfill personnel must be vigilant during this period and immediately raise an alarm if a smouldering odour is detected.

Stringent Security Measures

Arson is a common cause of landfill fires. Implementing strict security protocols can help prevent materials from smouldering in the dumpsite. Additionally, landfill workers should refrain from smoking inside or near the premises.

Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels

Monitoring landfill gases is crucial for detecting underground fires. Signs of an underground fire include toxic smoke, increased carbon monoxide levels in the landfill gas, and the presence of combustion residue.

Thermal Surveillance

While surface fires are easily visible, subsurface fires are more challenging to detect. Thermal surveillance using special infrared cameras can identify elevated temperatures and "hot spots" within the landfill, providing early warning of potential fires.

Regular Upkeep of the Landfill

The landfill must be carefully maintained and regularly inspected for any leakages or faults. This includes segregating materials, removing combustible waste, covering the landfill daily to prevent oxygen from entering, compacting wastes to prevent methane pockets, and converting gases in the collection system to energy.

Frequently asked questions