Delhi's Pollution: Strategies For A Sustainable Future

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air pollution levels that are deemed 'chronic'. The city's pollution is caused by a range of factors, including factories, transport, power, industry, waste, and construction. To reduce pollution, Delhi could take inspiration from cities like Beijing, which has drastically reduced its pollution levels with stronger budget allocation and a push towards renewable energy. Other measures that could be taken include improving the public transport system, electrifying the bus fleet, and reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads.

Improving the public transport system

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. To reduce pollution, the city's public transport system must be improved.

Delhi's public transport system currently includes buses, a metro rail system, and rickshaws. Many rickshaws have already switched from diesel to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), but this has not been effective in reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads. The city aspires to electrify 80% of its bus fleet, but this is not yet enough to encourage people to switch from private vehicles to public transport.

To improve the public transport system, the metro rail system's connectivity must be improved. This could include extending the reach of the metro to more areas of the city and its surrounding regions, and ensuring that the metro is well-integrated with other forms of public transport, such as buses.

In addition to improving the metro rail system, the city could also invest in more sustainable bus fleets. This could include purchasing more electric buses and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations, is in place to support them. The city could also consider implementing bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, which have been successful in other cities around the world. BRT systems typically include dedicated bus lanes, off-board fare collection, and improved bus stops, all of which can help to increase the speed and efficiency of bus travel.

Another way to improve the public transport system is to make it more affordable and accessible for all residents. This could include reducing fares, offering discounted or free fares for certain groups (such as students or seniors), and ensuring that the system is well-integrated with other forms of transportation, such as walking and cycling.

Finally, the city should also focus on reducing emissions from other sources, such as factories and power plants. This could include shifting to cleaner fuels, reducing emissions from existing sources, and implementing stronger emissions controls. By addressing pollution from multiple sources, Delhi can improve its air quality and reduce the health risks associated with high levels of pollution.

Reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads

Delhi has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air pollution being a particular issue. To reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, the city could take inspiration from other cities such as Beijing, which has managed to drastically reduce its pollution levels with stronger budget allocation and a push towards renewable energy.

Delhi could also improve its public transportation system, which would provide an alternative to private vehicles. This could include electrifying 80% of its bus fleet, as the city aspires to do, and improving the connectivity of its metro rail system.

Another way to reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads is to restrict people's travel in motor vehicles, as was done when the fourth stage of GRAP was applied in Delhi in November 2024. During this time, students were asked to shift to online modes of education, and the entry of polluting goods vehicles carrying non-essential products was stopped.

To further discourage the use of private vehicles, Delhi could also increase parking fees in public areas, as was done during the fourth stage of GRAP.

Reducing emissions from factories

Delhi is home to factories that emit pollutants into the air. To reduce emissions from factories, the following steps can be taken:

• Shift to cleaner fuel.
• Reduce the emission load.
• Electrify the bus fleet.
• Switch rickshaws from diesel to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
• Improve the regional public transportation system.
• Restrict the entry of polluting goods vehicles carrying non-essential products.
• Stop road and building construction activities.

Reducing construction activities

Delhi has been named the most polluted city in the world, but there are several measures that could be taken to reduce its pollution levels. One of these measures is to reduce construction activities.

Construction is a major source of pollution in Delhi, and it is important to reduce the emission load coming from this sector. One way to do this is to stop all road and building construction activities when pollution levels are particularly high. This was implemented in Delhi in November 2024, when the fourth stage of GRAP was applied, and it helped to bring the city's pollution levels down.

Another way to reduce pollution from construction is to improve urban planning. This could involve ensuring that construction projects are well-organised and efficient, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. It could also mean that construction activities are scheduled for times when pollution levels are typically lower, such as outside of the winter months when there is little dispersion of pollutants due to a lack of wind.

In addition to reducing the number of construction activities, it is also important to ensure that any construction projects that do take place are as environmentally friendly as possible. This could involve using cleaner fuel and reducing emissions, as well as implementing measures to control the spread of dust and other pollutants.

By taking these steps, Delhi can significantly reduce the pollution caused by construction activities and improve the air quality for its citizens.

Improving urban planning

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, but there are several ways in which urban planning can be improved to reduce this.

Firstly, the city's public transportation system must be improved. Delhi's population is reliant on buses, and the city has plans to electrify 80% of its bus fleet. This is a positive step, but it has not been effective in reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads. To encourage people to use public transport instead of private vehicles, the public transport system must be efficient, affordable, and comprehensive. This could involve investing in new infrastructure, such as cycle lanes and electric bus networks, and improving the existing metro rail system by increasing its connectivity.

Secondly, the city should focus on reducing emissions from factories. Delhi is home to auto, chemical, and plastic factories that emit pollutants into the air. The city should consider shifting to cleaner fuel or reducing emissions from these industries. This could involve implementing stricter regulations on emissions and providing incentives for factories to switch to cleaner energy sources.

Thirdly, urban planning policies should address the issue of local sources of pollution. As Narain explains, local sources of pollution, such as road and building construction, are a key reason why Delhi and its surrounding areas have poor pollution levels. To tackle this, the city could introduce measures to reduce the impact of construction, such as stricter regulations on dust control and the use of cleaner construction methods.

Finally, Delhi could take inspiration from other cities that have successfully reduced pollution levels. For example, Beijing has drastically reduced its pollution levels with stronger budget allocation and a push towards renewable energy. Learning from the successes and failures of other cities can help Delhi develop effective strategies to improve its air quality.

By implementing these measures, Delhi can improve its urban planning to reduce pollution levels and create a healthier environment for its citizens.

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