Meghan Hodges
Delhi, the capital of India, has been deemed the most polluted major city in the world, with air pollution levels exceeding safe standards for much of the year. The poor air quality has had irreversible health impacts on the city's residents, particularly children. To tackle this issue, the Delhi government has implemented various measures, such as banning firecrackers, shutting down highly polluting power plants, and introducing CNG buses. Additionally, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) outlines a set of emergency measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates. However, these steps may only have a limited impact, and a comprehensive approach, addressing sources of pollution like crop residue burning, garbage burning, vehicle emissions, and construction site dust, is necessary to significantly improve Delhi's air quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 494 (November 18) |
| PM2.5 levels | 354 micrograms per cubic metre (more than 20 times the standard prescribed by the World Health Organization) |
| PM10 levels | 12 times the WHO standards |
| Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) | Stage IV kicked in on November 18, 2024 |
| Stage IV of GRAP measures | Stopped entry of trucks into Delhi, banned Delhi-registered diesel-operated MGVs, HGVs, and LMVs, and stopped non-electric/non-CNG/non-BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering |
| IIT Kanpur report measures | Prevent use of coal in tandoors, provide access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), stop garbage burning, cover construction materials, use water spray and windbreakers, use De-SOx-ing and De-NOx-ing systems at power plants, stop burning crop residue, use petrol with lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improve public transport |
| Delhi Pollution Control Committee measures | Implement GRAP, ban diesel generators, regulate construction dust, ban firecrackers, shut down polluting power plants, add CNG buses |
| Supreme Court measures | Close educational institutions, ban commercial petrol and diesel vehicles, stop fuel provision to vehicles older than 15 years, ban sale of firecrackers |
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What You'll Learn
Stop garbage burning
Delhi's air pollution is a severe issue, with the Indian capital being labelled as the most harmful major city in the world for air quality in an August 2022 survey. The situation is particularly bad from November to February, with the air quality index often exceeding 400 (on a scale where 0 is good and 500 is hazardous). One of the major contributors to this is the burning of garbage.
Delhi burns 190 to 246 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) every day, severely polluting the air. The emissions from garbage burning were estimated at 2,000 kg/day of PM10 and 1,800 kg/day of PM2.5. The IIT Kanpur study concluded that any form of garbage burning should be strictly stopped and monitored, and effective control on this front could lead to a 5-10% improvement in Delhi's air quality.
The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received 751 calls related to garbage burning in October 2020, a third of all fire calls made that month. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has fined the North Delhi Municipal Corporation for its failure to control these fires, which are a major local contributor to Delhi's air pollution. The DPCC control room data shows that over a 10-day period, teams had to intervene at 52 places where open garbage burning was spotted.
The DPCC and DFS have been actively contributing to pollution control measures, such as sprinkling water on roadsides and open spaces to control dust. However, waste collection and management remain a significant problem, with waste collectors often dumping waste on roadsides and open plots, which then get set on fire.
To effectively stop garbage burning, the authorities need to develop infrastructure for the collection and disposal of MSW. Waste fires are a priority for the DFS, and vigilant citizens are encouraged to report these incidents.
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Ban diesel generators
The ban on diesel generators in Delhi and NCR is an essential step towards controlling the region's severe air pollution. Diesel generator sets are highly polluting devices, emitting harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and PM10 particles. The negative impact of diesel emissions on air quality and public health is well-documented, with prolonged exposure posing carcinogenic risks to individuals.
The ban, enforced annually during winter, aims to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it has faced opposition from resident welfare associations and industries due to concerns over power supply disruptions and the transition to alternative energy sources. To address these challenges, temporary exemptions have been granted to essential services, including emergency services, commercial and residential complexes, medical facilities, and transport hubs, until December 31.
To ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruptions, the Commission for Air Quality Management has provided a timeframe for affected sectors to find suitable alternatives. This includes encouraging the use of modified generators that emit fewer pollutants. Additionally, certain generator sets are required to operate in dual-fuel mode and be retrofitted with Emission Control Devices (ECDs) to reduce their environmental impact.
The ban on diesel generators is a crucial component of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a set of emergency measures implemented to prevent further deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR. The plan outlines specific actions to be taken when air quality reaches different stages of severity, with Stage IV being the most severe. During Stage IV, entry of truck traffic into Delhi is restricted, and only EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are permitted.
While the ban on diesel generators is a significant step, additional measures are necessary to comprehensively address air pollution in Delhi and NCR. These include implementing dust mitigation measures at construction and demolition sites, regulating the use of coal in hotels and restaurants, and installing systems to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from power plants and refineries. Furthermore, addressing the burning of crop residue in neighbouring states, improving fuel storage and refuelling practices to reduce petrol vapours, and promoting the use of air purifiers can contribute to improving air quality in the region.
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Reduce vehicular emissions
Delhi's vehicles contribute heavily to the city's poor air quality. Increased private vehicles on the road lead to more traffic congestion and higher particulate emissions, which negatively impact citizens' health. To reduce vehicular emissions, the Delhi government has implemented several measures, and researchers have proposed various strategies.
One approach is to establish low- or zero-emission zones, similar to those in London and Beijing, where only pedestrians, bicyclists, and electric vehicles are permitted. This strategy prioritises electric vehicles and discourages the use of high-emission vehicles, helping to improve air quality.
Delhi has also taken steps towards electrifying its bus fleet. In 2023, the government announced plans to add 1,000 CNG buses, and later, the commitment was made to introduce over 11,000 additional buses to the city's roads. This initiative not only improves public transportation but also reduces emissions from older, more polluting buses.
To support the transition to electric vehicles, Delhi should update its building code to require new residential and commercial properties to be EV-ready. This would involve installing the necessary infrastructure to support EV charging, making it more convenient for residents to adopt electric vehicles.
Another measure to reduce vehicular emissions is to implement a real-world emissions monitoring system, as directed by the Supreme Court. This system can identify vehicles with excessive emissions, notify owners, and issue fines to the worst offenders. Additionally, Delhi should strengthen its vehicle retirement policies and provide incentives for scrapping older, polluting vehicles. This would encourage the replacement of older, high-emission vehicles with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
To further discourage the use of high-emission vehicles, Delhi could introduce a congestion tax. This tax would be based on the level of vehicle emissions, providing an incentive for residents to choose cleaner transportation options. The revenue generated from this tax could then be invested in sustainable public transportation initiatives, such as establishing EV infrastructure and improving first and last-mile connectivity.
By implementing these strategies, Delhi can significantly reduce vehicular emissions and improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures that are implemented to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region. The plan outlines measures to be taken by various authorities, including the Delhi government, the Central Pollution Control Board, and other concerned agencies based on the air quality index (AQI).
GRAP includes specific actions to be taken at different pollution levels, ensuring a proactive response. It brings together various stakeholders and authorities to respond to the degradation of air quality in Delhi-NCR. The plan has multiple stages or categories, each with a set of measures to be implemented to tackle air pollution. The categories are determined based on the AQI, which measures the concentration of pollutants in the air.
The first category, or Stage 1, is for moderate to poor ambient particulate matter (PM) concentration. This includes enforcing NGT/Hon'ble SC's order on over-aged diesel/petrol vehicles. The second category, or Stage 2, is for very poor ambient PM concentration. This includes targeted actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots in the region and regulated operations of diesel generators (DGs) across all sectors in the NCR.
Stage III, or 'Severe', is for AQI levels of 401-450. Measures include imposing strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in certain areas and possibly suspending physical classes in primary schools. In addition, the entry of trucks into Delhi is stopped, a ban on Delhi-registered diesel-operated MGVs, HGVs, and LMVs is imposed, industries are closed down, and a ban on construction and demolition (C&D) activities in linear projects is enforced.
The final category, Stage IV, is for 'Severe+' ambient PM concentration. Under this stage, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, are not permitted to enter the city.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM), a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, oversees the implementation of GRAP. The CAQM has constituted a sub-committee for the operationalization of GRAP, which includes officials from the CAQM, member secretaries of pollution control boards of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, the Central Pollution Control Board, a scientist from the IMD, one from the IITM, and a Health Advisor. This body is required to meet frequently to issue orders to invoke the GRAP.
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Improve dust mitigation measures at construction sites
Construction sites are a major source of air pollution in Delhi, with dust and particulate matter being released into the atmosphere. To improve dust mitigation measures, construction site operators should consult with local air quality management districts, such as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, to understand the specific regulations and guidelines applicable to their projects.
One key technique for effective dust mitigation is to use water sprays with dust-control additives. These additives help particles clump together and settle faster, improving the effectiveness of dust suppression. In addition, windbreaks and telescopic chutes can be used to ensure that raw materials such as sand do not fly away and disperse into the surrounding area. Covering materials with tarps or plastic sheets can also prevent wind from dispersing dust from stockpiles.
Another important strategy is to implement dust barriers and perimeter controls. This involves physically covering the construction area and using dust barriers to minimize dust generation and dispersion. Proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers are crucial to reduce exposure and ensure a healthier work environment. Construction managers should also educate workers on the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to dust and airborne pollutants.
To ensure compliance with regulations and maintain good air quality, continuous air quality monitoring is essential. Portable air quality monitors and environmental sensors can provide real-time data and track air quality trends, allowing managers to adjust their mitigation strategies as needed. Third-party testing by environmental consultants can also ensure compliance with local regulations.
By following these measures, construction sites in Delhi can significantly reduce dust emissions and improve the city's air quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some measures that can be taken to control pollution in Delhi and NCR:
- Stop garbage burning and develop infrastructure for effective collection and disposal of MSW.
- Ban the use of wood, crop residue, cow dung, and coal for cooking, and provide access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) instead.
- Install De-SOx-ing and De-NOx-ing systems at power plants and refineries to limit the emission of pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
- Stop the burning of crop residue in Haryana and Punjab and use it for energy production, biogas generation, and feeding cattle instead.
Some specific actions that have been taken in the past include:
- Implementing the odd-even scheme for cars to keep vehicular emissions down.
- Banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi.
- Shutting down the Badarpur power plant, which was highly polluting.
- Banning the entry of trucks and commercial petrol and diesel vehicles into Delhi.
Some long-term plans and goals include:
- Adding 1000 extra CNG buses to the fleet.
- Improving public transportation and introducing more electric, hybrid, and BS-VI vehicles.
- Implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes stopping the entry of truck traffic into Delhi and restricting the entry of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi.
Some major sources of pollution in Delhi and NCR include:
- Wood-burning fires, cow dung cake combustion, and fires on agricultural land.
- Exhaust from diesel generators and vehicles.
- Dust from construction sites.
- Burning garbage and illegal industrial activities.
