Kiera Jefferson
New Delhi, India's capital, is one of the world's most polluted cities. The air quality in Delhi is extremely poor year-round, but it becomes particularly hazardous during the winter months. The city's high levels of PM2.5 and PM10, which are harmful to human health, have resulted in health warnings, flight delays and cancellations, and the implementation of emergency measures such as banning highly polluting vehicles and stopping construction. The causes of Delhi's poor air quality are multi-faceted and include vehicle emissions, waste burning, and geographical factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) rating | 450 and above |
| World Health Organization's (WHO) maximum healthy AQI level | 50 |
| AQI level considered unhealthy | 150 and above |
| AQI level considered an emergency | 301 and above |
| Annual mean concentration of particulate matter PM10 | 26 to 208 micrograms per cubic meter of air |
| PM2.5 levels | 59% higher in winter compared to summer |
| Percentage of PM2.5 concentrations contributed by burning of local organic waste | 24% |
| Percentage of PM2.5 levels contributed by the transport sector | 23% |
| Percentage of pollution caused by stubble burning in 2023 | 38% |
| Percentage of pollution caused by stubble burning in previous years | Up to 50% |
| Percentage of pollution caused by stubble burning currently | About 30% |
| Number of landfills in the city | 3 |
| Names of the landfills | Bhalswa, Ghazipur, and Okhla |
| Cost of environmental damage caused by landfills | $57 million |
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What You'll Learn
Stubble burning and landfill fires
New Delhi has been suffering from high levels of air pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching 1,700 in some parts of the city. The primary sources of smoke are power plants, stubble burning, lit garbage, road dust, factories, and vehicles.
Stubble Burning
The quickest and cheapest way for farmers to prepare fields is to burn them, a practice known as stubble burning. The smoke from these fires in Punjab and Haryana blows over into Delhi, where it often lingers over the city. While the practice was made illegal in 2015, it still continues. In previous years, stubble burning contributed up to 50% of Delhi's pollution during the early winter period, and while it has decreased to about 30%, it still significantly impacts the local and regional climate and poses severe health risks.
Landfill Fires
Delhi itself has ample sources of air pollution, including vehicular emissions and landfill fires. It is common for sanitation workers to burn waste to make room for more waste the next day. The burning of waste at landfills releases toxins that worsen air quality.
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Transport emissions
New Delhi has been suffering from high levels of air pollution, with an annual mean concentration of particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5. The transport sector is a major contributor to this, with vehicles being the top polluters in the city. The number of registered vehicles in Delhi has increased rapidly, from 2.2 million in 1994 to 7.6 million, with two-thirds of these being two-wheelers.
The high congestion on Delhi's roads worsens the local air quality, as vehicles stuck in traffic and idling can emit several times more than their normal levels of pollution. The emission inventory by TERI-ARAI in 2018 showed that the transport sector contributed 81% of NOx emissions, the highest of any sector. Two and three-wheelers and heavy-duty vehicles are the most impactful on PM2.5 levels, so reductions in emissions from these vehicles should be prioritised.
The Delhi government has implemented several measures to reduce vehicular pollution, including banning the entry of commercial petrol and diesel vehicles, and stopping fuel stations from providing fuel to vehicles older than 15 years. However, these measures have had limited success, as the public transport system is underfunded and overloaded, and residents are incentivised to use private vehicles.
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has assessed the factors contributing to the growing mobility crisis and congestion, which are undermining the gains made by technological measures to reduce emissions. The vehicle taxation structure also favours personal vehicle users, with bus operators paying twice as much in taxes as cab operators, and about five times more than private car owners.
Overall, the transport sector plays a significant role in New Delhi's air pollution crisis, and a multi-sector and multi-scale approach is needed to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality in the city.
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Poor air circulation
New Delhi has been facing a severe air pollution problem for years. In 2016, the city witnessed one of its worst levels of air quality since 1980, an event known as the "Great Smog of Delhi". The primary sources of smoke were power plants, stubble burning, lit garbage, road dust, factories, and vehicles.
The accumulation of indoor contaminants, such as dust, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning supplies and paints, is accelerated by insufficient airflow. This can trigger allergic reactions and impact the well-being and satisfaction of occupants, including customers and employees.
To improve air circulation and reduce the presence of pollutants, strategies such as opening windows, using fans, and maintaining HVAC systems are recommended. Additionally, addressing the root causes of poor air circulation in New Delhi, such as vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices, is crucial to mitigating the city's overall air pollution crisis.
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Inadequate public transport
New Delhi has been labelled the world's most polluted city for over a decade, with air quality so poor that it reduces the average lifespan of its residents by almost 12 years. The city's pollution crisis is largely driven by the transportation sector, with vehicular emissions identified as the primary contributor to Delhi's toxic air.
One of the critical issues is the shortage of buses. As of July 2024, Delhi had only 7,683 buses, including 1,970 electric buses, falling short of the 1998 Supreme Court directive for a public bus fleet of 10,000. This shortage, coupled with inadequate bus frequencies and long wait times, acts as a deterrent to public transport usage. CSE data reveals that over half of the bus stops in Delhi have waiting times exceeding 15 minutes, frustrating commuters and pushing them towards private vehicles.
The metro system, while expanding, also faces challenges. Before 2018, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) reported ridership at only 47% of projected figures, indicating a significant gap between actual use and expected demand. The metro is often seen as poorly connected and expensive, making it a less attractive option for daily commuters.
The preference for private vehicles in Delhi is evident. Since 2001, the personal vehicle segment has witnessed high growth, with 92.6% of all registered vehicles belonging to this category in 2023. This trend contributes to congested roads, leading to increased nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and further degrading air quality.
To address these issues, various measures have been proposed and implemented. The Delhi government has introduced air-conditioned and low-floor buses to replace conventional buses, and plans to revamp bus shelters and integrate GPS systems for reliable information about bus arrivals. Additionally, the government intends to add 1,000 extra CNG buses to the fleet and has implemented regulations to phase out old, polluting vehicles. However, more comprehensive solutions are needed to tackle the root causes of air pollution and encourage a shift towards public transportation.
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Lack of government action
New Delhi has consistently experienced high levels of air pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) often exceeding the hazardous threshold of 300. In November 2024, Delhi recorded its worst air quality of the season, with an AQI reading of 491, classified as "severe plus". This indicates hazardous conditions with significant health impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations. Despite the severity of the situation, there has been criticism of a lack of effective government action to address the issue.
One example of the lack of government action is the failure to tackle transport emissions, which are a major contributor to air pollution in New Delhi. The city has seen a steady increase in the number of private vehicles on its roads, including cars, scooters, and auto-rickshaws. However, there are limited incentives to encourage residents to use alternative modes of transportation. The metro system is perceived as poorly connected and expensive, while the bus system is underfunded and overloaded. This lack of investment in public transportation options contributes to the high number of private vehicles on the roads, exacerbating air pollution levels.
Another area of concern is the government's response to stubble burning, a practice where farmers burn the leftover stubble after harvesting rice to clear the fields. While this practice was made illegal in 2015, it continues to be a significant contributor to New Delhi's pollution, especially during the early winter period. In 2023, stubble burning accounted for 38% of the city's pollution. Despite this, the government has not effectively enforced the ban or provided alternative solutions for farmers.
Additionally, there is criticism that the government has focused on quick fixes rather than addressing the root causes of the pollution crisis. For example, during periods of severe pollution, authorities implement temporary measures such as closing schools, stopping construction, and banning highly polluting vehicles. While these measures may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying structural issues contributing to the city's chronic air pollution.
The lack of government action has had significant consequences for the health and well-being of New Delhi's residents. The high levels of air pollution have been linked to respiratory problems and other health issues. In one notable incident during a test match between the Sri Lankan and Indian cricket teams in 2017, several Sri Lankan players experienced breathing difficulties, vomiting, and had to wear face masks due to the severe pollution levels.
In conclusion, the lack of effective government action to address New Delhi's pollution crisis has contributed to the city's consistently poor air quality. By failing to tackle major sources of pollution, such as transport emissions and stubble burning, and relying on temporary quick fixes, the government has exacerbated the problem. This has resulted in significant health impacts for the city's residents and a reduced quality of life. More concerted and sustained efforts are needed to address the underlying causes of New Delhi's air pollution crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, New Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world.
There are several factors that contribute to the high levels of pollution in New Delhi. One significant factor is the burning of crop stubble and farm waste in the surrounding states of Haryana and Punjab. Other factors include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and waste burning in landfills. The city's geography, with the Himalayas forming a barrier, also prevents the dispersal of pollutants.
Efforts to reduce pollution in New Delhi include implementing vehicle emissions standards, closing coal power stations, and using anti-smog guns that spray water into the air. The government has also banned the entry of older vehicles into the city and restricted the use of diesel generators. However, some believe that more expansive preventative measures are needed, such as restricting waste burning and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
