Delhi's Air Pollution: Key Sources Unveiled

Delhi, the capital of India, has been deemed the most polluted capital city in the world. The air pollution in Delhi is so severe that it has irreversibly damaged the lungs of 2.2 million children and is estimated to cause about 2 million deaths per year across India. The major sources of air pollution in Delhi include vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, crop stubble burning, construction, and firecrackers. These sources release harmful chemicals and particles into the air, which, coupled with changing weather conditions, result in thick smog and hazardous air quality.

Vehicular emissions

The transport sector's impact on air pollution is particularly notable during the winter season, when the demand for household heating increases. During this period, vehicular emissions can account for a significant portion of the harmful PM2.5 concentrations in the air, affecting the health and well-being of Delhi's residents.

The lack of sufficient public transportation options in Delhi further compounds the issue of vehicular emissions. This shortage forces many people to rely on private cars, leading to constant traffic jams and even higher levels of air pollution. The courts' restrictions on bus services have only served to accelerate the purchase of private vehicles and the construction of roads, intensifying the problem.

According to a study by IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, vehicles contribute significantly to Delhi's air pollution, especially in the days following festivals like Vijayadashami and Diwali, when there is increased biomass burning activity. Additionally, stubble burning and the region's higher heating requirements during winters further increase vehicular emissions.

To address the issue of vehicular emissions, there have been calls for an accelerated transition to zero-emission vehicles. Remote sensing technology has also been employed to measure vehicle emissions in real time, providing more accurate data than laboratory tests. These initiatives are crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of vehicular emissions on Delhi's air quality and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

Crop stubble burning

Delhi, the capital of India, has been facing severe air pollution, which has led to a hazardous situation for its residents. One of the major sources of this pollution is crop stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmers in these states burn rice stubble to clear fields after the harvest. This practice is an immediate and simple solution for farmers, but it releases massive amounts of smoke and harmful particles into the air. The wind then carries these pollutants into Delhi, significantly worsening the city's air quality. According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), around 14 million tons of rice stubble are burned annually in India, with Haryana and Punjab contributing to 48% of this amount.

Stubble burning has severe consequences for human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2008 that toxic air due to pollution results in approximately 7 million deaths worldwide each year. In 2012, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) reported that air pollution led to about 5 million deaths in South Asia, accounting for 22% of the total deaths in the region.

To address the issue of stubble burning, the central government launched the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-situ Management of Crop Residue scheme in 2022. The scheme subsidised the cost of owning and renting in-situ crop residue management (CRM) equipment, encouraging their adoption in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Despite these efforts, stubble burning continues to be a significant contributor to Delhi's air pollution, and the Supreme Court has criticised the lack of effective environment laws and their implementation.

The Delhi government has considered emergency measures, such as cloud seeding to induce artificial rain, to combat hazardous air quality days. However, the implementation of such technologies requires clearance from various central government agencies. While policymakers and researchers work on finding solutions, stronger policy interventions and centre-state partnerships are needed to address Delhi's toxic air crisis effectively.

Overpopulation

Delhi, the capital of India, is the most polluted capital city in the world. With a population of over 20 million, Delhi's rapid urban growth puts immense pressure on its infrastructure. Overpopulation in the city has led to a significant rise in pollution levels. Here are some ways in which overpopulation has contributed to Delhi's air pollution crisis:

Increased Traffic and Vehicle Emissions:

The surge in population has resulted in a higher number of vehicles on Delhi's roads, causing frequent traffic jams and crowded roads. Many of these vehicles are old and release high levels of harmful gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). The dominance of private cars over public transport, due to insufficient public transport options, further exacerbates the problem. Additionally, court-ordered restrictions on bus services have accelerated the purchase of private cars, adding to the vehicle emissions that account for a large portion of Delhi's air pollution.

Waste Management Issues:

Energy Consumption and Industrial Pollution:

The growing population has resulted in a surge in energy consumption, leading to increased industrial activity and power generation. Thermal power plants, factories, and industrial zones release large quantities of smog, haze, and industrial effluence, contributing to Delhi's poor air quality.

Construction Activities:

To accommodate the growing population, Delhi has witnessed large-scale construction activities, which have contributed to air pollution. Building sites and road construction produce significant dust, especially during dry weather, affecting the air quality and the respiratory health of residents.

Respiratory Health Impacts:

The high population density, coupled with poor air quality, has severe consequences for respiratory health. Overpopulation increases the number of people exposed to harmful pollutants, leading to a higher incidence of respiratory diseases and irreversible lung damage, especially in children.

Addressing the issue of overpopulation in Delhi is crucial for mitigating air pollution and improving the overall health and well-being of the city's residents.

Construction

Delhi, the capital of India, has been deemed the most polluted capital city globally, with air pollution causing one in eight deaths. The city's poor air quality has irreversibly damaged the lungs of 2.2 million children.

One of the major sources of air pollution in Delhi is large-scale construction. The city's rapid growth has resulted in many construction sites and road-building projects, which produce significant amounts of dust, especially during dry weather. This dust pollutes the air and negatively impacts the health of residents. The Delhi Government has responded by stalling work on some construction sites to address the dipping air quality.

The service sector in Delhi has expanded significantly, with many people migrating to work in fields like IT, telecommunications, tourism, and hospitality. This expansion has brought about a massive increase in anthropogenic activity, including the construction of new buildings. While this growth has positively impacted the economy, it has also contributed to the city's air pollution levels.

The construction industry's contribution to air pollution in Delhi is exacerbated by the use of heavy machinery and vehicles, which emit harmful fumes and pollutants. The city's growing demand for infrastructure and housing has led to an increase in construction activities, further intensifying the pollution levels.

To mitigate the impact of construction on air quality, the Delhi government and various organizations have implemented several measures. These include the development of winter action plans, the identification and resolution of pollution sources at 13 hotspots across the city, and the promotion of the use of masks, air purifiers, and air-purifying plants. Additionally, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified the city's air quality as "very poor," raising awareness and prompting further action to address the construction sector's impact on air pollution.

Industrial pollution

Delhi, the capital of India, has been deemed the most polluted capital city globally, with air pollution causing one in eight deaths. The city's poor air quality has irreversibly damaged the lungs of 2.2 million children.

The Badarpur Thermal Power Station, a coal-fired power plant built in 1973, was identified as a major source of air pollution in Delhi. Additionally, the drift/mist emissions from wet cooling towers used in industry and other sectors contribute to particulate matter pollution.

The impact of industrial pollution is heightened during specific seasons. For example, during the winter months, Delhi's cold weather causes the air to become frozen and stagnant, trapping pollutants such as smoke, dust, and factory emissions near the ground. This leads to the formation of thick smog, which reduces visibility and poses severe health risks to residents.

To address industrial pollution in Delhi, city-wide interventions are necessary. The Indian government has launched the National Clean Air Program, aiming to reduce particulate matter pollution by 30% by 2024. Concrete local actions and effective emission control measures are crucial to managing industrial pollution hotspots and improving Delhi's air quality.

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