Greta Jimenez
Delhi, India's capital, has been recognised as the most polluted capital city globally, with air pollution levels twice as high as Beijing's. The city's poor air quality is a growing public concern, threatening the health of its 33 million citizens. Fine particulate matter is the most dominant pollutant, with an annual average mass concentration of 121 μg/m3, 24 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended healthy level. Vehicular emissions, coal-based thermal power plants, and small-scale industries are major contributors to Delhi's air pollution. Additionally, agricultural stubble burning, wood-burning fires, and open waste burning further deteriorate the air quality, particularly from November to February. The Indian government is considering initiatives to address this issue, including a large-scale tree-planting project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 205 (Severe) |
| PM2.5 | 128µg/m³ |
| PM10 | 211µg/m³ |
| Temperature | 34°C |
| Causes of Air Pollution | Vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, crop burning, wood-burning fires, cow dung combustion, landfill fires, construction dust, and illegal industrial activities |
| Health Effects | Various detrimental health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations |
| Control Measures | Electric vehicles, BS6 standards for vehicles, smog towers, Pusa bio-decomposer for crop residue management, air quality monitoring and fresh air solutions |
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Vehicular pollution
Delhi, India's capital, is facing a severe air quality problem that is threatening the health of its approximately 33 million citizens. Vehicular pollution is a significant contributor to Delhi's poor air quality. Motor vehicle emissions, in particular, play a major role in this issue.
A study of Delhi's air quality from 1990 to 2022 revealed that vehicular pollution is the largest contributor to the city's air pollution, accounting for 67% of total emissions. This includes emissions from road transport, which is a sectoral source of air pollution in the city. The problem has been worsening; from 1989 to 1997, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) observed a 92% increase in carbon monoxide levels from vehicular emissions. This rise in pollution is attributed to the growing number of vehicles on Delhi's roads.
The impact of vehicular pollution on Delhi's air quality is evident in the high levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. PM10 and PM2.5 refer to particles smaller than 10 microns and 2.5 microns, respectively. These particles are so fine that they can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues. Delhi's PM levels far exceed the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual average standard, and the city's air quality has been described as twice as bad as Beijing's, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of up to 999, comparable to smoking 45 to 50 cigarettes a day.
The Indian government has implemented measures to address vehicular pollution, such as de-leading petrol and restricting lead-handling industrial units, which have helped control particulate lead concentrations. However, more comprehensive and effective strategies are needed to tackle Delhi's air pollution crisis and mitigate its impact on public health.
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Crop burning
Delhi is known for having some of the world's worst air quality, with pollution levels twice as high as Beijing's. In November 2023, 38% of Delhi's pollution was caused by stubble burning, a practice where the stubble left after harvesting rice is burnt to clear fields. This practice has been used by farmers in other states since the 1980s, and during the crop-burning season, it can account for up to 45% of Delhi's pollution.
From a farmer's perspective, stubble burning not only shortens and eases the transition to the next season but also rids the land of pests and weeds and returns plant-stored nitrogen to the soil. It allows for the cheap and fast disposal of crop residue, which is particularly important in the tight schedule of the harvest-to-sowing transition under the predominant rice-wheat rotation cropping system in northwestern India. However, these short-term economic benefits come at a high cost to the environment and human health.
The Indian government has considered several initiatives to address air pollution, including a 1,600 km long and 5 km wide green ecological corridor along the Aravalli Range from Gujarat to Delhi, connecting to the Sivalik Hills range. This initiative would involve the planting of 1.35 billion new native trees over 10 years to combat pollution.
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Industrial emissions
Delhi's poor air quality is a growing public concern. The city has been recognised as the most polluted capital city globally, with the air quality being twice as bad as Beijing's. Fine particulate matter is the most dominant pollutant in Delhi, with the annual average mass concentration of 121 μg/m3, which is 24 times higher than the healthy level suggested by the WHO.
Coal-based thermal power plants are another major source of industrial emissions, contributing 12% of air pollutants. The use of coal for cooking by 10% of households also contributes to the problem. The burning of wood, crop residue, cow dung, and other biomass for cooking and heating is a further source of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Agricultural stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab, coupled with north-westerly winds, has affected Delhi's air quality since the 1980s. During the crop-burning season, this practice can account for up to 45% of Delhi's pollution. Additionally, drift/mist emissions from wet cooling towers used in industry and other sectors to dissipate heat in cooling systems are a source of particulate matter.
To address the issue of industrial emissions and improve air quality in Delhi, control measures and restrictions on industrial activities are necessary. Initiatives such as the proposed 1,600 km long and 5 km wide green ecological corridor along the Aravalli Range, involving the planting of 1.35 billion new native trees over 10 years, could also help combat pollution in the region.
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Health impacts
Air pollution in Delhi has severe health impacts on its citizens. It is estimated to be responsible for about 10,000 premature deaths per year, with 1,670,000 people dying due to polluted air in India in 2019 alone. The high levels of fine particulate matter (PM1) in the city's air are a dominant pollutant and a significant concern for public health, threatening approximately 33 million citizens in New Delhi.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) annual average standard for total suspended particulate (TSP) levels is far below Delhi's average. During a study conducted between 1991 and 1994, Delhi's TSP levels exceeded the WHO's 24-hour standard on 97% of the days that readings were taken. This level of air pollution has serious health implications, with a single day of exposure equivalent to smoking 45 to 50 cigarettes.
The health consequences of Delhi's air pollution are wide-ranging. A study found that while the impact of particulate matter on total non-trauma deaths in Delhi was smaller than in the United States, the deaths associated with air pollution in Delhi occurred at a younger age, resulting in more life-years lost. The pollution in Delhi is caused by a combination of vehicular emissions, coal-based thermal power plants, industrial activities, agricultural waste burning, residential emissions, and open waste burning, all of which contribute to the city's poor air quality and subsequent health risks.
The Indian government has implemented various control measures to reduce air pollution and mitigate its health impacts. However, the effectiveness of these measures is yet to be seen, and Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air quality, especially during the crop-burning season, which can account for up to 45% of the city's pollution. The situation has attracted global attention, with scientists and researchers working to better understand the extent and health implications of Delhi's air pollution.
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Control measures
Air pollution in Delhi is a severe issue, with the air quality deteriorating drastically during the crop-burning season in October. The major sources of air pollution in Delhi include vehicular emissions, coal-based thermal power plants, small-scale industries, and agricultural stubble burning in neighbouring states. To address this issue, several control measures have been proposed and implemented:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a set of emergency measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a critical threshold. For instance, during periods of extremely poor air quality, GRAP prohibits the entry of truck traffic and non-electric or non-CNG/BS-VI diesel light commercial vehicles into Delhi.
- Specific action plans have been developed for 13 identified pollution hotspots in Delhi, including Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, and Rohini. These plans aim to mitigate local sources of air pollution and improve air quality in these areas.
- The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur's 2016 report, 'Comprehensive Study on Air Pollution and Green House Gases (GHGs) in Delhi', outlines 10 measures to control air pollution in the region. These include addressing the use of coal in hotels and restaurants, particularly in tandoors, as it is a major source of particulate matter emissions in the form of fly ash.
- The report also recommends measures to reduce air pollution from construction activities, such as vertically covering construction areas, covering raw materials, using water sprays, and implementing proper waste management practices.
- An initiative is being considered to create a 1,600 km long and 5 km wide green ecological corridor along the Aravalli Range from Gujarat to Delhi, connecting to the Sivalik Hills range. This initiative involves planting 1.35 billion new native trees over 10 years to combat pollution.
- To reduce vehicular pollution, measures such as de-leading petrol and restricting lead-handling industrial units have been effective in controlling particulate lead concentrations.
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Frequently asked questions
Air pollution in Delhi refers to the contamination of the city's air with harmful particles and gases, which can have negative impacts on human health, the environment, and ecosystems. Delhi has been recognised as the most polluted capital city in the world.
The main causes of air pollution in Delhi include vehicular emissions, coal-based thermal power plants, industrial activities, agricultural waste burning, residential emissions, and open waste burning. Vehicular pollution is a major contributor, accounting for about 67% of air pollutants in the city.
Air pollution in Delhi has been linked to various health problems, including premature deaths. It is estimated that about 10,000 premature deaths occur annually in New Delhi due to fine particulate matter pollution. The high levels of pollution can also lead to other respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Efforts are being made to address air pollution in Delhi. The government and various organisations are implementing control measures, such as the graded responsibility action plan and the use of air filters at traffic intersections. There is also a proposed initiative to create a 1,600 km long green ecological corridor along the Aravalli Range, involving the planting of 1.35 billion new native trees over 10 years to combat pollution.
Individuals in Delhi can take measures to protect themselves from air pollution, such as using air purifiers indoors, wearing air masks when outdoors, and limiting their exposure to highly polluted areas during peak pollution seasons. Staying informed about real-time air quality data can also help individuals make informed decisions to protect their health.
