Kalyani Shankar
Why do Delhi’s residents face pollution annually while the ruling authorities attribute it to stubble burning in nearby Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh? Can’t a long-term solution be found instead of arguing over who will fund burning machines and related costs? The air pollution levels in Delhi are reported to be eight times above the limits set by the WHO. This situation has escalated to a point where the judiciary, executive, and parliament are pinning blame on each other, yet the severe pollution persists.
Upon returning from a month-long holiday in America, I was immediately aware of the pollution crisis upon landing in Delhi past midnight this week. The grim skies, fine dust, oppressive heat, and difficulty breathing greeted me as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
Pollution levels in Delhi have hit their peak this week, reaching hazardous thresholds, prompting state officials to restrict movement and revive plans for artificial rain to disperse toxins. This situation forced schools and offices to close as the city became shrouded in thick brown smog, necessitating immediate intervention. The rise in respiratory illnesses among children and older adults, alongside other health concerns, is alarming. During the cold winters, a pervasive smog blankets the area, trapping harmful pollutants from fires, construction, and industries. The problem worsens when farmers burn their fields after harvesting rice to prep for new crops.
Year after year, a similar, if not worse, scenario unfolds, reaching critical levels over time. The helpless feeling among citizens persists while politicians indulge in a blame game. Consequently, the public endures poor air quality, which poses a serious risk to their health. While the affluent often escape to warmer locales during winter, it is the children and elderly who suffer the most. Many schools have been shuttered, and residents have been advised to remain indoors. Construction activities have halted, and the government is contemplating an odd-even vehicle use policy to combat pollution. Although this signifies progress, the severity of the crisis demands effective solutions without further procrastination.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the World Health Organization, and various monitoring agencies, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) fluctuates between 1,200 and 1,500. An AQI above 200 is classified as poor, exceeding 300 as very poor, and above 400 as severe or hazardous. The recommended AQI limit is between 0 and 100. This dire predicament is deterring international travelers and Members of the Indian diaspora from planning their annual visits.
The government and political leaders are acutely aware of the root cause of the issues but continue to play the blame game. The Supreme Court has mandated the government to take action against pollution, even previously leading initiatives to improve Delhi’s air quality. It has imposed regulations on which vehicles can operate in the city, mandated the relocation of numerous polluting factories, and enforced business closures to lower emissions. The court has consistently pushed the government to act, with the fundamental problem lying in the execution of these orders.
Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that clean air is a fundamental human right, instructing both central and state authorities to act promptly. However, measures like vehicle restrictions, industrial regulations, and public awareness campaigns have proven inadequate in curbing the decline in air quality.
Critics are questioning the effectiveness of the court’s decisions, arguing that the judiciary is overstepping into executive matters. In its 2024 manifesto, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi should have included commitments to reduce pollution, unlike past ones. Instead, the manifesto emphasized the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and strategies to diminish pollution. AAP highlighted the necessity for citizen participation and plans to implement electric buses to mitigate pollution.
Now that the situation has escalated to alarming levels, both the Center and state governments need to take a balanced approach considering Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, the main contributors to the issue. Every winter, thick smoke from farm fires envelops Delhi. Farmers resort to burning fields because it is the least expensive option for clearing them. The state governments insist that the Center provide financial assistance to help farmers reduce smoke emissions, but the problem continues year after year.
Experts suggest that it is imperative to move beyond half-measures and adopt comprehensive solutions. For example, GRAP-III should be upgraded to GRAP-IV, facilitating the enforcement of the odd-even rule.
With the Delhi Assembly elections approaching, this must become a key election topic. In the meantime, residents of Delhi should contemplate swift solutions to tackle pollution, such as wearing masks, utilizing indoor air-purifying plants, employing air purifiers for the affluent, taking steam baths, consuming healthy foods, and ensuring adequate ventilation in their homes. Citizens must also support authorities in any initiatives aimed at controlling pollution. (IPA)
