Delhi-NCR air pollution: need for coordination

Delhi-NCR air pollution: need for coordination

Air pollution is no longer a problem only for Delhi and its corporations but this problem also affects the National Capital Region. (NCR) also includes. According to Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, the Center and the four NCR states will have to work together to deal with this problem.

This is a huge airshed of pollution that includes Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and even the Alwar region of Rajasthan.

airshed in geography (Airshed) is defined as an area that shares common characteristics with respect to the spread of atmospheric pollutants. In other words, an area which shares the common flow of air is called air shed. According to experts, the measures taken to reduce air pollution in Delhi need to be implemented across the entire NCR as the NCR region shares the same airshed as the National Capital Region. According to the Environment Minister, the Center has taken several steps to reduce air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, including opening of peripheral expressways around the national capital. Rules are also being introduced to reduce traffic congestion in non-Delhi and management of debris generated from construction and demolition, which if not managed properly can also become a source of dust.

To deal with the ever increasing problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Center has introduced a new law through an ordinance which will come into effect with immediate effect. For violation of the provisions, there is a provision of imprisonment for five years or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore or both. This ordinance may be named the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020. This will also be applicable in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas where the issues relate to air pollution.

It is noteworthy that these days the lockdown imposed during Covid-19 is being reopened by the government. In such a situation, it is natural for the level of air pollution to increase again in Delhi and its surrounding areas. Also, its severity further increases with the arrival of cold weather. The high level of toxicity of air pollution in and around Delhi is posing a very serious threat. This severity has been made even worse by changing weather conditions. Changing climate has worsened the situation by trapping pollutants in the air.

Now first of all let us throw light on the reasons behind this increasing pollution.,

1. It is noteworthy that the National Capital Region shares its border with the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. One of the main reasons for the increasing levels of air pollution in Delhi is the burning of crops by farmers in these states. Crop residues and rice straw are burnt by these farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. According to an estimate, about 35 million tonnes of crops are burnt by these states every year. The wind carries all these pollutants and dust particles which get captured in the air.
2. Pollution caused by increasing number of traffic in Delhi is considered to be another cause of air pollution. Due to this air pollution and smog, the air quality index often reaches ‘severe level’. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has declared vehicular emissions as a major responsible factor for Delhi’s increasing air pollution.
3. As another reason, we see that with the arrival of winter monsoon, dust particles and other pollutants become stable in the air and are not able to spread elsewhere. Due to stable winds these pollutants become locked in the air and affect weather conditions; Which results in formation of smog.
4. Another reason for air pollution in the National Capital Region is the high population. Due to over population, various types of pollution increase, be it air pollution or noise pollution.
5. Low investment in public infrastructure has also been cited as another cause of air pollution. There is very little investment in public transport and infrastructure in India, which leads to traffic jams on roads and increase in air pollution.
6. Large-scale construction work in Delhi-NCR is also another culprit which increases dust and pollution in the air. In view of the deteriorating air quality, work at many construction sites has been stopped under the guidelines of the Delhi government.
7. Industrial pollution and garbage heaps are also increasing air pollution and smog in Delhi and NCR areas.
8. The sale of firecrackers (despite the ban) that occurs every year on the occasion of Diwali in Delhi and its surrounding areas may not be the top cause of smog but it certainly contributes to its creation.

If we talk about air pollution, then when the amount of one or more pollutants in the atmosphere increases so much that the quality of the air starts deteriorating and it becomes harmful for the community, then it is called air pollution.

On the basis of origin, air pollutants are divided into two main types-

1. natural pollutants (Natural Pollutants) , These pollutants come from natural sources or from natural activities. Such as plant pollens and volatile organic compounds, volcanic eruptions and gases released from decaying organic matter. Generally the concentrations of natural emissions are low and do not cause serious harm.
2. anthropogenic pollutants (Secondary Pollutants) , Secondary pollutants are formed as a result of chemical reactions between primary pollutants and common atmospheric compounds under the influence of the Sun’s electromagnetic radiation.

For example: primary pollutant sulfur dioxide (SO2, Sulfur dioxide reacting with atmospheric oxygen (SO3, Which is a secondary pollutant.

Effective steps are being taken by the government to deal with air pollution in Delhi-

• Construction of the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, which has reduced pollution by stopping 60,000 unladen heavy vehicles (trucks) passing through Delhi every day.
• Badarpur power plant was closed which directly reduced pollution.
• With an investment of Rs 65,000 crore BS-VI The introduction of standard compliant vehicles and fuels has significantly reduced vehicular pollution.
• Rs 1400 crore for the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. Chaff cutting machines were made available resulting in reduction of pollution caused by stubble burning by 15 and 20 percent in Punjab and Haryana respectively.
• Zig-zag technology was adopted in 2,800 brick kilns in the National Capital Region (NCR) resulting in significant reduction in pollution.
• Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has been provided to 2600 industries of NCR.
• Construction and demolition waste management rules were introduced for the first time in 2016, which significantly reduced dust and pollution.
• Hundreds of dust suppression and water sprinkling vehicles were provided by the Delhi Development Authority.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued some guidelines to protect against the dangerous effects of smog and pollution-

When air pollution levels increase in winter, people are advised to stay indoors and are prohibited from going out. It is advisable to carry out outdoor activities in the morning or evening. It is advised to avoid smoking and burning of garbage. It is advisable to drink plenty of water so that the toxins are flushed out of the body. It is advised to consume fruits rich in vitamin C, magnesium and omega fatty acids so that immunity increases. Use of main roads is prohibited so that people can stay away from pollution particles.

In view of all the above concerns, it is expected that the new commission can help in solving the problems of inter-departmental coordination while keeping a constant focus on air quality. But it is equally certain that without clear development parameters and creative solutions, it may reproduce old impasses. The new commission is like a bureaucratic cauldron, whose impact will depend on what is put into it as well as how it is run. If seen, this is a very welcome step, which was much needed. Because the main problem was how to coordinate between the different states adjacent to Delhi. At present there is no body, authority, ministry or state that is empowered or dedicated to doing this. This ordinance is an excellent example of the US learning from the steps taken in California.

Dealing with air pollution requires political will, which has often been lacking. At present it is not yet to be seen whether the new commission EPCA, CBCB Like how is it different from existing bodies? What is needed is a body chaired by the Union Environment Minister with representation from the Chief Ministers of all the states which would meet regularly and agree on a time-bound action plan. It is necessary to discharge responsibilities while setting goals, otherwise only charges and responsibilities will be transferred from one commission to another and the results will be the same.