Context:
Despite multiple anti-pollution interventions, Delhi-NCR’s air quality frequently slipped into ‘Very Poor’ and ‘Severe’ AQI categories this winter. Public protests and legal petitions have intensified demands for declaring air pollution a national public health emergency. Experts argue that achieving National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) targets requires a systemic, year-round and source-based strategy.
Key Highlights:
Current Pollution Scenario
• Repeated deterioration of Air Quality Index (AQI) to severe levels.
• Public outcry demanding urgent health-focused action.
• Despite reduced farm fires, pollution levels remain high.
Source Contribution & Data Gaps
• World Bank assessment: Transport contributes 10–40% of PM2.5 pollution in cities like Delhi.
• Existing source apportionment study for Delhi is 7 years old, requiring urgent revision.
Pollution Sources in Delhi-NCR
• Vehicular emissions (ageing fleet, rise in private vehicles)
• Industrial emissions
• Construction dust and road dust
• Waste burning
• Household fuel combustion
Targets & Progress
• NCAP goal: 40% reduction in PM10 levels by 2026 (compared to 2017 baseline).
• Delhi has achieved only about 12% reduction so far.
• To meet national clean air standards for PM2.5, Delhi needs nearly 60% reduction.
Call for Strategic Shift
• Move from seasonal firefighting to year-round emission control.
• Set sector-specific measurable reduction targets.
• Focus on systemic reforms in transport, industry, waste, and construction sectors.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Environmental Governance (GS 3):
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Need for updated source apportionment studies.
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Strengthen enforcement under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
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Role of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR.
• Public Health Dimension (GS 2):
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Air pollution as a silent public health emergency.
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Link with SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).
• Economic Dimension:
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Pollution-induced productivity loss.
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Cost-benefit of investing in cleaner public transport and EVs.
• Transport Reforms:
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Electrification of public buses.
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Expansion of metro and non-motorized transport.
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Scrappage policy for old vehicles.
• Keywords for Enrichment:
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Source Apportionment
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Emission Inventory
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Urban Airshed Management
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Sustainable Urban Mobility
• Way Forward:
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Sector-wise emission caps with accountability.
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Update and publish transparent pollution data.
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Enhance regional coordination across NCR states.
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Invest in clean public transport infrastructure.
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Promote behavioural change and citizen participation.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 3 – Environment & Ecology: Air pollution control strategies.
• GS 2 – Governance: Role of institutions like CAQM and policy implementation.
• GS 2 – Social Justice: Public health and environmental equity.
• Essay: Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability.