Context
After a period of gradual decline, Delhi’s air pollution levels worsened in 2023–24, with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations rising sharply. As winter approaches, experts warn that the government’s measures remain largely short-term fixes, while deeper structural reforms are needed to address the root causes of pollution.
Key Data Highlights
- PM2.5 Trends (µg/m³)
- 2016: 135.22 → 2024: 104.51
- Lockdown year 2020: 94.93
- Still 2.5× Indian standard (40) and 20× WHO standard (5).
- PM10 Trends (µg/m³)
- 2016: 290.24 → 2024: 212.08
- Lowest in 2020: 180.85
- Still 3.5× Indian standard (60) and 21× WHO standard (15).
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- Only 14 “good-air” days (<51 AQI) since 2016.
- Last good day: Sept 10, 2023 – AQI 45.
- AQI spikes in winter due to stubble burning + fog.
Delhi Govt’s Pollution Plan (Key Measures)
- Technology Experiments
- Cloud seeding trials to induce rain.
- 1,000 water sprinklers & anti-smog guns deployed.
- Transport & Vehicles
- Stricter PUC (Pollution Under Control) checks.
- Ban on unauthorized parking.
- Push for electric mobility: EVs, e-buses.
- Solid Waste Management
- New landfill projects (completion targets 2027):
- Okhla
- Ghazipur
- Bhalswa
- Waste segregation at source promoted.
- Urban Greening & Dust Control
- Plantation of 61 lakh trees/shrubs.
- Road dust reduction drives undertaken.
- Energy & Fuel Transition
- PNG (piped natural gas) adoption in industries.
- Monitoring and curbing biomass burning.
Expert Concerns
- Despite interventions, pollution levels remain severe.
- Core causes not fully addressed:
- Stubble burning (Punjab–Haryana).
- Industrial emissions.
- Growing vehicular load.
- Weather phenomena (La Niña, winter inversion).
- Experts call for long-term structural solutions:
- Regional coordination on stubble burning.
- Stricter industrial emission regulation.
- Faster clean fuel transition.
UPSC Prelims Pointers
- PM2.5: Fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm; penetrates lungs → respiratory & cardiovascular risks.
- AQI Categories:
- Good (0–50)
- Satisfactory (51–100)
- Moderate (101–200)
- Poor (201–300)
- Very Poor (301–400)
- Severe (401–500)
- Institutions:
- CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management): Statutory body for Delhi-NCR pollution control.
- NGT (National Green Tribunal): Oversees enforcement of environmental laws.