Context:
A Parliamentary Standing Committee has made a series of recommendations to tackle the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi–NCR, highlighting the need for policy reforms, technological interventions, and public health safeguards. The panel stressed that air pollution is a multi-dimensional problem requiring integrated and sustained solutions.
Key Highlights:
Review of Vehicular Emission Standards
- Panel recommended a comprehensive review of existing vehicular emission norms.
- Suggested adopting stricter evaporative emission standards to control fuel vapour emissions.
- Highlighted that ethanol blending, though beneficial for energy security, may increase nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in older vehicles.
Air Purifiers in Public Institutions
- Recommended installation of air purifiers in public schools and hospitals, especially to protect children and vulnerable populations.
- Panel criticised the high GST on air purifiers and HEPA filters, calling it a monetisation of public health failure.
- Suggested abolishing or reducing GST on these essential devices.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Promotion Measures
- Proposed capping registration of non-electric vehicles in highly polluted regions.
- Recommended tax incentives for EVs, including:
- Free parking for EVs
- Higher registration fees for petrol and diesel vehicles
Farm Fire Monitoring & Satellite Use
- Urged ISRO to launch a dedicated satellite for 24×7 monitoring of farm fires.
- Farmers reportedly evade detection, necessitating high-resolution and real-time satellite surveillance.
Air Quality Targets & Standards
- Delhi’s PM2.5 levels require a 62% reduction to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
- Panel also suggested:
- Revising NAAQS to reflect health-based thresholds
- Installing pollution control devices in thermal power plants
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Persistent and hazardous air pollution in Delhi–NCR.
- Causes:
- Vehicular emissions
- Farm fires
- Industrial and thermal power plant pollution
- Government & Policy Measures Suggested:
- Emission norm review
- EV incentives
- Satellite-based monitoring
- Benefits:
- Reduced public health burden
- Improved urban air quality
- Challenges:
- Enforcement gaps
- Behavioural resistance
- Impact:
- Direct implications for public health, urban governance, and climate resilience
Relevant Mains Points:
- Key Definitions:
- Vehicular Emission Standards: Legal limits on pollutants from vehicles.
- HEPA Filters: High-efficiency filters capable of trapping fine particulate matter.
- NAAQS: Standards prescribing permissible ambient air pollution levels.
- Static + Conceptual Linkages:
- Right to clean air under Article 21
- Environmental governance and federal coordination
- Governance & Environment Dimensions:
- Inter-sectoral coordination (transport, energy, agriculture)
- Technology-driven monitoring and compliance
- Way Forward:
- Adopt multi-pronged pollution control strategy
- Strengthen real-time monitoring systems
- Align fiscal policies with public health priorities
- Promote clean mobility and sustainable urban planning
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 3: Environment & Ecology – Air Pollution, Environmental Standards
- GS 2: Governance – Public Health, Policy Oversight
- Prelims: Emission norms, air quality standards, institutions