Delhi Air Pollution, Air Quality Index, Today Highest AQI

Delhi Air Pollution : Delhi, the heart of India, is grappling with an air pollution crisis that has reached alarming levels, especially nowadays. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has crossed into the severe category while posing significant health risks to millions of residents. As of today, the AQI in areas like Bawana (456) , IGI Airport (447) , and Anand Vihar (441) reflects a threatening environmental emergency. The presence of hazardous particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), compounded by nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), has created a toxic mix that covers the city, reducing visibility and increasing respiratory illnesses.

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Delhi Air Pollution (Current Scenario)

• Bawana : AQI 456
• IGI Airport : AQI 447
• Anand Vihar : AQI 441
• Okhla Phase-2 : AQI 422
• ITO : AQI 352
• Chandni Chowk : AQI 346

Air Quality Index Delhi

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Causes of Delhi Air Pollution

1. Vehicular Pollution: Delhi has a high number of vehicles, which contribute significantly to pollution through emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM 2.5).
2. Road and Soil Dust: Dust from roads and unpaved surfaces is a significant contributor to air pollution. Factors like construction activities and vehicle movement disturb soil and road surfaces, releasing fine particles into the air.
3. Construction and Demolition Dust: The rapid urbanization and ongoing infrastructure projects lead to substantial dust generation contributing to PM 10 levels from construction and demolition activities.
4. Burning of Dry Leaves/Garbage: The practice of burning dry leaves and waste materials is common in many areas of Delhi. This open burning releases toxic pollutants and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
5. Trans-state Movement of Pollutants: Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh often engage in stubble burning to clear fields post-harvest. The smoke and particulates generated travel into Delhi, significantly deteriorating air quality.
6. Industrial Sources/Thermal Power Stations: Industries located in and around Delhi, particularly those that have not adopted environmentally friendly practices, release harmful emissions.
7. Natural Causes: Natural factors, such as geographic conditions, also contribute to air pollution. For instance, temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to smog and poor air quality during winter months.

Impact of Delhi Air Pollution

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The Solution to Delhi Air Pollution Problem

1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A structured plan introduced in 2017 that outlines specific actions to be taken when the air quality in Delhi NCR drops below a specific threshold.
2. Odd-Even Rule: Allows vehicles with odd and even registration numbers to operate on alternate days, reducing the number of cars on the roads.
3. Peripheral Highways: The construction of the western and eastern peripheral highways to reduce congestion and the pollution burden.
4. Old Fossil Fuel Vehicles Ban: Delhi government has banned petrol vehicles over 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
5. Stubble Burning Control: Subsidizing farm machinery to reduce the need for burning, imposing fines for stubble burning, and promoting new techniques.
6. Bharat Stage VI Norms: Vehicles operating in Delhi-NCR must comply with Bharat Stage VI emission standards
7. Green War Room and Green Delhi Application: A dedicated monitoring system for real-time tracking of air quality and an app to submit pollution-related grievances.

• Improving Public Transport: Expanding and improving Delhi’s metro system, and bus services, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles can reduce vehicular emissions.
• Regulating Industrial Emissions: Strict enforcement of emission standards in industries, along with the promotion of clean technologies, can cut down on industrial pollution.
• Better Waste Management: Implementing sustainable waste management practices, such as waste segregation and recycling, can prevent the burning of solid waste.
• Green Initiatives: Planting more trees and creating green spaces can help absorb pollutants and provide cleaner air.

Delhi Air Pollution UPSC Relevance

• Identifying the major contributors to air pollution and how pollution affects public health, ecosystems, and urban planning.
• Understand how the Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated and w hat different levels signify f or public health.
• Familiarize yourself with initiatives like the GRAP and the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).
• Understanding the role of local governance in implementing these measures.