Current Situation of Pollution in New Delhi and India

Current Situation of Pollution in New Delhi and India

New Delhi:

Delhi's air pollution has reached hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the "severe" category at 422-484 in November 2024. Primary causes include vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants, and agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states. Stubble burning alone contributes to up to 40% of Delhi's pollution during winter. Other factors include low wind speeds and temperature inversions, which trap pollutants near the ground. The toxic air has caused visibility to drop significantly and led to school closures, construction bans, and restricted vehicular movement【8】【9】.

Comparative Analysis Across India: While Delhi suffers from extreme pollution, other cities and states are also grappling with poor air quality:

Uttar Pradesh (e.g., Kanpur, Lucknow): Significant industrial and vehicular pollution.

Punjab and Haryana: High pollution levels due to stubble burning.

Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune): High AQI due to vehicular and industrial emissions.

Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand: Industrial zones see elevated particulate matter levels.

Northeast States (e.g., Mizoram): Relatively low pollution levels due to higher forest cover【8】【9】.

Remedies and Management

State-Level Measures:

1. Agricultural Practices:

Incentivize farmers for adopting stubble management techniques like bio-decomposers and crop residue recycling.

Promote crop diversification to reduce dependency on paddy cultivation.

2. Urban Measures:

Strengthen public transportation to reduce vehicle dependence.

Encourage electric vehicles through subsidies and better infrastructure.

Impose stricter emissions standards on industries and vehicles【8】【9】.

Central-Level Coordination:

1. Implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) more effectively nationwide to regulate industrial and vehicular pollution.

2. Introduce stricter enforcement of construction and waste management regulations.

3. Invest in artificial rain and large-scale tree plantations to combat immediate and long-term effects.

Recycling and Eco-Management:

1. Develop waste-to-energy plants and promote circular economy principles for industrial waste.

2. Encourage urban afforestation and the creation of green belts.

3. Launch mass awareness campaigns to educate citizens about sustainable practices.

Future Outlook

Addressing pollution requires collaborative efforts between states and the central government, along with public participation. Investing in sustainable technologies, enforcing stricter environmental policies, and adopting alternative energy sources are essential to achieving cleaner air across India【8】【9】.