25 November 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Three solutions for clean air

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 09)

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context:

The article addresses Delhi’s severe air pollution crisis, its causes, and proposed multi-faceted solutions involving policy reforms, technological interventions, and sustainable practices.

The Crisis of Air Pollution in Delhi

• Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem has reached crisis levels, transforming the city into a “gas chamber” every November.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently crosses hazardous levels (above 400), rendering the air almost unbreathable.
• Prolonged exposure to such severe pollution reduces life expectancy by 11.9 years, as per the University of Chicago’s Air Quality Life Index Report 2023.
• Despite these alarming consequences, political efforts are mired in a blame game rather than addressing the root causes of pollution.

Understanding the Sources of Pollution

Delhi’s pollution crisis peaks during November due to several contributing factors:

• Stubble Burning: The largest contributor, accounting for 35.18% of PM 2.5 levels in early November, stems from crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana.
• Transport Sector: Contributing around 19%, vehicle emissions are a significant factor in urban pollution.
• Other Sources: Residential areas (3.9%), industries (4.6%), construction (2.4%), road dust (1.4%), and neighboring regions (30-35%) further compound the problem.
• The Himalayan region’s meteorological conditions exacerbate the issue, with stagnant air trapping pollutants.

Addressing Stubble Burning Through Crop Diversification

• Paddy cultivation in Punjab and Haryana plays a pivotal role in the pollution crisis. Despite its profitability, it is environmentally unsustainable, leading to groundwater depletion, stubble burning, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Diversification of crops such as pulses, oilseeds, and millets could reduce these impacts. However, significant financial incentives and assured market access are essential to encourage farmers to switch crops.
• Current diversification schemes offering Rs 17,500/ha are insufficient. A proposed increase to Rs 35,000/ha over five years, coupled with assured procurement, could make alternative crops competitive, alleviating pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Accelerating the Shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Transportation is the second-largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution. Delhi’s EV policy aims for 25% of new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2025.
• However, high upfront costs and inadequate charging infrastructure hinder adoption.
• While the government plans to establish 30,000 charging points, only 2,452 are operational. Expanding EV infrastructure in residential, commercial, and public areas is crucial.
• Subsidizing EV purchases and fast-tracking infrastructure development can significantly reduce vehicular emissions.

Leveraging Technology to Combat Pollution

• Innovative technologies like smog towers and vacuum cleaning towers can play a supplementary role in tackling pollution.
• Installing such systems at high-traffic areas and pollution hotspots could capture particulate matter, offering immediate relief in heavily polluted zones.
• Although not a standalone solution, integrating these technologies demonstrates a commitment to cleaner air and could foster public awareness.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Approach for Clean Air

• Delhi’s air pollution crisis demands a mix of policies combining economic incentives, technological innovations, and robust infrastructure development.
• Addressing stubble burning, accelerating EV adoption, and implementing innovative technologies can serve as foundational steps.
• Collaborative efforts between the government and citizens, supported by strong political will, are essential for turning this vision into reality.
• This war against air pollution is a fight for survival and must extend beyond Delhi to all cities in the Himalayan shade.

What Govt initiatives have been taken to reduce air pollution in Delhi?

Crop Residue Management Scheme– Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme which provides subsidy to farmers for buying ‘Turbo Happy Seeder‘, ‘Super SMS attachment’, ‘rotavators‘ and ‘superseeder’. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)- CAQM is a statutory body formed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021. CAQM has provided a framework to tackle the problem of air pollution due to stubble burning.  Initiatives to reduce Vehicular Pollution– The shift from BS-IV to BS-VI, push for Electric Vehicles (EVs), Odd-even Policy have all been implemented to reduce Vehicular pollution. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)- GRAP measures like shutting down thermal power plants and a ban on construction activities are implemented to curb air pollution.

PYQ: Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2014)

Practice Question: Delhi faces an alarming air pollution crisis every winter, driven by multiple sources such as stubble burning and vehicular emissions. Analyze the major contributors to Delhi’s air pollution and suggest sustainable policy measures to combat it effectively. (250 words/15 m)