28 September 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Although poor air quality is a perennial problem, it gets intensified during the winter months in Delhi-NCR. Explain. Evaluate the efficacy of existing measures to control air pollution.

(250 Words/15 Marks)

ANS

Air pollution is the contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical, and biological agent. Air pollution gains alarming proportions in the Delhi-NCR region, especially during the winter months because of the following factors:

Natural factors:

1. Northwesterly winds carry dust from northwest and middle east, causing air pollution.
2. Due to stagnant winds and urban heat-dust dome, the pollutants get locked in the air resulting in smog.
3. Delhi and surrounding regions are landlocked by Himalayas in the North and Vindhya in the south. These mountains obstruct the route and prevent air pollutants from escaping.
4. The semi-arid conditions around Delhi lead to lower rainfall, which could have washed away the pollutants.

Anthropogenic factors:

1. The vehicular exhaust produces many air pollutants including unburnt hydrocarbons, CO, NOx and lead oxides.
2. Combustion in power plants and industries using dirty fuels, like pet coke, coal and biomass release hazardous air pollutants.
3. Garbage burning in landfills and other places emit hazardous gases like methane, carbon dioxide, sulphides etc.
4. Large-scale burning of paddy residues (stubbles) in October-November in Punjab, Haryana and western UP.
5. Construction activities result in loose sediments which get airborne causing higher particulate matter pollution.
6. Bursting of firecrackers during various festive occasions also contributes significantly to the air pollution.

In order to effectively check the instances of winter pollution there is a need to:

1. Make instruments like happy seeders, PUSA Bio-decomposers etc., available to farmers on rotational basis; promoting torrefaction technology etc., can aid in reducing stubble burning.
2. Public transport infrastructure should be strengthened. Pedestal pathways, cycle tracks etc., should be promoted. E.g., Transit Oriented Developments in line with global best practices.
3. To promote electric mobility, expansion of H-CNG vehicle fleets, and expediting ethanol blending targets. E.g., National Biofuel Policy.
4. The idea of instituting MSP for stubble can be explored.
5. Behavioural changes should be envisaged through nudge economics. E.g., incentives for cycling to work, awareness about conserving energy etc.

Air pollution is one of the leading causes of morbidity in people. Therefore, there is an urgent imperative to take collaborative measures to control air pollution.