The Aakhya Weekly #73 | Air Pollution: Delhi's Annual Agony
The Aakhya Weekly #73 | Air Pollution: Delhi's Annual Agony
In Focus: Delhi’s Tryst with Air Pollution
By Yashvika Malhan
Every year around late October, it's like a sudden rude awakening for citizens in Delhi and parts of the surrounding states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Picture waking up to a cityscape that seems straight out of a dystopian movie, and suddenly, the air feels heavy on your chest. Breathing becomes a struggle as air quality takes a noticeable nosedive. With the departure of the monsoons, the air loses its moisture, leaving Delhi enveloped in a toxic haze that ranges from severe to poor. Consequently, residents reach for masks, air purifiers, and brace for school closures and other restrictions.
The recurring annual phenomenon of air pollution in Delhi NCR has long been a pressing issue. Lancet's research highlights the staggering impact, revealing that air pollution was responsible for 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019, constituting 17.8% of total fatalities and inflicting an economic toll of $36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36% of India's GDP. Exposure to ambient particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), a major pollutant, is recognized as a significant contributor to premature mortality and morbidity. This year, Delhi's PM2.5 concentration soared as high as 282 micrograms per cubic meter, surpassing the World Health Organization's safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter. This fine particulate matter has the potential to deeply penetrate the respiratory system, triggering a range of health issues.
Who is the culprit?
This year, as October progressed, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi told another story of escalating pollution. Starting at 121 on October 19, it kept soaring above 300 until November 9, hitting a peak of 471—categorized as 'Severe.' A brief respite followed, thanks to light rain showers on the night of November 9 and November 10, clearing the skies and improving air quality. However, this relief was short-lived, with a 42% surge in pollution levels observed post-Diwali day.
The contributors to Delhi's pollution are diverse. Beyond vehicular and industrial emissions, local and seasonal factors play significant roles. Delhi's landlocked geography hampers the dilution of emissions through the moderating effects of the sea. As the year progresses, previously masked pollution from construction, industry, and road transport becomes more visible. Delhi's air quality is also influenced by trans-boundary pollution from neighboring areas. This challenging period coincides with stubble burning in northern India, where farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and eastern Uttar Pradesh set fire to rice straw to clear fields for wheat cultivation. The resulting stubble smoke travels into Delhi through long-range wind transport. As of November 2023, farm fires in Punjab alone have surpassed 30,000 since September 15. The worsening air quality correlates with an increase in residue burning events, as noted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's analysis.
The Policy Perspective
In the ongoing battle against air pollution in Delhi, we've seen studies commissioned and actions taken, yet the issue persists or shows marginal improvement. If we look through the lens of public policy theory, Delhi's pollution becomes a textbook case of market failure, marked by a substantial negative externality. This means that the costs of pollution extend beyond individual actions and aren't adequately accounted for by the market. Consequently, increased government intervention becomes crucial to correct this market failure and address the negative externalities associated with pollution.
It's important to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for curbing air pollution; a collective approach is necessary. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), endowed with the task of addressing the root causes of air pollution in Delhi and adjoining states, possesses expertise. However, its authority is limited to suggesting various measures based on the severity of air quality deterioration, known as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). GRAP's stages, ranging from controlling vehicular emissions to advising school closures, address different aspects of pollution based on the severity of the AQI. With the continuous increase in pollution levels, it's evident that our current strategies, especially GRAP, though crucial for immediate response, fall short of providing a comprehensive, long-term solution.
Additional efforts, like the 10-point action plan introduced by the Delhi government in September reflects a growing awareness of the need to combat air pollution. However, implementation challenges persist, as witnessed in the violation of the Supreme Court's firecracker ban on Diwali. Additionally, uncertainties surrounding the efficacy of ‘smog towers’ as a tool to combat pollution still persists.
While efforts have been made to address stubble burning, there has been limited progress in mitigating farm fires, showing a 10% year-on-year reduction in 2021 and a more substantial 30% drop in 2022, especially in Punjab. This positive trend can be attributed to initiatives encouraging crop diversification, especially the cultivation of the basmati variety, where stubble serves a dual purpose as fodder for cattle. However, the incentivization landscape varies among states. Haryana provides incentives for both in situ (letting the crop residue decompose naturally) and ex situ (removing and utilizing the residue off-site) stubble management, while Punjab lacks monetary incentives. Despite a noticeable shift towards ex situ stubble management, there are gaps in the supporting ecosystem, with a significant push for relevant equipment emerging only in the past couple of years. As we look ahead, sustained efforts and potential course corrections are essential. There is significant untapped potential in ex situ stubble management, such as utilizing about 2.5 million tonnes of stubble for power generation in plants.
How do we level up?
As we navigate through various solutions, it's crucial to acknowledge the gaps that still need attention.
To effectively address vehicular pollution, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize the adoption of environmentally sustainable modes of transportation. A strategic approach involves raising awareness and fostering behavioral shifts towards the utilization of electric vehicles (E-vehicles) and public transport through gentle nudges. Implementing visual communication tools such as posters, billboards, and promotional videos, akin to the impactful anti-tobacco campaigns seen in cinema halls, can serve as a potent method to drive this message home. efforts should be directed at enhancing the efficiency and reliability of public transport systems. This not only mitigates the environmental impact of vehicular emissions but also contributes to the development of a more sustainable urban transportation infrastructure.
The recent reprimand by the Supreme Court serves as a stark reminder of the inadequacy of existing measures in addressing the critical issue of stubble burning. In order to enhance air quality and safeguard the health of millions, there is an immediate imperative to institute a cost-effective and farmer-friendly crop residue management system. One proposed measure involves establishing a market for paddy straw and stubble, with the aim of providing economic value to farmers and fair compensation for the additional efforts and costs associated with harvesting, collection, and disposal. It's essential to acknowledge that the root cause lies in historical practices linked to the green revolution, particularly the predominant cultivation of rice and wheat in water-depleting regions of Punjab and Haryana
This year's rainfall provided a temporary respite and prompted consideration of innovative measures, such as cloud seeding or 'artificial rain' by the Delhi government. Despite its unconventional nature, cloud seeding, commonly used for drought mitigation, presents a potential avenue. However, due to its inherent complexity and expense, practical implementation requires meticulous planning in advance. While not immediate solutions, these initiatives can be a part of the strategic, long-term approach to address the multifaceted challenges contributing to Delhi's air quality issues.
Low AQI, till when?
Addressing Delhi's air quality is akin to embarking on a marathon rather than a sprint. A robust strategy for the long haul, a thoughtful game plan that considers the marathon, is crucial for achieving lasting improvements in air quality. Despite governmental efforts, the progress witnessed remains modest. It demands sustained, well-structured thoughtful planning, ensuring strict implementation and a close thorough evaluation of already implemented solutions. The measures we have to adopt need to be innovative and sustainable. Collaboration among states, irrespective of political differences, stands as a critical factor for the people of Delhi to finally breathe in the fresh air they seek amid persistent toxic haze.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India has introduced the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, as a progressive successor to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. The primary focus of the bill is to enhance the regulatory framework by expanding its scope to encompass digitized broadcasting channels. It addresses contemporary challenges by incorporating provisions related to over-the-top (OTT) content, digital news, and emerging broadcasting technologies, while also fostering collaboration through infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators.
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