Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Delhi NCR consistently ranks among the most polluted cities globally, with extreme particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels posing a severe public health crisis. The region’s air quality deteriorates significantly during winter months, but remains a concern throughout the year. This isn’t merely an environmental issue; it’s a complex interplay of geographical vulnerabilities, rapid urbanization, industrial activity, agricultural practices, and inadequate governance mechanisms. Understanding the reasons behind this persistent pollution requires a holistic assessment of the contributing factors and the systemic challenges hindering effective mitigation.
Regional Factors
The Delhi NCR region is geographically predisposed to air pollution due to its landlocked location and the Indo-Gangetic Plain’s meteorological conditions.
- Topography: The Himalayas to the north act as a barrier, preventing the dispersion of pollutants.
- Meteorology: During winter, temperature inversion traps pollutants near the ground, leading to increased concentrations. Low wind speeds further exacerbate the problem.
- Transboundary Pollution: Significant contributions come from neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, particularly due to stubble burning.
Local Factors
Within Delhi NCR, several local factors contribute significantly to particulate pollution:
- Vehicular Emissions: A large and growing vehicle fleet, coupled with traffic congestion, is a major source of PM2.5 and NOx.
- Industrial Emissions: Industries in and around Delhi NCR, including those in the unorganized sector, release substantial amounts of pollutants.
- Construction Activities: Rapid construction and demolition generate significant dust pollution.
- Waste Burning: Open burning of municipal solid waste and other waste materials contributes to PM levels.
- Road Dust: Re-suspension of dust from unpaved roads and construction sites adds to particulate matter.
Why the Issue Persists: A Systemic Analysis
Despite numerous initiatives and interventions, extreme particulate pollution remains a festering issue due to several systemic failures:
1. Governance and Implementation Gaps
- Lack of Coordination: Poor coordination between different government agencies (state, central, local) hinders effective implementation of pollution control measures.
- Weak Enforcement: Lax enforcement of environmental regulations allows industries and individuals to flout norms.
- Insufficient Monitoring: While monitoring networks have expanded, data accuracy and real-time dissemination remain challenges.
2. Economic and Social Constraints
- Affordability: Transitioning to cleaner fuels and technologies requires significant investment, which can be a barrier for industries and individuals.
- Livelihood Concerns: Restrictions on stubble burning impact farmers’ livelihoods, necessitating viable alternatives.
- Public Awareness: Limited public awareness and behavioral changes contribute to continued polluting practices.
3. Inter-State Challenges
Stubble burning in neighboring states is a major contributor to Delhi’s winter pollution. Addressing this requires:
- Inter-State Agreements: Effective agreements and collaborative efforts between Delhi and neighboring states are crucial.
- Financial Assistance: Providing financial assistance to farmers for adopting alternative agricultural practices.
- Supply Chain Management: Establishing efficient supply chains for utilizing crop residue.
4. Policy Deficiencies
Existing policies, while well-intentioned, often suffer from limitations:
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): While GRAP outlines measures based on pollution levels, its implementation has been inconsistent.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): NCAP aims to reduce PM levels in 102 cities, but progress has been slow.
- Vehicle Scrappage Policy: The policy aims to phase out older, polluting vehicles, but its effectiveness depends on incentives and infrastructure.
| Policy/Scheme | Year | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) | 2016 | Inconsistent implementation, reactive rather than proactive |
| National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | 2019 | Slow progress, limited funding, lack of stringent targets |
| Vehicle Scrappage Policy | 2021 | Dependent on incentives and infrastructure development |
Conclusion
Delhi NCR’s extreme particulate pollution is a complex problem rooted in a confluence of geographical, meteorological, socio-economic, and governance factors. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach involving stringent enforcement of regulations, inter-state cooperation, economic incentives for cleaner technologies, and increased public awareness. A shift from reactive measures to proactive, long-term strategies is essential to ensure sustainable improvements in air quality and protect public health. The focus must be on systemic changes rather than piecemeal solutions.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.