GS 3 (Environment)

1.What underlying factors contribute to the persistent deterioration of air quality in Delhi during winter, and how far can CAQM be able to provide solutions?

Approach: Introduction about Delhi air pollution and CAQM- Factors for Delhi’s air pollution- Effectiveness of CAQM- conclusion

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates significantly every winter, turning the city into a hazardous environment for millions of residents. The phenomenon is driven by a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors, resulting in a public health crisis. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been established as a statutory body to devise and enforce policies for combating air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Main contributors to Delhi’s air pollution:

Vehicular emissions (51.5%), crop stubble burning (8.19%), dust (3.7%), and industrial pollutants are key contributors. Winter weather worsens the pollution.

Underlying Factors Contributing to Air Quality Decline:

1. Stubble Burning:
   The large-scale burning of agricultural residue in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana is a major contributor to Delhi’s winter smog. The practice releases particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and harmful gases.
2. Meteorological Conditions:
   During winter, low temperatures and weak winds exacerbate pollution by trapping pollutants close to the ground through a phenomenon known as thermal inversion.
3. Vehicular Emissions:
   Delhi’s dense vehicular population, particularly diesel vehicles, is a significant source of NOx and other pollutants.
4. Industrial Pollution:
   Unauthorized industries and coal-based thermal power plants in and around Delhi emit a high volume of pollutants, adding to the toxic mix.
5. Construction Dust and Waste Burning:
   Unregulated construction activities and the open burning of waste release fine particulate matter into the atmosphere.
6. Overpopulation: With a population of over 20 million, Delhi’s fast-paced urban growth puts immense pressure on its infrastructure. More people means more cars, more waste, and significantly increased energy consumption, all of which contribute to higher pollution levels.
7. Fireworks during festivals: Despite the firecrackers being banned, they continue to burst during festivals like Diwali. These fireworks release severely harmful chemicals, including sulfur dioxide and airborne particles, adding to the already high levels of pollution during the festive season.

What are the powers of CAQM?
Under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, the CAQM was given the power to take all measures, issue directions and entertain complaints, as it deems necessary, for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of air in the NCR and adjoining areas. Under Section 14 of the Act, the CAQM can initiate stringent actions against officers for not following its orders.

Effectiveness of CAQM:

1. Ineffectiveness of Orders:
   The Supreme Court highlighted non-compliance with the CAQM’s directives, questioning their enforceability and tangible impact on reducing pollution levels.
2. Delayed Action:
   The CAQM was reprimanded for waiting until air quality reached the ‘severe plus’ category to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), rather than taking pre-emptive measures.
3. Insufficient Proactivity:
   The CAQM was found reactive rather than proactive, relying on air quality to worsen before initiating stringent curbs.

Efforts by the CAQM:

1. Coordination and Planning:
   The CAQM has enhanced collaboration with states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, to mitigate stubble burning. Year-round meetings and updates to action plans have improved preparedness during peak pollution seasons.
2. Broader Focus Areas:
   While stubble burning was a primary focus, the CAQM is now directing attention toward other significant pollution sources, such as vehicular emissions and dust control.
3. Improved Forecasting and Adaptation:
   The CAQM has acknowledged the need for better pollution forecasting and aims to enhance decision-making processes, especially in implementing GRAP more proactively.

Challenges:

1. Implementation Gaps:
   The CAQM depends on various agencies for ground-level implementation, which often leads to delays and inefficiencies.
2. Focus Areas:
   Overemphasis on stubble burning has diverted resources from addressing other critical pollution sources.
3. Forecasting Accuracy:
   Inefficient forecasting methods have hindered timely interventions, necessitating improvements in predictive systems.

While the CAQM has improved coordination and planning, its overall effectiveness is undermined by delayed actions, implementation challenges, and a reactive approach. Proactive measures, accurate forecasting, and stringent enforcement are crucial to making the CAQM a robust mechanism in tackling Delhi’s air pollution crisis.

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader