Battling the Winter Smog: Delhi's Pollution Predicament

Recently, Delhi got a trailer of the inevitable environmental misery that awaits it in the coming months: Air pollution. On Some day, the air quality index surpassed 300 on a scale topping out at 500, as a blanket of haze shrouded the skies and a distinct smell of dust and smoke pervaded the outdoors. Luckily, winds picked up the following day and the skies cleared up.

For the 20 million residents of the city (and millions more in neighboring states), it was a relief for the air to improve — from “very poor” to just “poor”.

What are the Reasons behind Rising Pollution levels in Delhi during Winters?

• Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn crop residues to clear their fields for the next season. This produces a lot of smoke and particulate matter that gets carried by the wind to Delhi and other parts of north India.
  • According to SAFAR, in 2021, stubble burning's contribution to Delhi pollution was 25%.
  • Stubble burning emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gasses like Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• Wind Direction: Wind direction plays a significant role in Delhi’s air pollution, especially during the winter months. The predominant direction of winds in Delhi is north westerly post-monsoon. These winds bring dust and smoke to the city when stubble is being burnt in Haryana and Punjab.
  • According to a study conducted by National Physical Laboratory, 72% of Delhi’s wind in winters comes from the northwest.
  • A change in wind direction means these pollutants are not carried into the city.
    • For example, on October 25, 2023, the air quality improved marginally when the wind changed direction from north to northeast.

• Temperature Inversion: Temperature inversion is a phenomenon that occurs when the air temperature increases with altitude, instead of decreasing as usual. This creates a layer of warm air above a layer of cold air, trapping the pollutants near the ground.
  • Temperature inversion affects Delhi’s pollution in winter, when the weather is cold and calm. The pollutants from stubble burning, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and other sources accumulate in the lower atmosphere and form a thick layer of smog.

• Dry and Still Air: In winters, there is less rainfall and wind speed, which means that the pollutants do not get washed away or diluted by fresh air. The pollutants remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time.

• Vehicular and Industrial Emissions: Delhi has a large population and a large number of vehicles, which emit harmful gases and particles. The industries in and around Delhi also contribute to the pollution by burning fossil fuels and releasing chemicals into the air.
  • A study by IIT Delhi noted that vehicular emissions contribute around 25% to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels.
• Dust storms, Firecrackers, and Domestic Biomass Burning: These are some of the other sources of pollution that increase during winters. Dust storms bring dust particles from arid regions, firecrackers produce smoke and metals during Diwali and other occasions, and domestic biomass burning for heating adds to the carbon monoxide and particulate matter in the air.
  • A 2015 study conducted by IIT-Kanpur states that 17-26% of all particulate matter in Delhi in winters is because of biomass burning.

What Measures should be taken to Control Delhi’s Pollution?

• Congestion Charge: Implementing a congestion charge for private vehicles during peak hours is an effective way to reduce traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transport or carpooling. The revenue generated from this charge can be reinvested in green projects or used to subsidize electric vehicles, further incentivizing environmentally friendly choices.
  • A congestion charge is a fee that drivers have to pay to enter or use certain areas or roads that are prone to traffic congestion.
• Cap-and-Trade for Industrial Emissions: A cap-and-trade system sets a limit on industrial emissions and promotes a market-driven approach to reducing pollution. This system creates financial incentives for industries to reduce their emissions and invest in cleaner technologies, ultimately leading to a decrease in overall pollution.
• Drones for Pollution Control: The use of drones to identify and disperse pollution hotspots is a proactive approach to managing air quality. This technology can help mitigate the immediate impact of pollutants on the environment and public health while also monitoring and identifying sources of pollution for targeted intervention.
  • For instance, the New Engineering Education Transformation (NEET) cohort’s drone system is designed to provide real-time air quality data with a 15-meter resolution that is publicly accessible through a user-friendly interface.
• Vertical Gardens: Vertical gardens are an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally beneficial addition to urban areas. They not only enhance the visual appeal of the city but also help purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Additionally, they can provide habitats for birds and insects, contributing to urban biodiversity.
• Rewards for Low-Carbon Lifestyles: Encouraging citizens to adopt low-carbon lifestyles through a rewards system is an innovative approach. By providing incentives like points or vouchers or tax benefits for eco-friendly behaviors such as using public transport or carpooling, people are more likely to make environmentally conscious choices, reducing their carbon footprint.

Drishti Mains Question: Analyze the key factors contributing to Delhi's pollution and suggest measures that could be taken to address the persistent problem of air pollution in Delhi.