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Delhi Pollution

Delhi's air pollution is a critical issue exacerbated by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, stubble burning, and weather conditions, particularly in winter. The pollution leads to severe health problems, environmental damage, and economic costs, prompting measures such as vehicle rationing, promotion of electric vehicles, and public awareness campaigns. Long-term solutions include investing in renewable energy, enhancing public transport, and enforcing stricter regulations on polluters.

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49 views2 pages

Delhi Pollution

Delhi's air pollution is a critical issue exacerbated by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, stubble burning, and weather conditions, particularly in winter. The pollution leads to severe health problems, environmental damage, and economic costs, prompting measures such as vehicle rationing, promotion of electric vehicles, and public awareness campaigns. Long-term solutions include investing in renewable energy, enhancing public transport, and enforcing stricter regulations on polluters.

Uploaded by

annikamehra17
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Delhi's air pollution has been a persistent issue, especially during the winter months, when it

often reaches hazardous levels. The city experiences severe environmental and health
challenges due to a combination of natural factors and human activities.

Key Causes of Delhi's Air Pollution

1. Vehicular Emissions:
o Delhi has a high number of vehicles, contributing significantly to air pollution,
especially from older, poorly maintained vehicles.
2. Industrial Emissions:
o Factories in and around Delhi release pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂),
nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM).
3. Construction Dust:
o Rapid urbanization and ongoing construction activities generate large amounts
of dust, worsening air quality.
4. Stubble Burning:
o Farmers in neighboring states (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh) burn crop
residue during October-November, releasing massive amounts of smoke into
the air.
5. Weather and Geography:
o During winter, temperature inversion traps pollutants close to the ground.
o Delhi's landlocked geography prevents effective dispersal of pollutants.
6. Firecrackers:
o Despite bans, the use of firecrackers during festivals like Diwali spikes
pollution levels temporarily but severely.
7. Waste Burning:
o Burning of garbage, plastic, and biomass adds to the already poor air quality.

Impact of Air Pollution

1. Health Effects:
o Increased respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
o Long-term exposure leads to cardiovascular diseases and reduced lung
function.
o Premature deaths due to poor air quality.
2. Environmental Damage:
o Reduced visibility and smog formation.
o Harmful effects on biodiversity and ecosystems.
3. Economic Costs:
o Higher healthcare costs.
o Loss of productivity due to health-related issues.

Measures Taken to Combat Air Pollution


1. Policy and Regulation:
o Odd-even vehicle rationing scheme to reduce traffic emissions.
o Ban on the use of older diesel vehicles.
2. Technology Adoption:
o Promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and incentives for EV adoption.
o Implementation of cleaner fuels like BS-VI norms.
3. Monitoring and Control:
o Real-time air quality monitoring through SAFAR (System of Air Quality and
Weather Forecasting And Research).
o Introduction of smog towers in key areas.
4. Awareness Campaigns:
o Encouraging citizens to use public transport, carpool, or switch to cycling.
o Public awareness about avoiding firecrackers and reducing waste burning.
5. Interstate Cooperation:
o Central and state governments working together to curb stubble burning
through subsidies for alternatives like bio-decomposers.

What More Can Be Done?

1. Long-term Solutions:
o Invest in renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
o Enhance public transportation systems.
2. International Practices:
o Adopt practices like green roofs and vertical forests to absorb pollution.
o Use technologies like air-purifying drones and advanced scrubbers.
3. Stronger Legal Action:
o Enforce stricter penalties for polluters.
o Strengthen policies to limit industrial emissions and construction dust.
4. Grassroots Participation:
o Community-led initiatives like tree-planting drives and neighborhood
pollution monitoring.

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