What's New :
GS Mains Advance 2025. Visit Here
16th January 2024 (12 Topics)

Delhi’s pollution crisis: A dreary winter

Context:

The ongoing issue emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive year-round strategy for ensuring clean air.

Persistent Air Quality Challenges in Delhi

  • Seasonal Attention: Delhi's air quality issues, often in the spotlight during autumn due to stubble burning, remain a concern throughout the year, especially in harsh winters.
  • Historical Context: Recalling the challenges faced in 2016 and the odd-even scheme, the recent severe air quality serves as a reminder of persistent issues.
  • Current Severity: The latest air quality index (AQI) registering as severe underscores the urgent need for effective and sustained measures.

Role of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

  • Regulatory Measures: CAQM, established in 2021, has implemented temporary bans on construction and certain vehicles. However, these are reactive measures during emergencies.
  • Need for Proactive Approach: CAQM should evolve into a proactive body facilitating a year-round action plan and fostering collaboration among relevant authorities.
  • Synergy Among Agencies: Lack of synergy between different bodies, including the Delhi government, CPCB, and transport departments, impedes comprehensive air quality improvement.

Evaluation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

  • Program Objectives: NCAP, initiated in 2019 with a goal to reduce pollution, shifted its target to a 40% reduction by 2026. Independent studies highlight slow progress.
  • Funding Utilization: Cities in Delhi-NCR utilizing less than 40% of allocated funds for pollution control raises concerns about the efficacy of implemented measures.
  • Need for Tangible Results: Despite initiatives like NCAP, tangible improvements in air quality remain elusive, necessitating a reassessment of strategies for impactful outcomes.
    You must be logged in to get greater insights.
    X

    Verifying, please be patient.

    Enquire Now