Delhi’s Struggle with Pollution in 2024: The Unbreathable Capital

Delhi, India’s vibrant capital city, continues to battle an escalating crisis of air pollution. 

_{Image: India Gate , New Delhi}

Despite years of policies, campaigns, and interventions, Delhi’s air quality remains a grave concern in 2024. With its Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently breaching hazardous levels, the city grapples with both immediate health consequences and long-term environmental challenges. This article delves into the sources, impact, and evolving measures to combat pollution crisis.

Understanding Delhi’s Air Quality: The AQI Crisis

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of air pollution that quantifies the concentration of harmful particles in the air. In 2024, The AQI has consistently recorded values above 300, indicating ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ pollution levels. On several occasions during winter, the AQI surpasses 500, posing a severe health risk to the population.

Key pollutants include:

1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Fine particles from vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial processes.

2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Emitted primarily by vehicles and industrial activity.

3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Generated by burning fossil fuels.

4. Carbon Monoxide (CO): A product of incomplete combustion.

5. Ozone (O3): Formed by chemical reactions between pollutants under sunlight.

Major Sources of Pollution in Delhi

1. Vehicular Emissions

Despite the push for electric vehicles (EVs) and stricter emissions norms, road traffic remains a significant contributor to air pollution. Over eight million vehicles ply its streets daily, emitting large volumes of NO2, CO, and PM2.5.

2. Construction and Road Dust

Rapid urbanization in Delhi has resulted in unregulated construction activities. Dust from these sites and poorly maintained roads contributes significantly to the city’s PM10 levels.

3. Industrial Emissions

Factories in and around Delhi release pollutants, including NO2 and SO2, into the atmosphere. Industrial zones such as Ghaziabad and Faridabad exacerbate the issue.

4. Stubble Burning

Every winter, farmers in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana burn crop stubble, releasing smoke that drifts into Delhi. In 2024, despite efforts to provide alternative methods, stubble burning remains rampant, contributing 40-45% of the city’s pollution during peak months.

5. Firecrackers

Although firecracker bans are in place, their sporadic use during festivals and weddings still adds to the pollution levels.

6. Waste Burning

Open burning of waste, including plastics and organic materials, continues unabated in many parts of Delhi, releasing harmful toxins into the air.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Delhi’s toxic air poses serious health threats:

1. Respiratory Disorders

Residents face higher rates of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung infections. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

2. Cardiovascular Problems

Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.

3. Neurological Effects

Studies in 2024 link long-term pollution exposure to cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.

4. Premature Deaths

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution leads to over 1.5 million deaths annually in India, with Delhi contributing a significant share.

Image : Air Quality Index

Impact on Delhi’s Economy and Lifestyle

1. Economic Loss

The rising pollution levels cost Delhi billions in healthcare expenses and productivity losses. A 2024 study by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) estimated an economic loss of ₹70,000 crores due to pollution-related issues.

2. Tourism Decline

Tourists often avoid Delhi during its smog-filled winters, impacting the hospitality and travel sectors.

3. Education Disruption

Schools frequently close during high-pollution days, affecting children’s education.

4. Reduced Quality of Life

With limited outdoor activities and increased health risks, Delhiites face a diminished quality of life.

Government Measures to Combat Pollution

1. Introduction of Smog Towers

In 2024, Delhi expanded its network of smog towers, large air purifiers installed in high-traffic areas. While their effectiveness remains debated, they are part of the city’s strategy to reduce pollution locally.

2. Odd-Even Scheme

The odd-even vehicle rationing scheme was reintroduced in 2024 during peak pollution months. While it temporarily reduces vehicular emissions, its impact is limited without robust public transport.

3. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The Delhi government has provided subsidies and incentives to promote EVs, with nearly 25% of new vehicle registrations in 2024 being electric.

4. Green War Room

A ‘Green War Room’ monitors air quality and enforces anti-pollution measures, including penalties for violators.

5. Stubble Management Initiatives

Technologies such as bio-decomposers and subsidies for alternative machinery are being provided to farmers to reduce stubble burning.

6. Public Awareness Campaigns

Campaigns like “Red Light On, Gaadi Off” encourage citizens to switch off engines at traffic signals, reducing vehicular emissions.

Role of Technology and Innovation

1. AI-Powered Monitoring

In 2024, Delhi has adopted AI-driven systems to monitor air quality in real time, allowing for better resource allocation and quicker responses to pollution spikes.

2. Green Technologies

Innovations like pollution-absorbing building materials and air-purifying bus stops are being introduced.

3. Satellite Imaging

Satellites track stubble burning and other pollution sources to provide actionable data.

Emergency measures

The government has imposed emergency measures, including closing schools and offices, stopping non-essential construction, and preventing heavy vehicles from entering the city. 

Health risks

The toxic air quality has led to a spike in respiratory issues at hospitals. Experts say the air quality is reducing life expectancy in the city by an average of seven years. 

Causes of pollution

The city’s pollution comes from a number of sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, open burning, and dust. During winter, the situation worsens due to smoke from farm fires in neighboring states and unfavorable weather. 

To combat pollution, there needs to be stricter regulation of emissions and accelerated efforts to address stubble burning and industrial emissions. There is also a need for sustained policy interventions and behavioral changes. 

Global Comparisons and Lessons for Delhi

Delhi is not alone in facing an air pollution crisis. Cities like Beijing and Los Angeles have successfully reduced pollution through stringent policies and innovative solutions.

1. Beijing

China implemented a multi-pronged approach, including shutting down coal plants, introducing EVs, and enforcing strict industrial regulations.

2. Los Angeles

The U.S. city reduced smog by introducing catalytic converters, regulating emissions, and encouraging carpooling.

To fix air pollution, Gopal Rai wants artificial rain in Delhi: Why this is a long shot

As the national capital’s air quality continued to be in the ‘severe plus’ category for the third consecutive day, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote a letter on Tuesday (November 19) to the Centre seeking clearance for allowing artificial rain in the region. He also urged the Centre to convene a meeting with experts in IIT Kanpur and the Union government agencies regarding the matter.

The average air quality index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 492 on Tuesday at 7 am. The AQI in Alipur, Anand Vihar, Bawana, Narela, Pusa and Sonia Vihar touched 500 — the maximum value on the index according to the Central Pollution Control Board. 

AQI Data past few days

Sunday

11/24

AQI : 115

Unhealthy Health effects can be immediately felt by sensitive groups. Healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure. Limit outdoor activity.

Friday

11/22

AQI : 141

Unhealthy Health effects can be immediately felt by sensitive groups. Healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure. Limit outdoor activity.

Saturday

11/23

AQI : 123

Unhealthy Health effects can be immediately felt by sensitive groups. Healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure. Limit outdoor activity.

Sunday

11/24

AQI : 115

Unhealthy Health effects can be immediately felt by sensitive groups. Healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure. Limit outdoor activity.

Public Involvement: A Crucial Component

No policy can succeed without public participation. Citizens play a pivotal role in combating pollution by adopting environmentally friendly practices:

1. Switching to Public Transport

Reducing reliance on private vehicles can significantly cut emissions.

2. Planting Trees

Increasing green cover helps absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

3. Reducing Waste Burning

Proper waste disposal methods can eliminate the harmful effects of open burning.

4. Advocating for Change

Pressure groups and NGOs can hold authorities accountable and push for stricter measures.

The Way Forward: A Blueprint for 2024 and Beyond

Delhi’s pollution crisis is a complex issue requiring a multi-faceted approach. Some key steps include:

1. Strengthening Public Transport

Expanding metro lines and increasing the number of buses can make public transport more accessible and reliable.

2. Urban Planning Reforms

Reducing congestion through better city planning can limit vehicular emissions.

3. Industrial Regulation

Stricter norms for industries and regular inspections can curb pollution at the source.

4. Regional Collaboration

Since pollution knows no boundaries, Delhi must work with neighboring states to address shared challenges like stubble burning.

5. Investing in Renewable Energy

Transitioning from coal-based power plants to renewable sources can significantly reduce air pollution.

Conclusion: A Fight for Survival

Delhi’s air pollution crisis in 2024 is a wake-up call for collective action. While progress has been made, much remains to be done to ensure that the city’s 20 million residents can breathe clean air. It requires a blend of government intervention, technological innovation, and public responsibility to create a sustainable future. For Delhi, the fight against pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a fight for survival.

Reference :

https://cpcb.nic.in/National-Air-Quality-Index