New Delhi’s Escalating Air Pollution Crisis
New Delhi, the growing capital of India, is grappling with an escalating air pollution crisis, posing severe threats to the health of its 32 million inhabitants. The situation, exacerbated by factors like vehicle emissions and stubble burning in neighbouring states, has reached alarming levels in recent years, prompting a range of responses from both local and global entities.
The air quality index (AQI) in New Delhi hit “severe” levels in November 2023, a level 25 times higher than the World Health Organisation's 'safe' limit. Stubble burning by farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have contributed significantly to the crisis, making it a multi-jurisdictional problem with complex solutions. Despite efforts like the Supreme Court's order to ban crop burning, the AQI in Delhi remains problematic, prompting concerns about the health and economic implications.
The health consequences are severe, with air pollution in Delhi causing respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal issues. According to national health-care data, people living in Delhi stand to lose nearly 12 years of their lives because of air pollution, the worst in all megacities of the world. The economic toll is also substantial, with an estimated cost of $95 billion a year for businesses, equivalent to three percent of India's GDP..
To tackle the crisis, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Delhi government has implemented measures like the 'odd-even' vehicle rationing scheme and temporary bans on construction. However, these efforts have proven insufficient. Political challenges add complexity to addressing the crisis, with the AAP clashing with India's ruling BJP party, accusing them of having no concrete action plan to address the growing problem.
In response to New Delhi’s escalating air pollution crisis, the World Bank has launched a comprehensive programme. The initiative focuses on curbing the impact of ambient particulate matter PM2.5 pollution. Recognising the multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional nature of the challenge, the World Bank has advocated for an "airshed" approach, emphasising coordinated efforts beyond city boundaries.
Innovative approaches are emerging from the Delhi government to provide temporary relief. Cloud seeding, a process to induce artificial rains, is being explored to settle dust and pollutants. While this method offers short-term benefits, experts caution that it does not provide a long-term solution. Atmospheric conditions and limitations of cloud seeding must be thoroughly researched before considering it as a viable strategy.
Comparisons with China highlight India's need for more comprehensive and sustained efforts to combat air pollution in New Delhi. In the battle against air pollution, China has emerged as a success story, while India continues to grapple with severe pollution levels. China's significant efforts have resulted in a marked improvement in air quality, especially in major cities like Beijing.
Recent data reveals a stark difference in air quality between New Delhi and Beijing, with hazardous PM2.5 microparticles averaging 14 times higher in the Indian capital. China's proactive measures, such as limiting cars, reducing capacity in emissions-heavy industries, and banning coal-fired power plants, have led to a 42.3% decline in air pollution from 2013 to 2021, as well as a lengthening of life expectancy.
Despite the gravity of India's pollution problem, it is noticeably absent from the country's climate and environmental priorities, both domestically and internationally. The impending national election, expected to secure Prime Minister Modi's third term, does not prioritise the pollution crisis, even as studies have estimated that air pollution claimed 2.3 million lives in 2019 alone.
The air pollution crisis in New Delhi demands urgent, collaborative, and innovative solutions. While India has made some progress, further sweeping changes are required, such as reducing vehicular traffic and altering farming practices. Political unity, comprehensive policy changes, and international support are crucial in mitigating the impact on health and the economy. While temporary measures like cloud seeding may offer momentary relief, a holistic and sustained effort is required to ensure cleaner air in New Delhi, as has been done before in China.