Air pollution in Delhi has always been the most concerning topic among the citizens of India. The hazardous level of air pollution in the city has caused several health issues for people. The increasing number of vehicles and stubble burning are the major causes of air pollution in the city. Along with health issues, air pollution is also limiting visibility and affecting quality of life.
Waking up in the morning and taking a walk or jog is not that easy in Delhi, as polluted fog always surrounds the atmosphere.
Every year, air pollution in Delhi is getting worse. However, everyone knows the actual reason for air pollution, such as vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial activities, and agricultural stubble burning. Let’s get into the major reason for Delhi to face polluted fog, and slowly we will dig into its impacts and solutions along with the government’s steps towards managing the issue.
Reasons for Air Pollution in the City
Air pollution has always remained one of the most concerning issues, as it directly impacts health and well-being. Think the source of life like air and water that keep us clean internally is polluted enough to affect our lives. Some of the major reasons for air pollution are given below:
1. Vehicular Emissions
The number of vehicles in Delhi is apparently high. Emissions from vehicles are one of the most common reasons for air pollution. The city has been home to more than 10 million vehicles, which has been caused by rapid urbanization and population growth. The winter season makes the air pollution worse as emissions mix with fog and form dense smog. This is how people face issues with visibility and respiratory issues.
2. Stubble Burning
Modern harvesting methods lead to heavy stubble burning. This helps farmers prepare their fields for the next harvest season. This practice causes a large amount of smoke and particulate matter into the air. This is mostly done in Northern India (Haryana and Punjab). This immediate and easy way of cleaning the fields has been polluting the life source (air).
3. Industrial Emissions
The requirements of products and services are increasing day by day with population growth. So, the number of industries is also increasing to fulfill the needs and requirements of people. Chemical industry, construction industry, apparel industry, etc. are the major causes of emissions. Industrial processes mostly rely on burning coal, which is the main source of carbon emissions and enhances air pollution.
4. Limited Green Cover and Poor Urban Planning
Increase in the number of buildings is causing deforestation and decreasing greenery. Lack of green spaces means lack of carbon dioxide absorption and clear air in the atmosphere. Urban developments mean convenience, which includes solid waste burning that emits polluted gas in the atmosphere, causing air pollution.
If there is a national issue, it is the responsibility of citizens to take the proper step and make positive changes. Some solutions that can help in dealing with air pollution are given below:
- Promoting Clean Energy: Renewable energy sources can be a huge help in promoting clean energy. Some of the renewable energies are solar and wind that can easily decrease industrial emissions.
- Regulations Associated with Stubble Burning: Farmers should be provided with alternative methods of stubble burning. This can help in decreasing stubble burning.
- Proper Waste Management: Waste management practices should be managed properly. There should be less garbage burning to decrease the amount of harmful particulate matter in the air.
The government of India has taken some short-term action plans to deal with air pollution. The action plans are given below:
- Identification of plastic & garbage dump and its removal
- Identification and removal of Malba / C&D waste
- Identification and repair of road patches and pot holes
- De-congestion of congested traffic points
- Mechanical road sweeping
- Water sprinkling of roads
- Closure of polluting & unauthorized industries
- Night patrolling to check violations with respect to Biomass burning, C&D waste dumping etc.
- Greenery developed
If the people of the city try to follow the action plans created by the government, it will be easier to reduce the level of air pollution.
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