India Today: Published on 21st Nov 2024:
Why in News?
Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with AQI readings as high as 750-1500 on some monitors, far exceeding the WHO’s acceptable levels. Comparisons with Beijing highlight stark differences: while Delhi remains severely polluted, Beijing, once equally hazardous, has achieved a significant reduction in pollution over a decade.
History:
Beijing's Situation (Pre-2013): In 2013, Beijing faced similar challenges with hazardous air, including industrial pollution, vehicular emissions, and coal-fired power plants.
Delhi's Persistent Issues: In addition to emissions from vehicles and industries, stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and nearby regions aggravates Delhi’s pollution during winter.
Mortality Impact: Air pollution in Delhi contributes to around 12,000 deaths annually, with numerous cases of respiratory illnesses.
How China Improved Beijing:
Massive Investments: China launched a $100-billion initiative to reduce pollution in Beijing, focusing on structural reforms and clean energy adoption.
Coal Reduction: The country phased out dirty coal-fired power plants, replacing them with natural gas and renewable energy.
Vehicular Restrictions: Stringent emissions standards and restrictions on high-polluting vehicles helped control vehicular pollution.
Industrial Relocation: Heavy industries were relocated away from the city to reduce urban emissions.
India vs China:
Political Will: China’s centralized governance enabled swift, large-scale action. In contrast, India’s democratic processes, bureaucratic delays, and lack of political consensus have slowed efforts.
Implementation Gaps: India has policies like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) but struggles with enforcement, coordination, and monitoring.
Resources: While China invested heavily in tackling pollution, India’s budget allocations for environmental initiatives remain insufficient.
Why to Worry?
Health Impact: Delhi’s air quality threatens the health of millions, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reducing life expectancy.
Economic Costs: Pollution has a cascading effect on productivity, healthcare expenses, and tourism.
Global Image: The persistent pollution crisis tarnishes India’s global reputation as a rising economy.
What We are Doing for Delhi?
Policies: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) focus on mitigating air pollution.
Stubble Burning Initiatives: Efforts to promote alternatives to stubble burning, such as bio-decomposers and equipment subsidies, aim to reduce seasonal pollution spikes.
Cleaner Fuel: Shifting to BS-VI vehicles and promoting electric vehicles (EVs) are steps in reducing vehicular emissions.
Monitoring and Awareness: Increasing real-time monitoring stations and public campaigns for pollution awareness are ongoing.
