There is no crop burning in neighbouring States but Delhiites are compelled to breathe poisonous air laced with highly noxious pollutants. December has been the hardest month for the air pollution level in the national Capital as the slow wind speed has resulted in Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) hanging in the atmospheric mist.
According to experts, air pollution is hard to be mitigated since it is a multi-dimensional problem; industry, transport, biomass/waste burning and dust all contributing significantly, and each has its own political, regulatory and technical challenges.
“The main reason behind the rise in air pollution over Delhi is unusually cold air including fog and lack of wind. It means that vehicle fumes, pollution from coal-fired power plants and industries, as well as smoke from burning of wood to keep people warm hangs over the city,” said Dr Chander Veer Singh, former Senior Scientist in Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB).
“The authorities to deal with pollution should shut down all construction activities. The authorities also should start sprinkling water on roads on early hours so that dust particles, which are also one of the major reasons for air pollution, settles down,” said Dr Chandra Veer.
“The authorities are not implementing ‘odd and even scheme’ due to vested interests resulting in unprecedented air pollution. We can blame cars or trucks as major sources for causing pollution. Two wheelers that run on oil mixing technology have been ignored for years. We should know that two wheeler also emit fumes which are contributing to pollution.
In Delhi numbers of two wheelers are 10 times in number than cars in the city,” said Bhuwan Bhaskar, an environmentalist and presently a Consultant at National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
“BS vehicles norms should be followed and all vehicles violating norms should be removed from Delhi- NCR. This might result in a bit reduction of pollution,” said Bhaskar.
“People should opt for public transport but after metro fare were increased people generally using the vehicle or hire auto-rickshaw,” said an expert.
“National Capital Region (NCR) cannot be ignored for its contribution to pollution. Faridabad and Ghaziabad which are just adjacent to Delhi have many industrial plants emitting gases. The wind flow is slow and these gases due to lack of wind flow get trapped in atmosphere and moves in and around Delhi,” said an environmentalist.
“Air pollution is a national public health crisis as almost none of the authorities in National Capital have bothered to keep air pollution in check, making them unlivable. We are facing an apocalypse right now due to unbreathable air,” said Aditya Okhade, a social activist.
Acting on the pollution level reaching to severe category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)-led task force on Monday recommended a closure of factories located in hotspot industrial areas and a ban on construction activities till Wednesday in view of the severe air pollution in the national capital.
People have been advised by the authorities to minimise outdoor activities and avoid use of private vehicles as the city battles its worst pollution levels since Diwali.
These are short terms measures say experts as the problem remains the same. “Authorities should implement an effective mechanism to control pollutants in the air much before the winters. It is of little use once the situation aggravates beyond redemption”, the expert added.