Recently, a committee has been set up by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and AIIMS in Delhi to verify the facts of air pollution in and around Delhi. This move comes as a response to the worsening air quality in the region, which has become a major concern for the health and well-being of Delhi’s citizens.
The committee, which includes officials from the Ministry of Environment, Central Pollution Control Board, and other experts in the field, will conduct an independent investigation to assess the ground-level conditions and verify the reported levels of pollution. This is a crucial step towards understanding the sources and extent of pollution in Delhi, and devising effective solutions to mitigate it.
For years, Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution, with various factors contributing to the problem. One of the main causes of air pollution in Delhi is vehicular emissions. The city has a large number of vehicles on its roads, which emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These gases can have a significant impact on human health, causing respiratory problems, heart disease, and other ailments.
Another major contributor to air pollution in Delhi is industrial emissions. Various industries in and around the city release large volumes of pollutants into the air, including harmful chemicals and particulate matter. These pollutants can have a significant impact on the health of not only the workers in these industries but also the residents of nearby areas.
Furthermore, a phenomenon known as crop burning is also a significant contributor to air pollution in Delhi. During the winter months, farmers in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana burn their crop residue to clear their fields, releasing large volumes of smoke and pollutants into the air. This practice has a significant impact on air quality in Delhi and the surrounding areas during these months.
The impact of air pollution on public health cannot be overstated. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for over seven million premature deaths each year, with particulate matter being the leading cause of pollution-related deaths. In Delhi, the health implications of air pollution are starkly apparent, with a high incidence of respiratory problems and other health issues reported among the city’s residents.
Given the severity of the situation, it is imperative that steps are taken to address the problem of air pollution in Delhi. The committee by the NGT and AIIMS is a significant step towards this goal, as it will help to identify the sources and extent of pollution, and devise effective measures to tackle it.
One of the solutions to address the problem of air pollution in Delhi is to introduce cleaner forms of transportation. This could involve encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, promoting cycling, and improving public transport infrastructure. Several initiatives have already been introduced in this direction, such as the Delhi government’s “Switch Delhi” campaign, which aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in the city.
Another potential solution is to improve the efficiency of industries in the region and regulate the emissions released by them. The introduction of stricter air quality standards and monitoring practices could help to ensure that industries are held accountable for their emissions and pollution levels are reduced.
Finally, tackling the issue of crop burning is another critical step towards mitigating air pollution in Delhi. The government could incentivize farmers to adopt alternative methods of crop residue management, such as composting, and provide subsidies to support these initiatives.
In conclusion, the problem of air pollution in Delhi is a significant public health concern that requires urgent attention. The committee by the NGT and AIIMS is a positive step towards verifying the ground-level conditions of air pollution in the region and identifying potential solutions to mitigate the problem. However, it is crucial that all stakeholders come together to address this issue effectively, and take concrete steps towards cleaner air for Delhi and its citizens.