Multi-sectoral approach for minimising air pollution

Delhi’s track record in maintaining good air quality is not very encouraging. During most times of the year, the city’s air quality index (AQI) remains in the ‘poor’ category. The prevailing conditions are unhealthy for people residing in the city as well as for visitors.

Although the city government has been monitoring the situation and is taking steps to control the problem, the desired level of improvement is not being achieved. The present state of affairs could be attributed to insufficient planning, preparedness, and action by the administration. It also gives opportunity to many citizens, businesses, and commercial and industrial establishments to flout rules and regulations.

The fourth master plan for Delhi (MPD) has been drafted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to guide development in the city and create better living conditions over the next 20 years, i.e., 2021–2041. This article reviews and analyses the draft MPD proposals for improving air quality in Delhi.

The fourth master plan for Delhi (MPD) has been drafted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to guide development in the city and create better living conditions over the next 20 years, i.e., 2021–2041.

The city receives pollution from industrial and agricultural (stubble burning) activities in the neighbouring states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh (UP). In this regard, the draft plan suggests that these states should observe recommendations/prescribed emission standards of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) or the National Capital Region (NCR) Plan, and work together to address the challenge.

Similar efforts in the past were mostly ineffective because several pollution emitting entities/activities were not monitored/penalised, and suitable alternatives were not provided. Moreover, difficulties were faced in ensuring participation of states (which are governed by different political parties) in regional projects that cut across state boundaries, such as protection of river water and creation of a green buffer.

For reducing pollution from local sources (i.e., within the city), the significance of Delhi’s green and blue assets Delhi is explained. It is mentioned that green cover (forests, parks, gardens) and water bodies (river, natural drains, lakes, ponds, tanks, wetlands) play an important role in absorbing pollution, and in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall, heating, and flooding. Accordingly, the draft plan calls for maintenance and improvement of these assets. Suggested measures include planting of native tree/plant species that act as pollution filters, development of natural/indigenous forests based on the Miyawaki method, boundary protection of green and blue assets through fences/walls, creation of a green buffer along the river Yamuna for protecting its floodplain, and installation of smog absorption towers.

However, planned as well as unauthorised constructions in the Aravalli ridge have posed a threat to its rich flora and fauna. Elsewhere in the city, barren land is yet to be covered with vegetation. Insofar as the water bodies are concerned, there is extensive pollution in the water due to the release of untreated wastewater/industrial effluents, and dumping of garbage.

The lack of integrated public transportation systems and the high number of motor vehicles—both private and commercial—that run on conventional fuels (petrol and diesel) are two major challenges that need to be addressed for minimising emissions from the transport sector.

Delhi still has several polluting industries, despite a ban. These need to be relocated to appropriate locations. In addition, the draft plan calls for establishment of non-polluting economic activities, such as cyber hubs, high-tech robotics and electronics, knowledge and innovation, R&D, hospitality, urban farming, horticulture, etc.

In dense, congested parts of the Old City, the administration has not been successful in monitoring the growth and presence of various polluting economic activities. These need to be tracked with greater efficiency. Further, suitable alternatives/guidance would have to be provided to workers engaged in these activities, if their jobs are adversely affected by the government’s policy.

The draft plan notes that the transportation sector generates 20 percent of total air pollution in Delhi. To minimise emissions, four suggestions are provided. First, people’s vehicle trips should be minimised. This requires utilisation of land/building for multiple/mixed uses (residential and commercial), and creating transit-oriented-development (TOD). Second, public transport services should be improved to attract more commuters. Third, public transport services should run on green fuels. Fourth, green mobility should be promoted by introducing electric vehicles (EVs) and improving infrastructure for EVs, pedestrians and cyclists. Already (August 2020), the Delhi government has notified its EV policy to accelerate the pace of adoption, and EV culture is slowly picking up.

Presently, the lack of integrated public transportation systems and the high number of motor vehicles—both private and commercial—that run on conventional fuels (petrol and diesel) are two major challenges that need to be addressed for minimising emissions from the transport sector.

The construction sector too generates enormous amounts of dust. This needs to be controlled by applying dust mitigation measures in future development projects. For example, construction agencies will be required to prepare and follow dust management plans as per CPCB guidelines. The plans will also describe methods for handling construction and demolition waste. In addition, the local government will regularly monitor construction sites to check compliance with guidelines. Green rating of new developments is also proposed.

Sshifting from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, and efficient power consumption is recommended in the draft plan.

Lack of adherence to building construction guidelines is quite common not only in Delhi but also in neighbouring cities. This is observed from inadequate arrangements by builders for controlling dust. The violations lead to reduced visibility and respiratory problems. Regular monitoring of sites, as proposed in the draft plan, will be necessary.

For the energy sector, shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, and efficient power consumption is recommended in the draft plan. This will involve scaling up the production of solar energy by developing solar farms, promotion of energy efficient buildings, installation of solar panels on roof tops for lighting, water heating, etc. A National Solar Mission has also been in existence in the country since 2010, and the city formulated a Solar Policy in 2016.

While some progress has been achieved in installation of solar-powered lights on streets and highways, as well as in some government/private buildings, its use at the level of a household is still insignificant. Solar products are available for purchase online, but local shops rarely sell such items. Effective mechanisms for guiding people in their use and installation are yet to be created by the city government.

Open burning of plastic/municipal waste is an equally important pollution source. The practice emits toxic gases and is extremely harmful for human health. For its prevention, the draft plan proposes setting up of monitoring squads.

The draft plan also highlights the significance of tracking environment parameters (such as air pollution) by formulating a robust monitoring framework, conducting pollution source apportionment studies every five years, as well as generating awareness amongst citizens.

The review and analysis of air quality in Delhi leads to the following three conclusions:

• The issue of pollution in Delhi requires a multi-sectoral approach. Since the responsibility for managing the issue lies with different city government departments, such as environment, water, industry, urban development, transport, energy, sanitation, etc., as well as the citizens, better coordination of actions between the different actors is required. Equally important is to scale up collaborations with other cities and the private sector. The final master plan should offer sufficient details in this regard, in addition to presenting the issues under separate sections.
• Enforcement of rules and regulations is the second aspect to be strengthened. The government should realise that by overlooking this matter, there has been enormous loss of human and natural resources.
• Finally, attending to all pollution-related concerns through various interventions would require huge funds. For this purpose, formulation of a financial plan will be a useful exercise.

• Water
• Climate Change
• India
• air pollution
• AQI
• CPCB
• Delhi
• Electric vehicles
• Environment Pollution
• Solar Policy

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