These 7 measures will have to be taken in Delhi, AQI will come down from 500 to 50

Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi-NCR is facing a serious pollution crisis these days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to remain at dangerous levels, and on Wednesday it also reached 421. To deal with the rising pollution, the Delhi government has planned steps like online classes, work from home and artificial rain. But will this be enough?

In such a situation, Denmark's capital Copenhagen has emerged as an inspiration. Copenhagen, considered the cleanest city in the world, has proved with its model that it is possible to defeat pollution. Delhi should also learn from Copenhagen to deal with its pollution crisis. Come, know 7 measures that can make Delhi as clean as Copenhagen.

1. Adopt cycle friendly infrastructure

Copenhagen is called the 'Cycle Friendly Capital'. More than 50% of the people here use bicycles. Both traffic and pollution are low due to more than 400 km of cycle lanes and parking facilities. If people in Delhi also adopt cycling and the necessary infrastructure is built for this, then pollution can be reduced significantly.

2. Use of renewable energy

In Copenhagen, electricity is produced from wind and solar energy. Wind energy and bioenergy are used extensively here. In contrast, Delhi is still dependent on polluting sources like coal and petroleum. Options like solar panels and wind energy should also be implemented rapidly in Delhi.

3. Create energy from waste

Copenhagen's 'energy from waste' model is inspiring. The Amager Bakke plant here burns waste and converts it into clean energy. This provides electricity and hot water to 400,000 homes. At the same time, waste management is a big problem in Delhi. The garbage spread on the roads and streets is a major cause of pollution. If this policy is adopted in Delhi too, then both waste management and energy production can improve.

4. Expansion of green areas

More than 20% of the area in Copenhagen is green. Small parks, green roofs, and gardens are essential. In Delhi too, it is necessary to expand green areas and make green roofs compulsory in new constructions. Apart from this, people should be encouraged to plant trees in their homes and balconies.

5. Relocation of polluting industries

In Copenhagen, polluting industries are located outside the city and use state-of-the-art technologies. In Delhi-NCR, heavy industries and brick kilns are inside the city, which increase air pollution. It is necessary to shift these industries outside the city and emphasize on adopting modern technology.

6. Management of agricultural waste

In Copenhagen, farmers convert agricultural waste into biogas and manure. Whereas in Delhi, the problem of stubble burning takes pollution to its peak every year. It is necessary to provide financial assistance and modern technology to farmers for stubble management.

7. Expansion of monitoring system

Copenhagen has air and water quality monitoring systems in every corner of the city. Monitoring stations are limited in Delhi. Comprehensive monitoring systems will help identify and address pollution sources.

Opinion of meteorologists

According to Mahesh Palawat, meteorologist at Skymet, unless the wind speed increases, there is little chance of improvement in pollution levels. Wind and rain are expected to improve the situation in the next few days.

Conclusion

Delhi's pollution is a complex problem, which cannot be solved by government efforts alone. Taking inspiration from Copenhagen, we have to contribute at the individual and collective level. Steps like use of green energy, waste management, and adoption of bicycles can make Delhi clean and liveable.

The dream of making Delhi clean will come true only when the government, industry and common people take concrete steps together.