Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 19, 2024, 07:00 AM
Delhi NCR Air Pollution: Delhi-NCR is currently grappling with severe pollution. A thick layer of smog has enveloped the region, affecting visibility and posing a serious health risk to residents. The Air Quality Index (AQI) figures are alarming. On Monday, Delhi's AQI reached 494, falling in the 'severe' category. This situation reflects an environmental crisis that requires immediate action.Supreme Court’s Intervention
Given the gravity of the pollution, the Supreme Court has stepped in. The court reprimanded the Delhi government for the delay in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Supreme Court also clarified that no relaxation would be allowed in GRAP-4 regulations until the AQI falls below 300. It further ordered the closure of schools in Delhi-NCR to protect children from the harmful effects of pollution.Efforts to Tackle Pollution
The AQI in cities across NCR has also reached critical levels:
To tackle pollution, collective action from Delhi and NCR states is essential. Some key measures could include:
The escalating pollution in Delhi-NCR is a significant crisis that cannot be ignored. It demands not only administrative rigor but also the responsibility of all citizens. To combat pollution, coordination between the central and state governments, along with a solid strategy, is crucial. If timely measures are taken, this crisis can be controlled; otherwise, the future could be even more challenging
Given the gravity of the pollution, the Supreme Court has stepped in. The court reprimanded the Delhi government for the delay in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Supreme Court also clarified that no relaxation would be allowed in GRAP-4 regulations until the AQI falls below 300. It further ordered the closure of schools in Delhi-NCR to protect children from the harmful effects of pollution.Efforts to Tackle Pollution
- Vehicle Restrictions
Entry of BS-4 diesel vehicles and other commercial vehicles into Delhi has been banned. However, the lack of enforcement in other NCR states is preventing any significant reduction in pollution. - Ban on Construction Activities
A complete ban has been imposed on new construction and demolition activities, though some areas are not adhering to these regulations. - Stubble Burning Issue
The Delhi government has highlighted stubble burning as a major contributor to pollution. While incidents of stubble burning have reduced in Punjab, the problem persists in other NCR states. - Artificial Rain Proposal
Environment Minister Gopal Rai has proposed artificial rainfall as a potential solution, but there seems to be a lack of coordination between the central and state governments. - Odd-Even Scheme
The Odd-Even scheme is under consideration to reduce the number of vehicles, although a decision on its implementation is still pending.
The AQI in cities across NCR has also reached critical levels:
- Gurugram: AQI 468
- Ghaziabad: AQI 430
- Noida: AQI 419
- Bahadurgarh: AQI 452
- Bhiwadi: AQI 449
To tackle pollution, collective action from Delhi and NCR states is essential. Some key measures could include:
- Controlling Vehicle Numbers: Strict checks on diesel vehicles and promoting public transport.
- Monitoring Construction Activities: A ban on new construction and stricter dust control measures.
- Ban on Stubble Burning: Providing technical and financial assistance to farmers for crop residue management.
- Artificial Rain: Initiating artificial rainfall processes immediately.
- Public Awareness: Raising awareness among citizens about the dangers of pollution and the importance of environmental conservation.
The escalating pollution in Delhi-NCR is a significant crisis that cannot be ignored. It demands not only administrative rigor but also the responsibility of all citizens. To combat pollution, coordination between the central and state governments, along with a solid strategy, is crucial. If timely measures are taken, this crisis can be controlled; otherwise, the future could be even more challenging