Delhi, often engulfed in a toxic haze during winter, is once again battling alarming levels of air pollution. The Supreme Court has intervened decisively, mandating that all pollution control measures remain in place until further orders. This directive, aimed at safeguarding public health, comes amidst rising concerns over delayed and inadequate action by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Delhi’s Pollution Crisis: A Chronic Challenge
For years, Delhi’s air quality has plummeted during the post-monsoon and winter months, primarily due to a combination of factors:- Stubble Burning: Farmers in neighboring states, especially Punjab and Haryana, continue to burn crop residue despite government incentives for alternative disposal methods. This practice contributes significantly to the seasonal spike in air pollution.
- Vehicular Emissions: Delhi’s dense traffic and high vehicle population add to the year-round pollution load.
- Industrial and Construction Activities: Factories, construction sites, and unregulated use of diesel generators release harmful pollutants.
- Climatic Conditions: Cold temperatures and reduced wind speed trap pollutants near the surface, worsening the smog.
Supreme Court’s Stance
In response to a petition highlighting the deteriorating air quality, the Supreme Court issued strict orders:- Maintaining Existing Curbs: All restrictions imposed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will remain in place. These include bans on construction activities, closure of non-essential industries, and restrictions on vehicular movement.
- Ensuring Accountability: The CAQM, tasked with coordinating pollution control efforts, has been criticized for its delayed responses and lack of proactive measures. The court has sought detailed explanations for the perceived lapses.
- Emphasis on Health: The court reiterated that public health takes precedence over economic considerations, emphasizing the need for swift and effective action.
CAQM Under Fire
The CAQM, established as a dedicated body to tackle pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), has faced backlash for its delayed enforcement of GRAP measures. Critics argue that:- Reactive Approach: Measures are often implemented only after pollution levels cross hazardous thresholds, rather than being preemptive.
- Lack of Coordination: Ineffective collaboration with state governments has hindered the timely management of stubble burning and industrial emissions.
- Insufficient Monitoring: Gaps in real-time data and surveillance have limited the effectiveness of pollution control measures.
The Way Forward
Addressing Delhi’s pollution crisis requires a multi-pronged and sustained approach:- Early Action Plans: Preemptive measures must be enforced well before pollution levels spike. This includes deploying anti-smog guns, sprinkling water on roads, and restricting high-emission vehicles during peak pollution seasons.
- Stronger Enforcement: The CAQM needs greater autonomy and resources to ensure strict compliance with anti-pollution regulations.
- Support for Farmers: Enhancing subsidies and awareness programs for alternatives to stubble burning is crucial.
- Public Participation: Citizen-driven initiatives, such as carpooling, using public transport, and reducing waste burning, can complement government efforts.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the urgency of addressing Delhi’s air pollution, a recurring public health emergency. While the CAQM bears the responsibility for improving its responsiveness, the fight against pollution requires collective action from governments, industries, and citizens alike. As Delhi continues to choke, the message is clear: reactive measures are no longer enough—what the city needs is robust, long-term solutions.The books is for you Discover by Dr. Keshav Kumar
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