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| - Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that before AAP government, there was just one Air Quality monitoring station. It is only AAP govt that has acted to curb the air pollution in Delhi. We term this as False.
The Claim
According to a post on X, “Before AAP formed the Govt there was 1 Air Quality Monitoring System in Delhi. Now, there are 50 Air Quality monitoring stations in Delhi. Restrictions come into effect based on real time values. Air Pollution is a Common Hazard across North India but ONLY the AAP Govt acted…!!!”
Fact Check
What is air pollution and AQI?
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air we breathe. These pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can have severe health impacts and contribute to environmental degradation.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale which tells us how polluted the air is and what health effects might be expected. It typically ranges from 0 to 500, with lower values indicating better air quality and higher values indicating worse air quality.
What does PM10 and PM2.5 mean?
PM10 and PM2.5 refer to particulate matter with diameters of 10 micrometres or smaller and 2.5 micrometres or smaller, respectively. These particles are tiny solid or liquid droplets suspended in the air, often emitted from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and dust. PM10 and PM2.5 are significant pollutants because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks, particularly to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
How many Air Quality Monitoring Stations were there in Delhi before AAP government?
According to the post shared on X, there was only 1 Air Quality Monitoring Station in Delhi, before the AAP government. We did the research to find out that there were 28 Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Delhi in 2012, before AAP formed the government. Here is a graph showing the trend of increasing Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Delhi:
The CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards are establishing Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations, sharing costs equally. These stations monitor pollutants like SO2, NO2, NH3, O3, CO, Benzene, PM10, and PM2.5. Daily AQI data is available on the CPCB website for public access.
How many Air Quality Monitoring Stations are there in Delhi?
Delhi operates 40 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) and 10 National Air Monitoring Programs (NAMP). These are operated by various agencies. Operating agencies include the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). These stations are strategically located across different parts of the city to monitor air quality and provide real-time data on pollutant levels. It is important to note that these 40 monitoring stations are operated by a combination of agencies like CPCB, DPCC and IMD. The CPCB comes under the Central government, DPCC comes under the State government and IMD comes under the Central government. In Delhi, CPCB manages the functioning of seven Manual Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations.
What is the current state of air pollution in Delhi?
As of today, Delhi remains one of the most polluted cities in the world (third most polluted city in the world in 2023). The Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently registers in the “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” categories, especially during the winter months. Factors contributing to this situation include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and seasonal stubble burning in neighbouring states.
What measures has the Delhi government taken to combat air pollution?
The Delhi government has implemented several initiatives to address air pollution. Some of these are:
- Odd-Even Scheme: A policy that restricts private vehicle usage based on licence plate numbers to reduce traffic emissions.
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of emergency measures triggered by the severity of pollution levels, such as banning construction activities and regulating traffic.
- Promotion of Public Transport: Enhancing the capacity and reach of the public transport system. This includes metro expansion (the DMRC is managed by a 50-50 partnership of the State and Central government) and the introduction of electric buses.
- Bharat Stage-6: Leap from Bharat Stage-4 to Bharat Stage-6.
- LPG: Increased use of LPG in public transport.
- Anti-Smog Guns: Deployment of water cannons to reduce dust particles in the air.
- Ban on Firecrackers: Prohibiting the sale and use of firecrackers during festive seasons to reduce episodic spikes in air pollution. But the ground reality remains otherwise, and people still choose to burst firecrackers.
- Green War Room: An operational control centre to monitor air quality and coordinate anti-pollution measures in real time.
How effective were these pollution control measures?
Effective air quality management in metro cities requires ー air quality monitoring, identification of pollution sources, formulating policies, and robust implementation. In Delhi, monitoring and source identification are adequate, and policy formulation has been partially implemented. These measures have shown mixed results as follows:
- Odd-Even Scheme: It temporarily reduces vehicular emissions, but its long-term impact is limited due to exemptions and enforcement challenges.
- GRAP: This has shown some success in managing acute pollution episodes but is reactive rather than preventive.
- Public Transport Promotion: The expansion of the metro and introduction of electric buses are positive steps, yet the overall public transport infrastructure still struggles to meet the growing demand.
- Anti-Smog Guns: Their effectiveness is limited to localised areas and does not significantly impact overall air quality.
- Ban on Firecrackers: This has helped reduce pollution during festivals but compliance and enforcement remain issues.
- Green War Room: Effective in monitoring but its interventions have yet to show a significant, sustained reduction in pollution levels.
Why is Delhi so polluted?
There are a combination of factors including heavy vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and seasonal stubble burning in neighboring states. Additionally, adverse weather conditions (due to the landlocked geography of Delhi), such as low wind speeds and temperature inversions, exacerbate the situation by trapping pollutants close to the ground. Thus, leading to poor air quality. Several factors contribute to the persistent air pollution in Delhi:
- Interstate Factors: Agricultural stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly impacts Delhi’s air quality, especially during winter.
- Urbanisation and Construction: Ongoing construction projects contribute to dust and particulate matter.
- Vehicular Emissions: Despite measures, the sheer volume of vehicles in Delhi continues to be a major source of pollution.
- Industrial Emission: Industrial activities in and around Delhi add to the pollution burden.
- Policy Implementation Gaps: While policies exist, effective and consistent enforcement is often lacking.
Is there a positive trend in air quality improvement?
Since its establishment in 2021, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has implemented various policy measures and field actions to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. In 2023, concerted efforts from stakeholders contributed to an improvement in air quality parameters compared to previous years, excluding the low pollution levels observed in 2020 due to lockdowns. Notably, 2023 saw four months (March, April, June and July) with the best daily average Air Quality Index (AQI). Plus, 2023 also saw three months (January, February and May) with the second-best AQI since 2018. The average daily AQI for Delhi in 2023 was the best recorded since 2018, except for 2020.
PM10 concentrations were the lowest ever recorded, and PM2.5 concentrations were the second lowest, excluding 2020. The number of days with “Good to Moderate” AQI increased significantly in 2023. The “Good to Moderate” AQI days improved from 163 days in 2022 to 206 days in 2023. And, only 15 days were categorised as “Severe to Severe+,” the second-lowest figure from 2018 to 2023. Moreover, episodic events like farm burnings and firecrackers decreased, but the adverse climatic conditions, particularly during winter, hindered pollutant dispersion. This was responsible for the AQI spikes. Despite challenges, overall daily average AQI in 2023 was the best recorded (except for 2020). We need continuous efforts and precise policies to further improve the air quality of Delhi gradually in the coming years.
What can be done to curb air pollution?
Air pollution can be curbed by enforcing stricter emission regulations, increasing green spaces, promoting public transportation, and supporting the adoption of electric vehicles. Some of the ways are:
- Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Greater collaboration with neighbouring states to address stubble burning and industrial emissions.
- Enhancing Public Awareness: Educating citizens on the impact of air pollution and encouraging environmentally friendly practices.
- Innovative Technologies: Investing in and deploying advanced air purification and pollution control technologies.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: Incorporating green spaces and eco-friendly infrastructure in urban development plans.
What are the health consequences of air pollution?
Air pollution, the leading environmental threat to public health, causes an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually. Closely linked to climate change, major pollutants impact the climate and often share sources with greenhouse gases. Air pollution can have a range of adverse health impacts, including:
- Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and reduced lung function.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. Fine particulate matter can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, leading to cardiovascular complications.
- Increased Mortality: Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may lead to premature death from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as other health conditions.
- Cancer Risk: Certain air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are cancer causing agents. They can increase the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer.
- Neurological Effects: Some studies suggest that air pollution exposure may be responsible for cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders. But we need further research to establish causality.
- Reproductive Health Impacts: Air pollution can affect reproductive health, including fertility issues, pregnancy complications, and adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm birth.
- Impacts on Children: Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution due to their developing respiratory and immune systems. Exposure to pollutants can lead to childhood asthma, impaired lung function, and cognitive deficits.
- Worsening of Existing Conditions: Air pollution can worsen symptoms in individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, such as asthma or heart disease. This can lead to increased hospitalisations and healthcare costs.
The way ahead
Advancements have been achieved in transportation and industry, but several sectors need further attention. Improper waste segregation and lack of awareness is still responsible for waste burning. We must note, the construction industry is a major contributor of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions, alongside household cooking, waste burning, and eateries. The lack of widespread adoption of clean construction practices necessitates bans during poor air quality periods. But, it negatively affects the livelihoods of construction workers.
To achieve a significant and sustained improvement in air quality, a more comprehensive and coordinated approach involving stringent enforcement and public participation is essential. We would say efforts exist, but still, there is a long way to go to ensure Delhi’s air is clean and safe for its residents.
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