Rising Air Pollution in Delhi The Potential Solutions

In this article, Suyash Gupta tries to find answer to the question that what Delhi can really do to moderate and reduce the rising air pollution levels!

While pollution has been a longstanding challenge for the whole country, the urban areas and the metro cities have particularly borne the brunt of this scourge. Indian cities have regularly featured among the world's most polluted cities in recent years. And among Indian cities, Delhi has often been the worst-performing one with and perpetual the dubious distinction of having been ranked the most polluted city in the world for the fourth consecutive year in 2022. Now, when we are still in the thick of winters, the atmospheric pollution in the capital city and the adjoining areas continues to be at unacceptably high levels from the standpoint of both environment and health. While temperatures drop, the average air quality index has remained in the 'severe' to' very poor' category for days now.

So, what can Delhi really do to moderate and reduce the rising pollution levels?

Recognize Pollution as a Multifaceted Challenge

First, the authorities must treat Delhi pollution not merely as an environmental concern but as a larger policymaking challenge, which is invariably also intertwined with a range of other issues such as rampant and unplanned urbanization, rising population, ever surging vehicular population, fossil fuel combustion, stubble burning in the neighbouring states, shoddy and unsystematic waste disposal and management and burning of firecrackers during Diwali and the extended festive season. Therefore, each of these sources of pollution as a challenge needs to be addressed so that Delhiites can breathe clean and healthy air.

Tackle Vehicular Pollution with a Dose of Policy Innovation