Combating air pollution
The decision of the Centre to form a commission to monitor air quality specifically for the Delhi-NCR region is welcome in intent, though the onus will lie on the government to prove that it turns out to be different from other such efforts made in the past. So far, the matter was overseen by the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority that had taken decisions like converting public transport to the CNG mode of fuel and imposing a pollution charge on old polluting vehicles. This time around, a statutory body is being set up to regulate the process by coordinating between the Central Government and the states concerned.
While air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, especially during the winter months, has generally been attributed to the burning of crop stubble in Punjab, Haryana and UP, there are other reasons too that need to be looked into. Delhi itself witnesses a spike in air pollution due to construction activities, burning of garbage and other factors. With the paddy harvesting season almost over, the extent of damage they cause will have to be ascertained. Delhi had implemented the odd-even scheme and advocated the use of electric vehicles. With Diwali just weeks away, it is now beginning an anti-firecracker campaign and pitching for the use of green crackers. But with reports ranking Delhi among the most polluted states along with Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, concrete measures will be needed. Reconciling the aims of the commission with resumption of economic activities will remain a challenge.
The pandemic and the lockdown saw an improvement in air quality because of a decrease in emissions which points out how the environment is inextricably linked to human health. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, which have fared better in monitoring air quality, were also among the states/UTs where the lockdown was enforced strictly. With curbs on road transport, rail services and air travel still to resume fully, the situation will offer a test case for the commission to study the factors that contribute to air pollution in Delhi-NCR and take steps to improve the situation.
