In a collaborative meeting with the Central government, the Delhi administration has taken a proactive stance in its relentless battle against deteriorating air quality and air pollution within the National Capital Region (NCR). The meeting, under the leadership of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, saw Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai urging the Union Environment Ministry to impose a comprehensive ban on firecracker burning and the movement of diesel buses across the NCR. This appeal underscores the necessity of synchronized efforts among NCR states to counteract the annual surge in air pollution during the winter season, when Delhi frequently grapples with hazardous smog and poor air quality.
The pressing issue of air pollution in Delhi is not confined to the boundaries of the city. A substantial 69 percent of the pollution affecting the capital city originates from sources in neighboring NCR states. While the Delhi government has been actively implementing a range of measures to mitigate pollution during the winter months, it is abundantly clear that these efforts can only bear fruit if there is collaborative action taken by states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, addressing pollution sources that impact the NCR region collectively.
To this end, the Delhi government has proposed a series of comprehensive measures aimed at curbing pollution throughout the NCR region, which were discussed during the joint meeting. The key suggestions include an immediate and comprehensive ban on firecracker burning across the region, a step that is crucial to curbing the release of hazardous particulate matter and chemicals often associated with festivals. Moreover, a resolute ban on stubble burning is recommended to prevent the release of harmful pollutants stemming from agricultural practices, a significant source of winter pollution.
The proposal also emphasizes the promotion of cleaner transportation alternatives, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles, as a means to curtail vehicular emissions, one of the primary contributors to air pollution in the region. Simultaneously, there is a pressing need to accelerate the conversion of industrial units to cleaner energy sources like piped natural gas, which would significantly reduce emissions from these facilities. Furthermore, the introduction of zig-zag technology in brick kilns is suggested to mitigate pollution emanating from these sources.
To reduce reliance on diesel generators, it is recommended that electricity be made readily available to all housing societies in NCR states. Additionally, redirecting non-destined vehicles from the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways would help in easing traffic congestion and thereby reducing emissions.
The Delhi government has been actively engaged in raising public awareness regarding air pollution and its detrimental effects on health. Initiatives such as the “Run Against Pollution” event have encouraged the public to utilize public transport, switch off vehicle engines when waiting at traffic signals, and maintain clean surroundings.
The forthcoming relaunch of the ‘Red Light On Gaadi Off’ campaign to combat vehicular pollution and the ‘Patakhe Nahi Diye Jalao’ campaign to discourage firecracker burning demonstrates the government’s commitment to instigating positive change and fostering public participation in combating the critical issue of air pollution in the NCR.
In conclusion, air pollution in the National Capital Region remains a paramount concern, necessitating collective and cooperative efforts from all states within the region. The Delhi government’s comprehensive proposals, ranging from firecracker bans to cleaner transportation, cleaner energy sources, and public awareness campaigns, showcase a determined commitment to finding enduring solutions to the critical issue of air pollution that persistently plagues the NCR. These efforts underscore the collective resolve to improve air quality and mitigate the detrimental health effects of air pollution on the region’s residents.