For the fourth time in a row, national capital Delhi has earned the dubious distinction of being the most polluted capital in the world. At the same time, among the top 15 most polluted cities in the world, Delhi is at tenth place. According to the World Air Quality Report, 2021, pollution level in Delhi has increased by 15 per cent over previous year. It means that the good effects of the pandemic induced lockdown have been negated in no time. The report further indicates that efforts should be made at the right earnest to bring down the abnormally high pollution rate, as it reduces the average lifespan of the populace considerably. The task is difficult considering the causes which generously contribute towards polluting Delhi. Thus, all polluting sources should be plugged immediately without showing any leniency, in-order to allow the people of Delhi to breathe in fresh air again.
The various reasons behind such a horrific situation in the capital. Vehicular pollution, construction works in and around the city, unauthorised polluting units, dumping of garbage in open places are the main causes for pollution in Delhi. Among the causes, controlling vehicular pollution in Delhi seems to be impossible as it is inherent with the planning of the present day city. Till Independence, Delhi was not substantially big in terms of area, the famous Lodhi Garden, which is now located in the heart of the city, was especially created as a weekend destination of the British rulers. Post-Independence, the scenario changed completely as people from all over the country started to settle in Delhi for various reasons. As a result, the area of the national capital expanded manifold. People began setting up colonies in almost every empty space. As the expansion of the city did not take place in a planned manner, transportation was poor from the very beginning. To remedy the situation people started using personal vehicles, mainly operated by two-stroke engines, which proved to be a major contributing factor towards air pollution. The same practice is still continuing as the Delhites are habitually reluctant to use the public transport system.
This is why even after the introduction of Metro Rail services, odd-even schemes, etc., pollution level in Delhi is showing no signs of relenting. Previously, the city used to be covered by fog until late in the day during winter season. But now the city is covered by thick smog throughout the year due to vehicular emissions. The situation can be vastly improved in Delhi, if dependence on personal vehicles is reduced. It requires some out of the box thinking such as encouraging people to switch to clean energy, offering incentives to the people using public transport, etc. Further, the Delhi government should adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards the polluting units. It’s a reality that despite the ban on such industries in the city, many such units are still in operation in collusion with unscrupulous officials. Such a nexus should be destroyed to make our national capital clean, green and safe.