Delhi consistently records alarmingly high levels of air pollution, often breaking its own previous records. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air quality on a scale from 0 to 500, categorizing it from good to hazardous. Unfortunately, Delhi’s AQI frequently falls into the hazardous category, raising serious health concerns for its residents.
According to IQ Air, Delhi holds the unfortunate title of the most polluted city in the world. Other Indian cities like Kolkata and Mumbai also rank within the top ten globally.
Stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana is a significant contributor to Delhi's air pollution, accounting for approximately 38% of the city's pollution levels. This practice, which involves burning crop residue during the harvest season in October and November, leads to a drastic increase in the AQI levels in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The economic implications of stubble burning are staggering, with an estimated loss of ₹2.35 lakh crore annually in the affected states due to health impacts and environmental degradation.
Historically, the months of December and January were notorious for poor air quality due to cooling temperatures in the Indo-Gangetic region. However, recent trends indicate that November has become increasingly polluted, driven by agricultural practices and adverse climatic conditions.
The Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act of 2009 has affected harvesting schedules, delaying the paddy harvest to November. This month is characterized by lower wind speeds and higher moisture, which trap pollutants in the atmosphere, exacerbating air quality issues.
In response to the pollution crisis, the Delhi government, under Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has launched a comprehensive Winter Action Plan. This plan includes 15 specific measures aimed at addressing various sources of pollution.
One notable initiative is the Odd-Even Rationing Scheme, which restricts vehicle use based on registration numbers on alternate days following Diwali. Additionally, recommendations from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDC) suggest banning firecrackers, promoting the use of pollution masks, and regulating garbage burning to mitigate air quality degradation.
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a multifaceted issue, influenced by factors such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and seasonal climatic changes. The government's integrated approach aims to effectively tackle these challenges and improve the air quality for its residents.
Q1. What is the primary cause of Delhi's air pollution?
Answer: The primary cause of Delhi's air pollution is stubble burning in neighboring states, which accounts for about 38% of the pollution levels, especially during the harvest season.
Q2. Why is November a critical month for air quality in Delhi?
Answer: November experiences high pollution levels due to delayed harvesting practices and climatic conditions that trap pollutants, resulting in deteriorated air quality.
Q3. What measures has the Delhi government taken against pollution?
Answer: The Delhi government has implemented a Winter Action Plan that includes vehicle rationing, banning firecrackers, and promoting pollution control measures to combat air pollution.
Q4. How does stubble burning affect health and the economy?
Answer: Stubble burning contributes significantly to air pollution, leading to health issues among residents and an estimated annual economic loss of ₹2.35 lakh crore in affected states.
Q5. What role does the AQI play in assessing air quality?
Answer: The Air Quality Index (AQI) quantifies air quality on a scale of 0-500, helping to categorize pollution levels from good to hazardous, which informs public health advisories.
Question 1: What is the main contributor to air pollution in Delhi?
A) Vehicle emissions
B) Industrial waste
C) Stubble burning
D) Construction dust
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: During which month does stubble burning peak in Punjab and Haryana?
A) September
B) October
C) November
D) December
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What does the Odd-Even Rationing Scheme in Delhi aim to achieve?
A) Reduce traffic
B) Increase vehicle sales
C) Promote public transport
D) Ban all vehicles
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: How does the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act of 2009 affect harvesting?
A) It accelerates harvesting
B) It delays harvesting
C) It bans harvesting
D) It encourages early harvesting
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the economic impact of stubble burning in affected states?
A) No impact
B) Loss of ₹2.35 lakh crore
C) Increase in agricultural yield
D) Boost to local economy
Correct Answer: B
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