The battle against air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has seen significant strides and systematic initiatives through the Commission for Air Quality Management, established in 2021, and other related agencies. To counter the alarming levels of air pollution, a comprehensive policy framework was introduced in July 2022, outlining sector-specific action plans and precise targets, complete with timelines and implementation strategies, involving various agencies across the NCR States.
The Commission has proactively issued 78 directions and 11 advisories, coupled with executive orders to numerous concerned agencies in the NCR, including the State Governments of Punjab, GNCTD, and various Central and State Government bodies in the region. A pivotal strategy employed during adverse air quality conditions in winter is the ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ (GRAP), prompting urgent preventive measures based on Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
Furthermore, to ensure effective implementation and monitoring at the grassroots level, a statutory sub-Committee has been formed to oversee field-level actions outlined in the policy and statutory directives of the Commission.
Concurrently, the Government has launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, aiming to curtail air pollution levels across the country. With specific targets set under NCAP, including a 20%–30% reduction in particulate matter concentration by 2024, city-specific Clean Air Action Plans have been implemented in non-attainment cities, including six cities in Delhi-NCR. These plans encompass short, medium, and long-term strategies targeting air polluting sources, involving various responsible agencies.
Substantial funds, approximately ~Rs 9650 Cr, have been allocated to 131 identified cities under NCAP from FY 2019-20 till FY 2023-24, aiding in implementing measures to improve air quality. Notably, Rs 8357.51 Cr has been released to cities funded under the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC), with a significant portion already utilized for air quality enhancement.
Actions by the Central Government, as outlined, encompass a multi-pronged approach:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Engaging stakeholders in reducing PM concentration levels and implementing city-specific Clean Air Action Plans.
- Measures for Control of Vehicular Emissions: Adoption of BS-VI fuel standards, subsidizing e-vehicles, promoting Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG), and operationalization of expressways to divert non-destined traffic.
- Measures for Control of Industrial Emissions: Ban on pet coke and furnace oil, stringent emission norms, and shifting to cleaner fuels.
- Measures for Control of Emissions from Stubble Burning: Promoting agricultural mechanization, directing co-firing in thermal power plants, and strict implementation of frameworks to curb stubble burning.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been instrumental in implementing and monitoring numerous measures, including air quality monitoring networks, vehicular refueling emission controls, industrial emission regulations, and robust ground-level enforcement through inspections and regulatory actions.
Technical interventions, stringent monitoring, regular stakeholder consultations, regulatory actions, and other pivotal steps aimed at controlling emissions from various sources like road dust, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, stubble burning, and construction activities have all contributed to the ongoing efforts to combat air pollution.
In conclusion, these systematic and multi-faceted interventions, policies, and regulatory measures taken by the Central Government, CPCB, and allied agencies underscore a determined effort to combat the severe issue of air pollution in Delhi and the NCR, aiming for a cleaner and healthier environment for its citizens.