Need to tackle all pollution sources, change approach, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Despite anti-pollution measures and reduced farm fires, Delhi-NCR's air quality repeatedly fell into 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' categories this winter.
• Public outcry over pollution reached new heights, with protests and petitions demanding a national public health emergency declaration.
• A World Bank assessment indicates that transport contributes significantly (10%-40%) to PM2.5 pollution, especially in cities like Delhi.
• Delhi needs to achieve a 60% reduction to meet the national clean air standard for PM2.5.

Detailed Insights:

• The current source apportionment study for Delhi is seven years old and needs updating to accurately reflect current pollution sources.
• Delhi-NCR residents face exposure to emissions from traffic, industry, waste burning, household fuels, and dust from roads and construction sites, creating a complex pollution mix.
• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims for a 40% reduction in PM10 levels by 2026, but assessments show Delhi has only achieved about a 12% reduction since the program's launch.
• Slow progress is attributed to ageing vehicle fleets, increased private vehicle use, and inadequate public transport, as highlighted in the World Bank assessment.
• A fundamental shift in approach is needed, focusing on fixing systems across all key sectors of pollution and setting specific targets for each sector to achieve measurable emission reductions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A measure of air quality based on concentrations of various pollutants.
• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, posing significant health risks.
• PM10: Inhalable particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less.
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country.