Decoding air pollution concerns in Delhi-NCR, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Vehicular emissions are the primary source of air pollution in Delhi-NCR, specifically PM2.5 and toxic gases.
• The 'polluter pays principle' (PPP), established in Indian law in 1996, aims to make polluters liable for environmental damage.
• The European Court of Justice's Standley case introduced the concept of proportionality to the PPP.
• The Convention on Long-Range Trans-boundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) recognizes that air pollution is not just local.
• Indian courts have focused on compensation and environmental restoration, shifting towards a government-pays principle.

Detailed Insights:

• While stubble burning is often blamed, vehicular emissions are a major source of pollution in Delhi, releasing harmful substances.
• The PPP faces challenges in cases with multiple pollution sources and transboundary issues, requiring cooperation between entities.
• The Standley judgment suggests that farmers cannot be solely liable for air pollution when other sources contribute.
• CLRTAP and the ASEAN Agreement highlight the long-range impact of air pollution, necessitating international cooperation.
• Indian environmental laws have created authorities with powers to protect the environment, but they face administrative challenges.
• The Indian judiciary emphasizes welfarism, often requiring the government to bear the costs of monitoring air pollution.
• Environmental duties of individuals are often overlooked in India, with more focus on rights than responsibilities.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Polluter Pays Principle (PPP): The principle that those who cause pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.
• Trans-boundary Pollution: Pollution that originates in one country but affects another due to the movement of pollutants across borders.
• PM2.5: Fine inhalable particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can cause serious health problems.