Paper: GS – II, Subject: Governance, Topic: Government policies, Issue: Delhi Air pollution.
Context:
Delhi’s winter pollution crisis is not a temporary seasonal spike but a deep-rooted public health emergency shaped by geography, weather conditions, and longstanding policy failure.
Key Highlights:
The Recurring Crisis:
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) often reaches “severe” levels, exceeding 400
Devastating Consequences: The health impacts of Delhi’s air pollution are dire:
- Reduced Life Expectancy: Long-term exposure can reduce life expectancy by up to 10 years.
- Respiratory Diseases: Sharp increases in asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and lung infections.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
- Neurological and Autoimmune Issues: Links to cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Relocation: People are moving away from Delhi to protect their health, even at the expense of their careers.
Air pollution has significant economic costs:
- GDP Loss: Estimated at 1.36% of India’s GDP annually (approximately $36.8 billion).
- Healthcare Expenses: Increased costs due to pollution-related illnesses.
- Lost Productivity: Reduced economic output due to health issues and premature deaths.
- Tourism and Investment: Deters international tourists and investors.
- Ineffective Solutions: Resources are diverted to emergency responses instead of long-term solutions.
Global Measures to Emulate: Cities that have successfully tackled similar pollution problems offer valuable lessons:
- London: Implemented an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), charging polluting vehicles and incentivizing electric mobility.
- Los Angeles: Enforced strict vehicle emission standards, promoted clean fuel technologies, and coordinated efforts across counties.
- Beijing: Relocated polluting industries, banned coal in urban areas, and deployed real-time air monitoring, resulting in a 35% drop in PM2.5 levels over five years.
Proposed Solutions for Delhi Air Pollution:
Delhi’s air pollution crisis requires urgent, coordinated, and courageous action. By adopting a sustained, science-led strategy and engaging citizens, Delhi can rewrite its narrative and breathe cleaner air again.
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