A week when Delhi’s air turned lethal

Delhi's battle with air pollution is an annual saga, reaching critical levels particularly during the winter months. The recent implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV, triggered on December 13 when the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to 441, underscores the severity and persistence of this environmental crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR). This move signifies a 'Severe+' category of pollution, mandating the strictest emergency measures.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Air pollution in Delhi is a complex, multi-faceted problem. Geographically, Delhi is a landlocked basin, making it susceptible to the trapping of pollutants, especially during winter when cold, heavy air descends and inversion layers prevent the dispersal of smoke and particulate matter. The specific incident saw the AQI, a measure of air quality based on eight pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Ozone, Ammonia, and Lead), breach the 400-mark, categorizing the air as 'severe'. An AQI between 401 and 500 is deemed 'Severe', posing a serious risk of respiratory illnesses even for healthy individuals. This triggered GRAP IV, which includes measures like banning entry of non-essential trucks, prohibiting construction and demolition activities, and restricting the plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles.

Key contributors to Delhi's air pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, dust from construction and roads, biomass burning (especially stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana during October-November), and meteorological factors. The problem intensifies post-Diwali due to firecracker emissions and the onset of winter.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Combating Delhi's air pollution involves a multitude of stakeholders. The **Central Government**, primarily through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and its statutory body, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), formulates policies and monitors air quality. The **Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)**, established by an Act of Parliament in 2021, is the apex body responsible for coordinating efforts across states and implementing GRAP. **State Governments** of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan play a crucial role in implementing policies, especially regarding stubble burning and industrial emissions within their jurisdictions. The **Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT)** have historically intervened, issuing directives and holding authorities accountable. **Local Municipal Corporations** are responsible for waste management, road dust control, and ensuring compliance at the ground level. Finally, **citizens and civil society organizations** are vital for awareness, advocacy, and adopting cleaner practices.

**Why This Matters for India:**

Delhi's air pollution crisis is not merely a local issue but a significant concern for India due to its profound implications across various sectors. **Health Impact** is paramount; prolonged exposure to 'severe' air quality leads to increased incidence of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even premature deaths, straining public healthcare systems. The **Economic Impact** is substantial, affecting tourism, productivity (due to sick days), and attracting investments. It also imposes significant healthcare costs. Socially, it impacts the **Quality of Life** of millions, especially children and the elderly, and raises questions about environmental justice. Politically, it represents a significant **Governance Challenge**, highlighting the difficulties in inter-state coordination and the effective implementation of environmental policies. It also affects India's international image as a rapidly developing nation.

**Historical Context and Future Implications:**

Efforts to combat air pollution in Delhi date back decades, with measures like the introduction of CNG in public transport in the early 2000s, the odd-even scheme, and the adoption of Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms. GRAP itself was notified by the MoEFCC in 2017 following Supreme Court orders. Despite these, the persistent recurrence of 'severe' air days indicates that current measures are either insufficient or inadequately enforced. The formation of CAQM in 2021 was a significant step towards a more unified and legally empowered approach.

Looking ahead, future implications demand a multi-pronged strategy. This includes accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources and electric vehicles, promoting public transportation, adopting sustainable agricultural practices to eliminate stubble burning, stringent enforcement of construction dust control norms, and investing in advanced air purification technologies. There is a critical need for sustained public awareness campaigns and fostering behavioral change. The success of these interventions will determine Delhi's liveability and set a precedent for other polluted Indian cities.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

* **Article 21 (Right to Life):** The Supreme Court has interpreted the right to life to include the right to a clean and healthy environment, making air pollution a violation of fundamental rights.

* **Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy):** Directs the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' This places an obligation on the state to tackle environmental degradation.

* **Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duties):** Enjoins every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.'

* **The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:** A comprehensive legislation empowering the Central Government to take all necessary measures for protecting and improving environmental quality. GRAP is implemented under this Act.

* **The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981:** Specifically deals with the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.

* **Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021:** This Act established CAQM as a statutory body to coordinate and implement measures for air quality improvement in the NCR.

* **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):** Launched in 2019, it aims to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024 (with 2017 as the base year) in 131 non-attainment cities across India.