The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) released a report on Thursday, October 10, listing the driving factors behind the air pollution in the national capital during the winter months. It said the vehicles, biomass burning, road dust, industrial emissions, and the construction dust, continue to pollute Delhi's air quality. It also noted that the national capital witnessed fluctuations in its air quality from 2016 to 2024.
As of September 19, there were a total of 96 days when the city's air quality was classified as poor, very poor, or severe.
On the contrary, there were 159 such days in 2023, 202 in 2022, 168 in 2021, 139 in 2020, 183 in 2019, 206 in 2018, 211 in 2017, and 243 in 2016, highlighting the fluctuations in air quality over the past years.
The DPCC’s latest report highlighted the recent Source Apportionment Study of NCT of Delhi, which shows that comprehensive research has identified vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activities, and biomass burning as major contributors to air pollution in Delhi.
To tackle these issues, the Delhi government has introduced strict measures for dust management, which gets generated during construction and demolition activities. It has also introduced robust controls on vehicular emissions.
Furthermore, the report emphasises the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), for which the authorities have been installing thousands of EV charging stations across Delhi to facilitate an easier shift towards cleaner transportation.
Another notable aspect of the government's initiative is the installation of 498 anti-smog guns at large construction sites, which are deployed proportionately based on the size of the sites.
According to the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) Policy, construction sites of up to 5,000-10,000 square meters will see one anti-smog gun, while sites exceeding 20,000 square meters will have four guns installed.
The report also states key initiatives in the strategy including enhanced monitoring of air quality at 40 locations across Delhi and tracking eight other critical ambient air quality parameters. This data facilitates understanding of pollution trends and implementation of targeted interventions, the report read.
Meanwhile, the report also underscores that the inspections of garbage burning sites have increased in a bid to fight against biomass burning. Around 74,832 inspections were conducted between October 2023 and September 2024. Fines totalling Rs 6.85 lakhs were collected after 1,321 incidents of open burning were addressed, the report reads.
Additionally, 12 road-owning agencies, including DDA, NDMC, and MCD have established dust control and management cells to ensure effective monitoring and compliance. Some other measures include deployment of Road Sweeping (MRS) machines in August 2024 and the operation of 229 Water Sprinkling Machines (WRS) to suppress road dust.
Authorities are also working to figure out ways to scientifically dispose the141.83 metric tons of road dust, generated on an average daily, at designated sites, including Okhla and Ghazipur.
The report also highlights the installation of anti-smog guns on high-rise buildings. So far 48 guns have been installed at government buildings and 50 at private structures. The government authorities concerned have been asked to identify more such high-rise buildings for installation of anti-smog guns.