Delhi's air quality crisis is back, and with it, the perennial blame game among various state governments. Recently the capital recorded dangerously high pollution levels, triggering urgent measures and pointed accusations among neighboring states. The narrative feels all too familiar: as winter sets in, stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollution combine to create thick clouds of smog, with the residents bearing the brunt of it.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 327 on October 22, placing it firmly within the "very poor" category. This was no surprise, as many meteorological factors contribute to the city's worsening air quality around this time. The air quality dipped to 330 later in the evening, intensifying concerns for health and safety.
To combat this crisis, the Delhi government announced the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage II, which is initiated when AQI levels breach 300. Environmental Minister Gopal Rai outlined measures being put in place, including increasing the deployment of sanitation workers, improving water sprinkling on roads to suppress dust, and intensive inspections at construction sites.
Rai particularly highlighted the pollution stemming from diesel buses arriving from neighboring states, urging Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to halt their entry. He stated, "Pollution levels are rising due to the diesel buses from neighboring states; we must work together to control pollution effectively."
Yet, this coordinated effort appears to be complicated by inter-state politics. Delhi's BJP chief, Virendra Sachdeva, refuted Rai's claims, arguing, "Delhi's pollution is primarily driven by wind patterns carrying emissions from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Placing blame on Haryana and Uttar Pradesh is politically motivated." This assertion has reignited debates on what exactly contributes to Delhi's infamous air quality crises.
So, what's actually going on? Two cities from Haryana have topped the charts as some of the most polluted places recently, along with Delhi. The air pollution crisis is not limited to the national capital, but is prevalent throughout the north of India. Disturbingly, smaller cities such as Begusarai and Hanumangarh have seen comparable levels of pollution, fostering fears among experts of worsening health outcomes for residents across the region.
Adding fuel to the fire, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, asserting inadequate strategies have led to continuing environmental deterioration. "The significant rise of pollution over the past eleven years highlights gross negligence and corruption, rather than effective governance," Yadav proclaimed, emphasizing the need for actionable solutions over mere political narratives.
Despite the criticism, Rai expressed optimism about the measures being implemented. The intensified water sprinkling and deployment of 6200 additional sanitation workers aim to visibly tackle road dust pollution, addressing one of the key contributors to the air quality woes. He indicated preparations for the looming winter months, with forecasts estimating rising stubble burning incidents around deepening cold fronts.
Punjab’s role cannot be overlooked, particularly with stubble burning practices affecting the national capital’s air quality every winter. While Delhi's government focuses on cleaner public transport options, Punjab’s lack of action on stubble burning remains stark. Only eight out of 78 sanctioned farm waste processing plants are operational, leading to residual burning practices among farmers trying to clear fields for upcoming seasons.
Experts suggest this burning emits considerable particulate matter, exacerbated by low wind speeds seen often during the winter months. This calls for identifying long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes like the odd-even vehicle scheme or congestion taxes. Environmental scientists assert the focus should be on effectively processing farm waste and using it productively. A coordinated effort among state governments is pivotal.
Even with policy recommendations from the central government, Punjab's state government needs to take assertive actions to set up more stubble management systems. Punjab's AAP government faces scrutiny as it refrains from accepting accountability for its agricultural issues and instead directs blame to states with rival political affiliations.
The Supreme Court has taken note of these developments, imposing stricter measures and urging states to report progress on farm waste processing units regularly. A long-term resolution is necessary – one focusing on viable practices instead of just passing the responsibility back and forth among state governments.
The entire country watches as the blame game continues. Without genuine collaboration across government lines, the persistent air pollution affecting Delhi's residents will only worsen. Effective policies must rise above politics, targeting root causes rather than excuses to maintain public health and environmental integrity. With the festival season approaching, Renewables and electric transport must become priorities rather than deterred side notes. Only through collective action will Delhi, and its neighbors, breathe easier this winter.
