Context & The Gist
The article addresses the recurring issue of severe air pollution in Delhi, triggered by the latest smog episode. It argues that despite previous interventions like the shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the increasing number of private vehicles continues to be the primary driver of pollution, necessitating a renewed focus on sustainable transport solutions and behavioral changes.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Historical Context & Limited Success of Past Measures: The transition to CNG in the early 2000s initially improved air quality, but its gains were negated by the subsequent surge in private vehicle ownership. This highlights the limitations of single-pronged approaches.
- The Role of Urban Sprawl & Public Transport Deficiencies: The expanding city and increasing trip lengths haven't been matched by adequate public transport infrastructure. Lack of last-mile connectivity and insufficient bus fleets (falling short of the 1998 Supreme Court mandate of 10,000 buses) contribute to reliance on private vehicles.
- Congestion & Emissions: High traffic congestion exacerbates the problem, increasing emissions significantly (up to seven times).
- Need for Behavioral Change & Government Commitment: Effective pollution control requires a collaborative effort, with citizens responding to genuine commitment from the government through visible actions like improving public transport and addressing easier issues like dust pollution.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper II: Governance - Issues related to pollution control, implementation of policies, and role of the judiciary (Supreme Court’s interventions).
- GS Paper III: Environment - Air pollution, its causes, effects, and mitigation strategies; Conservation, environmental pollution and its remedies.
- GS Paper III: Economy - Infrastructure development (public transport) and its impact on economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Prelims Data Bank
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Introduced in Delhi for public transport in 2001 following Supreme Court directives.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019 with the aim of reducing PM2.5 pollution by 20-30% by 2024 in 122 cities.
- Air Quality Index (AQI): A tool used to report daily air quality, indicating how clean or polluted the air is.
Mains Critical Analysis
The Delhi pollution crisis presents a complex interplay of factors. A PESTLE analysis reveals:
- Political: Government policies regarding vehicle emissions, public transport investment, and enforcement of regulations.
- Economic: Cost of transitioning to electric vehicles, economic impact of congestion, and investment in public transport infrastructure.
- Social: Aspirational value of private vehicles, public awareness regarding pollution, and willingness to adopt sustainable transport options.
- Technological: Availability and affordability of electric vehicles, advancements in public transport technology, and emission control technologies.
- Legal: Supreme Court directives regarding pollution control and public transport.
- Environmental: Impact of vehicular emissions on air quality, public health, and the environment.
A key critical gap is the disconnect between policy intent and effective implementation. While there's recognition of the problem and stated commitments, the expansion of public transport hasn't kept pace with urban growth. The lack of last-mile connectivity and insufficient bus fleets remain significant challenges. Furthermore, relying solely on penalizing vehicle owners is unlikely to be effective without providing viable alternatives.
Value Addition
- Mashelkar Committee (2002): Recommended the introduction of CNG for public transport in Delhi.
- M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (1996): Landmark case in the Supreme Court leading to stricter emission norms and the CNG transition.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems: Successful implementation in cities like Curitiba (Brazil) demonstrates the potential of dedicated bus lanes and efficient bus networks.
- Quote: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – Mahatma Gandhi (Relevant to the health impacts of pollution).
The Way Forward
- Immediate Measure: Prioritize reducing dust pollution through stricter construction regulations and road cleaning. Enhance enforcement of existing emission standards.
- Long-term Reform: Significantly expand and improve public transport infrastructure, focusing on last-mile connectivity. Incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles through subsidies and charging infrastructure development. Implement congestion pricing and promote carpooling.