Environment

Smog is back in Delhi with a vengeance

by Sanjay Jha | November 11, 2008 at 01:23 am

822 views | 18 Recommendations | 8 comments

Indian capital Delhi was one of the world’s 10 most polluted cities, with vehicles accounting for 70 per cent of polluting emissions. Situation in Delhi has improved drastically after city government introduced green fuel for all commercial vehicles and mandatory pollution checks, still Indian capital remains one of the world's hazies city. Delhi stands at 24th out of the 25th most polluted cities in the World. Large exodus to urban centres around state headquarters followed by enormous increase in number of vehicles is severely deteriorate their air quality.

Air traffic has been distrupted because of poor visibility caused by smog at Delhi Airport.The haze developed in the night gives way to smog in the early hours of the morning that throws flight schedules into disarray.

Smog is back. The gains of the city going big on CNG last year were lost as pollution levels were back to the pre-CNG days. This year, as vehicle population went through the roof with the number of registered vehicles touching 58 lakh, it's worse than the pre-CNG years when Delhi would be enveloped right through winters in a dreary haze.

For the past few days, the ominous signs have been visible. A haze has been hanging over the city, right through the day, making even the afternoon look like a bleary morning. This is taking a toll on people's health. Complaints of burning sensation in the eyes and nausea are rampant. Doctors said there's a 30% rise in asthma cases. If the smog did not lift, even those without a history of asthma may develop breathing problems, they warned.

Central Pollution Control Board officials said pollution levels have been steadily going up in Delhi for the past three years. As for the smog in the city, the Met office said the hike in pollution has coincided with unusual stillness in the atmosphere that is preventing suspended particulate matter from being blown away.

This rising pollution, and the resultant smog, might require yet another drastic intervention. Last time when Delhiites were threatened by such smog, the Supreme Court had stepped in to ram through compulsory switchover to zeropollution CNG for all commercial vehicles in the city.

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Ravi Dixit

at 01:40 on November 11th, 2008

Hi Sanjay,

This is really sad that Delhi has again began its slide into being polluted again. I think Delhi Government has to get its act together on Private Vehicles this time and not wait for Supreme Court to show the way forward. In a election year ahead any tuff measures looks difficult though.

Sunayana Katara (not verified)

at 10:10 on November 11th, 2008

I agree to that but don't you think delhi's much hyped 'status symbol' is adding to this. Everyone wants to have their own vehicle, they do not even believe in car pool..let alone using metros.It is indeed sad that we do not care about all these things which can improve our health to a great extent.It is better to work to keep the city clean & green rather than just bragging about it..

Amitjha

at 01:45 on November 11th, 2008

Thre is no doubt that pollution is on the rise, but the change in weather and related increse in fog making the situation worse.Gover cant do much , public needs to act for there own health.

Sanjay Jha

at 01:47 on November 11th, 2008

Ravi and Amit, Thanks very much for your comments. It is indeed sad that Delhi is again sliding into the pollution mess.

montherl

at 14:11 on November 11th, 2008

Along the Yamuna river in Delhi....and you miss the smell. Open air sewage.

montherl has contributed a photo to this story.

Jaipal Datta

at 18:52 on November 12th, 2008

With the increase in Air Pollution, sale of medicines for heart, Asthama, joint pains, eye irritation increases. I do not know where to live?

Jaipal Datta has contributed a photo to this story.

Vipin 1947 (not verified)

at 21:30 on November 18th, 2008

Delhi is a great place to stay if we can reduce the traffic somehow. The traffic generates congestion, air pollution and noise. I would recommend the following steps:

1. Increase Delhi Metro's frequency and support it with feeder buses whose timing is coordinated with train's timing.

2. Revive the Ring railway system which is under gross neglect at the moment. For example, a train every five minutes from Azadpur to Okhla would reduce the traffic on the ring road considerably and that is possible with little bit of will on part of the govt.

3. Increase the CNG stations tenfold and make the CNG conversion of private vehicles subsidised or perhaps free.

4. Introduce 'honking' meters in all the cars. This would mean that every car owner would be given say 'five minutes' of honking every month. Once someone consumes his five minutes then he would have to pay heavy fine to renew his honking right. Its my original idea... a brain wave and I am sure it is possible with the available technology. Is the CM listening?

5. Issue 'car pool' vouchers to the ones who are willing. Once you have a car pool sticker on your car , you would compulsarily have to travel with at least two persons during office hours on weekdays. In return, the carpool vehicles would be given priority parking in parking lots, petrol discounts and income tax concessions.

All the above measures if taken up by the Delhi Govt. honestly would change the face of Delhi. I think its the right time just before the commonwealth games. Let us present a beautiful, clean Delhi to the world.

Vipin