Based on the air quality data recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the CSE (Centre for Science and Environment) has stated that Delhi is under the challenging task of reducing the city’s pollution levels by 65 percent to make the Air Quality Standards.
The CPCB data has revealed that the three-year average of PM 2.5 levels during 201602018 was lower than that of 2011-2014 but around 25%. However, the CSE has cautioned that even after the constant reduction and stabilization, Delhi has been facing poor air quality standards throughout the year. New reports have stated that the baseline for PM 2.5 will only be achieved if a 65% reduction in Air Pollution can be made.
The CSE also stated that after the initiation of a comprehensive, planned clean air action plan there has been a graded response towards stabilization of the city’s air. There are definitely more clean air days than bad ones and there has been a make-shift in the patter of smog episodes in the last few years.
Tightening of industrial pollution norms and reshaping how industrial fuels, pet coke, and furnace oil and coal are handled have also helped in the stabilization at multi-sector state. The CSE listed the number of coal power plants that have been shut down and the actions that have been taken into consideration when brick kilns and other pollution hotspots are to be discussed. There’s also a pact that places undergoing construction must follow. The CSE is always closely looking into the matter so that nothing gets out of hand.
However, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director-research and advocacy, CSE has said that “While this level of action has helped in stabilizing the problem, much harder decisions and aggressive action at a scale is needed to achieve 65 percent cut in PM2.5 to meet the clean air targets.”
Around 122 cities in the country have implemented the clean air action plans under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), but Delhi really needs to take more strict measure if there is an aim at reducing PM10 and PM2.5 (air pollutants) levels by around 20-30 percent soon.
