From GRAP to green dreams: How Delhi plans to chart a path to year-round clean air

A thick layer of smog engulfs the India Gate, in New Delhi on 13 November, 2023. PTI

Every autumn for the last many years has graced Delhi with cooler breezes and a festive atmosphere, yet the city’s skies tell a different story. Thick, toxic smog engulfs historical landmarks and bustling streets, obscuring even the iconic India Gate, symbolising national pride. This extreme environmental disparity creates the conditions for Delhi’s ongoing struggle to maintain clean air in the face of urbanisation and cultural diversity.

A yearly cloud of air pollution hangs over Delhi. This bustling city, rich in historical and cultural history, unfortunately, holds the distinction of being one of the most polluted cities worldwide. This has prompted a series of measures to combat this pressing issue, with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) being one such intervention. While GRAP springs into action during the pollution peak from October to February, there is an urgent need to adopt a proactive, year-round approach to reshape the narrative of air quality management.

Delhi’s pollution complexities: Delhi’s geographical positioning, meteorological conditions, vehicular emissions, industrial and construction activities, crop residue burning in the neighbouring states and other factors contribute to its persistent air pollution issue. This not only tarnishes the city’s image but wreaks havoc on the health of its citizens.

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Health impacts and economic burden: The health consequences of air pollution in Delhi are severe, primarily attributed to PM2.5, delicate particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 microns or smaller. PM2.5 is notorious for causing premature mortality and a spectrum of diseases, including cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, premature births, congenital disabilities and cognitive impairments. The data paints a grim picture: for every 25 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, there is a corresponding 0.8 per cent rise in daily non-accidental mortality. This underscores the potential to prevent thousands of deaths each year, particularly among men and older individuals.

Furthermore, the toxic particles and gases in Delhi’s air can infiltrate the respiratory system and other organs. This exposure significantly contributes to various health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer and mental health problems. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can also lead to the development of chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, significantly diminishing individuals’ quality of life.

Besides the tragic loss of life and suffering, the economic burden of air pollution is colossal. The costs associated with healthcare and loss of labour productivity are substantial, hindering the city’s economic growth.

Government initiatives and community action: While the GRAP provides relief during severe pollution episodes through progressively stricter actions as air quality deteriorates, its reactive nature underscores the urgent need for a more proactive, holistic and year-round approach to tackling air pollution. In response to the menacing pollution levels, the Delhi government has introduced a comprehensive 10-point action plan. This plan encompasses a wide range of measures, including the establishment of a Green War Room for real-time monitoring of anti-pollution measures, regular inspections of industrial sites to curb unauthorised fuel usage and the launch of a Green Delhi app to address pollution-related complaints from residents. Furthermore, the plan includes initiatives such as using bio-decomposers to combat stubble burning and a complete ban on firecrackers during the festive season.

Global insights and future projections: The fight against air pollution is not solely a governmental affair. It demands active community and individual engagement. Promoting carpooling, investing in mass rapid transport systems and fostering public awareness are pivotal in this battle against pollution. Practical solutions can be identified by comparing Delhi’s situation with other international cities facing similar challenges. Cleaner air could be achieved by examining and modifying international best practices for managing air pollution in Delhi’s particular setting.

A path to year-round clean air: The GRAP was a step in the right direction, offering a framework for progressively stricter actions as the Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorates. However, GRAP’s reactive nature, triggered only during severe pollution episodes, primarily in winter, calls for re-evaluation. A robust year-long action plan is imperative to address the root causes of air pollution. Extending the principles of GRAP throughout the year, coupled with strict regulation enforcement, promotion of cleaner fuels and technologies, enhanced public transportation, and public awareness campaigns, can significantly alleviate Delhi’s air pollution crisis.

More than just seasonal reactive actions, a comprehensive, ongoing and multifaceted effort is required to achieve cleaner air in Delhi. Delhi can aim to reduce the adverse effects of air pollution on human health and move toward cleaner skies all year round by fostering environmental responsibility among its residents and strictly enforcing pollution control practices.

While it may take some time for Delhi to achieve cleaner air, the city can envision a future where clean air prevails, fostering a healthier populace and a more sustainable urban environment. This can be accomplished through a proactive year-round policy, a combined effort from all stakeholders and comprehensive awareness of the health impacts of air pollution.

The author is Advisor-Public Health Administration, National Health Systems Resource Centre, a premier think tank Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

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