Before the arrival of winter, a predictable sequence of events unfolds in the National Capital Region. The monsoon has passed, the air has dried out, and the wind has died down. Construction, industry, and road transport pollution, which has been concealed throughout the year, become more visible.
However, the time period coincides with a unique practice in northern India, in which farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and eastern Uttar Pradesh set fire to their rice straw fields in order to create room for wheat.
Because of its apparent link to Delhi's hazardous air quality, this long-standing practice is now under fire. Long-distance wind movement delivers the stubble smoke into Delhi.
Immediate cause
Deepavali and the cracking of crackers are the third elements of the season. More social gatherings, such as weddings or associated celebrations, mark the season, and crackers are in high demand once again.
While crackers are officially prohibited, with the exception of so-called 'green crackers,' which are not widely accessible, the added smoke from all of them contributes to the terrible air, pushing air quality meters into the very poor and severe categories.
This results in a public outcry, concerns from India's Supreme Court, and a hasty response from the government, which pushes for restrictions on free movement and construction. The weather always improves, and all is forgiven.
Steps taken by the government
Construction work has been banned in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), and trucks have been restricted from entering the city, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Construction and demolition activities were also prohibited by the Delhi government until November 17, which was then extended till November 21. The mandate directing all government offices to work from home will stay in effect until November 21.
The Delhi government also ordered the closure of educational institutions until November 21, which will now be extended until further notice.
Will a complete lockdown be beneficial?
The Chamber of Trade and Industry stated on Tuesday that such measures will damage the business of lakhs of people after the Delhi government told the Supreme Court that it is ready to impose a full lockdown in the national capital to combat air pollution.
The CTI went on to say that the lockout isn't the best way to deal with pollution. The CTI said in a statement that the Delhi business community does not favor a lockdown during the wedding season.
Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), told news agency PTI that traders are concerned about the impending lockdown owing to air pollution.
He also stated that environmental specialists do not feel it will be beneficial. "The lockdown is not a solution to the environmental problem, and it will not only harm the economy but also impair people's jobs during this wedding season," the CTI stated in a statement.
The CTI also stated that the wedding season has begun, and banquet halls, hotels, farmhouses, and tent houses, which employ thousands of people, will be impacted if a lockdown is implemented due to air pollution at this time.
Why is the problem continuing?
In the capital, there are numerous policies in place to combat pollution. However, the majority of the policies are either poorly enforced or never enacted. Surveillance is essentially non-existent.
As a result, breaches go unnoticed. Small infractions that contribute to the spread of pollutants, such as garbage burning, leaf burning, dust control, and so on, can be seen all throughout the capital and its environs.
Dust pollution is one of the key issues that cause Delhi to choke each year. Despite the government's assertions that it is stringent on dust-control measures, tiny streets are nevertheless dusty, and mechanical sweeping is limited to major thoroughfares.
Even sewage is dumped on the streets, where it mixes with loose particles to form sludge. This muck is never removed from the tiny streets and alleyways of the neighborhood. Similarly, building waste and the dust produced by it are important issues, and the government must have a strategy to address them.
Several agencies in Delhi and its environs are attempting to reduce pollution. However, due to a large number of entities involved and a lack of coordination, a response is delayed. To improve the results, the pollution response mechanism should be swift and immediate.
Written By - Himanshi Nebhnani
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