Answer

In the recent past, air quality in the capital deteriorated to "severe plus" levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 450, nearly 20 times higher than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The increasing levels of air pollution in the Delhi NCR has triggered alarm and apprehension among residents and authorities.

Reasons for the rise in Air Pollution 

• Stubble burning: This is a common practice among farmers in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. They burn crop residues to clear their fields for the upcoming season, but this releases a significant amount of smoke and particulate matter into the air.
• According to SAFAR, in 2021, stubble burning was responsible for 25% of Delhi's pollution

• Wind Direction: During Delhi's winter months, wind direction is a crucial factor influencing air pollution. Typically, post-monsoon, prevailing winds blow from the northwest, carrying dust and smoke to the city, especially during the burning of crop stubble in neighboring states like Haryana and Punjab. 
• A study by the National Physical Laboratory found that approximately 72% of Delhi's winter winds originate from the northwest. 
• Further, during winter, low rainfall and slow wind speeds trap pollutants in the air for extended durations, preventing their dispersion and dilution by fresh air.

• Construction Operations and Open Waste Incineration: Extensive construction activities in the Delhi-NCR region are exacerbating air pollution by generating substantial dust and particulate matter. 
• Additionally, the presence of landfill sites in Delhi, where waste is disposed of and occasionally burned, further contributes to the deterioration of air quality.

• Transportation and Industrial Pollution: Delhi, with its substantial population and a high concentration of vehicles, emits harmful gasses and particulate matter. Furthermore, industrial activities in the city and its vicinity significantly add to pollution. 
• As per study by IIT,Delhi emissions from vehicles alone account for approximately 25% of the city's PM2.5 levels.

Impact of Air Pollution

• Health Effects: It can lead to various respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart diseases.
•  Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are at higher risk.

• Environmental Impact: High levels of air pollution contribute to environmental degradation. It harms plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. Pollution also affects water bodies and contributes to acid rain, which can harm aquatic life and soil quality.

• Visibility and Traffic Safety: Poor air quality reduces visibility, which can lead to accidents and disrupt transportation systems. This poses risks to public safety and impacts the overall quality of life.

• Social Inequality: Vulnerable populations, such as the urban poor, are disproportionately affected by air pollution as they often live in areas with higher pollution levels. This exacerbates existing social inequalities in Delhi NCR.

• Decline in Tourism: Poor air quality discourages tourism and visitors. Tourist sites, like historical landmarks and natural attractions, are less appealing when air quality is compromised.

Way Forward 

• Promoting Electric Vehicles (EVs): Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles can significantly reduce air pollution. 
• Implementation of Fame II and PLI scheme for Electric Vehicles are good steps in this regard. 

• Implementing Stricter Emission Standards: Enforcing stringent emissions standards for vehicles, industrial processes, and power plants can significantly reduce pollution.
• The Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards for vehicles have been introduced, limiting the release of harmful pollutants from vehicles.

• Green Building Practices: Encouraging energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction practices can reduce pollution from construction and operation of buildings.
• Promoting green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) ratings for energy-efficient appliances.

• Air Quality Monitoring and Alerts: Real-time air quality monitoring with alerts to the public can help residents take precautions on days with poor air quality.
• Initiatives like the SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) provide daily air quality forecasts and health advisories in Delhi NCR.

• Urban Green Spaces: Increasing the number of parks and green spaces can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
•  Initiatives like Delhi's "City Forests" aim to create more green areas in the city.

Therefore, effective action against air pollution necessitates strong political commitment and an informed public. Without these, policies and initiatives will be ineffective. Additionally, fostering public awareness and transparency is critical for achieving success in the battle against air pollution. Access to clean air is a fundamental entitlement for every citizen of India. Consequently, safeguarding human health must be given utmost priority in the fight against air pollution.