Citizens and Activists Push for Overhaul of Delhi-NCR Air Quality Management
In a significant move to combat the severe air pollution crisis, residents and activists across Delhi-NCR have submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). These proposals aim to address systemic flaws and enhance transparency in pollution control efforts.
Key Recommendations for Air Quality Reform
The suggestions include several critical measures designed to improve monitoring and governance. Among the most notable proposals are:
- Removing the artificial capping of the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 500 to reflect true pollution levels accurately.
- Introducing health-based pollution alerts that provide actionable information for vulnerable populations.
- Monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOC) levels, which are often overlooked in current assessments.
- Mandating public, real-time disclosure of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) and Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) data for all waste-to-energy plants, thermal power plants, and major industries.
- Replacing the ineffective Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate regime with sensor-based, real-world vehicle emissions monitoring to ensure accurate tracking of vehicular pollution.
These recommendations were submitted in response to CAQM's public call for suggestions following the release of its report, 'Identification of the Causes for Worsening AQI in Delhi-NCR.' The report highlighted plans for a new emission inventory and source apportionment study, with 2026 set as the base year for data collection.
Voices from the Ground: Demands for Health-Centered Action
B S Vohra, president of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front and Delhi RWAs Pollution Control Committee, emphasized the urgent need to declare air pollution a medical health emergency. In his letter to CAQM, he argued that the crisis transcends environmental and administrative boundaries, representing a humanitarian emergency.
Vohra proposed several practical measures, including:
- Implementing free public transport during severe pollution episodes to reduce vehicular emissions.
- Creating pedestrian streets and vehicle-free zones to promote cleaner urban spaces.
- Restricting through-traffic while ensuring access for residents and emergency services.
- Managing encroachments on roads and footpaths, which exacerbate traffic congestion and pollution.
He also criticized the current practice of capping AQI at 500, noting that extreme pollutant readings for PM2.5 and PM10 are often dismissed as outliers despite scientific evidence from meteorological conditions like temperature inversion, low wind speed, and high humidity supporting such spikes.
Parent-Led Initiatives and Accountability Demands
Warrior Moms, a network of over 900 parents and caregivers from Delhi-NCR, highlighted gaps in execution and transparency in their submission to CAQM. They called for air pollution to be formally recognized as a year-round public health emergency, with binding annual exposure reduction targets instead of seasonal, winter-only measures.
The group recommended:
- Mandating time-bound repairs of potholes and damaged roads, with penalties for agencies and contractors that allow dust-generating surfaces to persist.
- Ensuring transparent, time-bound utilization of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) funds, including public dashboards for allocations, expenditure, and outcomes, along with penalties for chronic under-utilization.
Expert Input and Priority Areas
Amit Gupta, an RTI activist, stressed the importance of prioritizing PM2.5 pollution. His suggestions included:
- Mandatory installation of flue-gas desulphurisation in thermal power plants, extending to category C plants.
- Time-bound action on pollution-related complaints and legal action against officers who neglect such issues.
- Enhancing public transport infrastructure across Delhi-NCR to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
CAQM's Response and Future Steps
A CAQM official confirmed that all suggestions will be reviewed, with practical recommendations slated for implementation. This collaborative approach aims to bridge the gap between public concerns and policy actions, fostering a more accountable and effective air quality management framework for the region.
The collective push from citizens underscores the growing demand for robust, health-centered strategies to tackle Delhi-NCR's persistent air pollution challenges, moving beyond temporary fixes toward sustainable solutions.
