Pollution and Public Policy: Can Delhi’s Businesses and Government Collaborate?
New Delhi, India’s capital city, by now is infamous for its hazardous air pollution levels, especially during the winter months when the air quality often falls into the "severe" category. It has reach extents where someone like Shashi Tharoor now shares his concerns about whether the city should continue being the capital. The alarming pollution levels stem from vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, and seasonal stubble burning in neighbouring states. Despite numerous public policies aimed at reducing pollution, the results have been mixed, leaving room for improvement. Can Delhi’s businesses and the government work together to create a sustainable solution?
The news as it stands today
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) frequently surpasses safe limits, exposing residents to severe health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Businesses, too, face challenges such as reduced worker productivity and operational disruptions due to pollution-related public health emergencies. Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly in November 2024, frequently reaching the "severe" category, some areas even reaching the “hazardous” category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at 429, with stubble burning contributing up to 38% of pollution on some days. Other factors included vehicular emissions (15.4%) and industrial activity. PM2.5 and PM10 levels remained dangerously high, posing severe health risks.
Challenges Contributing to Pollution
- Vehicular Emissions: With over 11 million vehicles on Delhi’s roads, transportation remains a significant contributor to pollution.
- Stubble Burning: Seasonal agricultural practices in neighbouring states significantly worsen Delhi’s AQI during winter.
- Industrial Pollution: Factories in and around Delhi release harmful pollutants due to outdated machinery and inadequate emission controls.
While for the longest time, farmers have been blamed for the rising pollution due to stubble burning practices, studies now show that thermal factories release 16 times more pollutants into the air in the NCR region.
What is already being done?
Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme: The Delhi government’s odd-even vehicle rule aims to reduce vehicular emissions by allowing cars on the road based on licence plate numbers. However, its impact is limited due to exemptions and public resistance.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): GRAP introduces measures like banning construction activities and shutting down schools during severe pollution days. While effective temporarily, it doesn’t address the root causes of pollution.
Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs): The EV policy incentivizes businesses and individuals to adopt cleaner vehicles. This initiative shows promise but requires more robust infrastructure, like charging stations, to achieve widespread adoption.
Perhaps the path ahead
How Businesses Can Contribute
- Adopt Green Practices: Switch to renewable energy, implement waste management systems, and reduce emissions.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Fund tree plantation drives, urban green spaces, and air purifiers in public areas.
- Advocate for Clean Technology: Encourage industries to invest in eco-friendly innovations.
Government’s Role in Supporting Businesses
- Financial Incentives: Provide subsidies or tax breaks to businesses adopting green technologies.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborate with businesses to fund infrastructure projects, like EV charging networks.
- Stricter Enforcement: Ensure compliance with pollution norms by monitoring and penalising defaulters.
Conclusion: Working Together for Cleaner Air
For Delhi to breathe clean air, collaboration between businesses and the government is essential. Policies like GRAP and the EV push provide a framework, but their success depends on active participation from businesses. Through public-private partnerships and green innovations, Delhi can pave the way for sustainable urban living. Addressing pollution in Delhi requires collective action—only then can businesses and communities thrive in a healthier environment.
