TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CONTEXT:
Delhi’s Winter Action Plan is a strategic initiative launched to combat the rise in pollution levels, particularly during the winter months when air quality deteriorates significantly due to factors like stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.
EXPLANATION:
ABOUT THE DRONE MONITORING: ‘Drone Surveillance’ refers to the use of drones equipped with sensing and communicating technologies for activities such as traffic management, law enforcement, and nature conservation, which may raise concerns about privacy due to mass data collection and potential infringement of privacy rights.
- To monitor and identify pollution hotspots, especially during the winter season.
- Drones equipped with advanced sensors will be used to track emissions, detect illegal burning of waste or industrial pollutants, and identify areas where immediate action is needed.
- Real-time data collected by drones will enable faster decision-making and targeted interventions to control sources of pollution.
Special Task Force Role:
- A dedicated task force will include officials from multiple departments such as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), municipal bodies, and the Transport Department.
- The task force will coordinate enforcement actions, such as closing down polluting units, issuing fines, and ensuring compliance with air quality standards. It will also oversee the implementation of various anti-pollution measures, including the ban on firecrackers and vehicular emission control.
- Accountability: The task force will be responsible for ensuring that the action plan is executed efficiently, and they will be empowered to take stringent actions against violators.
Key Elements of the Winter Action Plan:
- Control of stubble burning: Measures to prevent crop residue burning in surrounding states, including incentives for farmers to adopt alternatives.
- Vehicular pollution control: Promotion of public transport, electric vehicles, and restrictions on high-emission vehicles.
- Dust control measures: Strict regulations on construction activities and enforcement of dust control measures like water sprinkling and green covers.
- Public awareness campaigns: Spreading awareness about the hazards of air pollution and encouraging citizen participation in reducing pollution levels.
Significance:
- Environmental Governance: The integration of drones and a special task force shows the use of technology and institutional coordination in tackling environmental issues.
- Urban Pollution: It highlights the challenges faced by metropolitan cities like Delhi in managing pollution and the necessity for proactive measures.
- Government Initiatives: Understanding the role of government in designing action plans to address critical issues like air pollution can be relevant to topics under governance, public administration, and sustainable development.
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