WINTER ACTION PLAN

TAG: GS-3 ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Delhi government has unveiled a comprehensive 21-point winter action plan aimed at addressing the severe air pollution typically seen in the city during the winter months. This plan includes innovative measures such as real-time drone surveys and the formation of a special task force.

EXPLANATION:

Reasons for Delhi Air Pollution

• Burning of crop stubble: Burning of crop stubble in surrounding Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan is the main reason for Delhi air pollution especially in the winter season.
• Stagnant Wind: As the winter season sets in, dust particles and pollutants in the air become unable to move.
  • Due to stagnant winds, these pollutants get locked in the air and affect weather conditions, resulting in smog.
• Overpopulation:  Another reason for Delhi air pollution is overpopulation in the capital. Over-population only adds up to the various types of pollution, whether it is air pollution or noise pollution.
• Poor Public Infrastructure:  Investing less on public infrastructure is another reason for air pollution.
  • In India, investment in public transport —and infrastructure is low which leads to congested roads, and hence air pollution.
•  Industrial pollution and garbage dumps are also increasing air pollution and building-up smog in the air.
• Fire-Crackers: Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers were a common sight this Diwali.

What are the key features of the 21-point winter action plan to Address Delhi Air Pollution:

• The Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) are responsible for various aspects of the plan.

• Drone surveillance will be used for the first time to monitor pollution in key areas, with a special task force to ensure implementation.
• The plan focuses on areas with the highest pollution levels to control emissions from vehicles and reducing dust pollution through various measures.
• Private organizations are encouraged to adopt work-from-home policies and stagger office timings to reduce traffic emissions.
• The odd-even vehicle rule is being considered as part of the pollution control strategy.
• 35 key departments, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Forest Department, are involved, with each department assigned specific tasks to submit by September 12.

• It encourages private organizations grant work from home options for their employees to commute regularly to reduce vehicular emissions.
• Measures to prevent stubble burning and regulate industrial emissions are also taken under this plan.
• Emergency measures such as the odd-even vehicle rationing, artificial rain, and the Harit Ratna award for eco-friendly organizations are still kept in place.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/21-point-winter-action-plan-combat-pollution-9587574/