Air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) is not a seasonal problem. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas is enforcing a Graded Response Action Plan. This is a welcome change in approach. To improve air quality, the focus must be on limiting pollution at source.
Poor summer air quality is a serious public health issue. It exacerbates the adverse health impacts of heat. With Delhi-NCR experiencing repeated heatwave conditions, reduced pollution will have multiple benefits. Unlike the September-October season, pollution in the summer months is driven by dust. Recognising the seasonal variations in drivers of NCR's pollution load is critical to an effective pollution control plan. Road, construction and demolition dust account for 42% of PM10 (particulate matter with diameters of 10 micrometres and smaller) and 34% of PM2.5 in Delhi, and 38% (PM10) and 31% (PM2.5) in other NCR cities and towns. Controlling dust will reduce the region's pollution load, which, in turn, will reduce harmful secondary pollutants, or volatile organic compounds, formed when dust particles combine with chemicals, gas and moisture. CAQM must broaden the scope of solutions beyond mechanised sweeping. Alternatives include improved road design, creating road dividers and implementation of pollution control rules, particularly in construction. Greening public spaces will help reduce dust and mitigate heat.
The commission must work with local authorities in Delhi and NCR in designing heat action plans. Many measures to deal with heat stress can help limit pollution. Combining expertise and effort will be an effective way to improve living conditions in the region. And this is the right time to do it.
Poor summer air quality is a serious public health issue. It exacerbates the adverse health impacts of heat. With Delhi-NCR experiencing repeated heatwave conditions, reduced pollution will have multiple benefits. Unlike the September-October season, pollution in the summer months is driven by dust. Recognising the seasonal variations in drivers of NCR's pollution load is critical to an effective pollution control plan. Road, construction and demolition dust account for 42% of PM10 (particulate matter with diameters of 10 micrometres and smaller) and 34% of PM2.5 in Delhi, and 38% (PM10) and 31% (PM2.5) in other NCR cities and towns. Controlling dust will reduce the region's pollution load, which, in turn, will reduce harmful secondary pollutants, or volatile organic compounds, formed when dust particles combine with chemicals, gas and moisture. CAQM must broaden the scope of solutions beyond mechanised sweeping. Alternatives include improved road design, creating road dividers and implementation of pollution control rules, particularly in construction. Greening public spaces will help reduce dust and mitigate heat.
The commission must work with local authorities in Delhi and NCR in designing heat action plans. Many measures to deal with heat stress can help limit pollution. Combining expertise and effort will be an effective way to improve living conditions in the region. And this is the right time to do it.
now!
