Delhi Air Pollution: SC Amicus Expresses Concern on Child Health

09 Nov Delhi Air Pollution: SC Amicus Expresses Concern on Child Health

✎ Air pollution in the NCR is a complex public health challenge requiring coordinated multi-sectoral and inter-state governance, with statutory bodies like CAQM and judicial interventions playing crucial roles in mitigation efforts.

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper I — Urbanisation, Social Issues  |  GS Paper II — Government Policies and Interventions, Health, Welfare Schemes  |  GS Paper III — Environment, Pollution and Degradation, Disaster Management
• Prelims: National Capital Region (NCR), Air Quality Index (AQI), Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Supreme Court of India, Amicus Curiae, Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
• Essay: Environmental Degradation and its Socio-Economic Implications for India, The Role of Governance in Addressing Complex Public Health Crises

Quick Revision: Air pollution in the NCR is a complex public health challenge requiring coordinated multi-sectoral and inter-state governance, with statutory bodies like CAQM and judicial interventions playing crucial roles in mitigation efforts.

Why is this in the news?

The issue of severe air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) has once again been highlighted before the Supreme Court of India. An amicus curiae presented observations regarding the detrimental health impacts, particularly on children, underscoring the urgency of effective policy implementation and inter-state coordination to mitigate this recurring environmental and public health crisis.

Background

• Air pollution in the NCR is a perennial challenge, exacerbated during the winter months due to a confluence of meteorological factors and anthropogenic activities.
• Key sources of pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, biomass burning (including stubble burning in neighbouring states), and domestic heating.
• The adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution are well-documented, encompassing respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental issues in children.
• Various governmental bodies and judicial interventions, including directions from the Supreme Court, have sought to address the crisis through policy frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
• The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is an emergency measure implemented in the NCR to combat air pollution based on the severity of air quality levels.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, established a statutory body to coordinate efforts across states and central ministries for air quality improvement.

Understanding Air Pollution and Regulatory Frameworks in NCR

• Air pollution refers to the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to human health and the environment, primarily particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3).
• PM2.5, fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, is particularly hazardous as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for communicating air quality status to the public, categorising air quality from ‘Good’ to ‘Severe’ based on the concentration of eight major pollutants.
• The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures that are automatically implemented in the NCR when air quality deteriorates to certain predefined levels, ranging from ‘Poor’ to ‘Severe Plus’.
• GRAP measures include banning construction activities, restricting vehicular movement, closing brick kilns and hot mix plants, and imposing bans on the entry of trucks.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established to coordinate research, identify sources of pollution, and implement strategies for improving air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas.
• The Supreme Court of India frequently intervenes in matters of environmental degradation through Public Interest Litigations (PILs), issuing directives to central and state governments to ensure compliance with environmental norms and protect public health.

Key Features

Why it Matters

Public Health Implications

• Chronic exposure to high levels of air pollution leads to severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reduced lung function, and premature mortality.
• Children are particularly vulnerable due to developing respiratory systems, leading to long-term health deficits and impaired cognitive development.
• The economic burden includes healthcare costs, lost productivity due to illness, and reduced quality of life for affected populations.

Environmental Governance and Judicial Oversight

• The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding environmental rights and compelling executive action on critical public health issues.
• The amicus curiae’s report highlights the persistent failure of existing regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to adequately address air pollution.
• Inter-state cooperation is crucial for effective pollution control, as sources often transcend administrative boundaries, necessitating coordinated regional strategies.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Poor air quality disproportionately affects economically weaker sections who often reside in more polluted areas and have limited access to healthcare.
• The perception of severe pollution can deter investment and tourism, impacting economic growth and regional development.
• Agricultural practices, such as stubble burning, contribute significantly to seasonal pollution, creating a complex challenge involving rural livelihoods and environmental protection.

Challenges

1. Transboundary Nature of Pollution

• Air pollutants originate from multiple sources across different states within the NCR, making coordinated enforcement and policy implementation difficult.
• Lack of uniform implementation of pollution control measures across states leads to varying levels of effectiveness and accountability.

UPSC Link: Environmental Pollution & Degradation

2. Source Identification and Mitigation

• Identifying and quantifying the precise contribution of various pollution sources (vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, construction dust, stubble burning, domestic biomass burning) is complex.
• Implementing effective and sustainable mitigation strategies for each source requires significant technological, financial, and behavioural changes.

UPSC Link: Conservation, Environmental Pollution

3. Enforcement and Compliance

• Weak enforcement of existing environmental regulations and standards by various agencies contributes to persistent pollution levels.
• Lack of public awareness and compliance with pollution control norms, such as waste burning or vehicular emission standards, exacerbates the problem.

UPSC Link: Government Policies & Interventions

4. Technological and Infrastructural Gaps

• Insufficient adoption of cleaner technologies in industries, power generation, and transportation sectors.
• Inadequate public transport infrastructure and lack of alternatives to private vehicles contribute to vehicular emissions.

UPSC Link: Science & Technology Developments

5. Socio-Economic Trade-offs

• Measures like banning construction or industrial activities can lead to job losses and economic disruption, creating resistance.
• Addressing stubble burning requires providing economically viable alternatives to farmers, which is a significant policy and financial challenge.

UPSC Link: Issues related to Poverty & Hunger

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Government Initiatives — Must-Memorise for Prelims

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

Way Forward

• Strengthen inter-state coordination mechanisms within the NCR for unified policy implementation and enforcement of pollution control measures.
• Invest significantly in public transport infrastructure and promote electric vehicles through incentives and charging infrastructure development.
• Implement stringent emission standards for industries and vehicles, coupled with real-time monitoring and punitive actions for non-compliance.
• Promote sustainable agricultural practices, including providing financial incentives and technological support for alternatives to stubble burning.
• Enhance public awareness campaigns regarding the health impacts of pollution and encourage citizen participation in mitigation efforts.
• Develop and deploy advanced air quality monitoring networks with granular data to inform targeted interventions and assess their effectiveness.
• Prioritize research and development into cleaner technologies for various sectors, including construction, energy, and waste management.
• Integrate health impact assessments into urban planning and development projects to ensure sustainable and health-conscious growth.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR):
1. Stubble burning in neighbouring states is a significant contributor to winter air pollution in the NCR.
2. Vehicular emissions are a primary source of particulate matter pollution in urban areas.
3. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to tackle air pollution in the NCR.
How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: All three — Statement 1 is correct: Stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana is a major factor contributing to severe air pollution in the NCR during the post-monsoon period. Statement 2 is correct: Vehicular emissions, including those from petrol and diesel vehicles, are a significant source of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other harmful pollutants in urban environments. Statement 3 is incorrect: GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, not solely by the CPCB, although CPCB plays a crucial role in monitoring and enforcement.

Q2. Which of the following pollutants is primarily responsible for the brownish haze often observed during severe air pollution episodes and is known to cause respiratory problems?

1. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
2. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
4. Ground-level Ozone (O3)

Answer: Ground-level Ozone (O3) — Ground-level Ozone (O3) is a secondary pollutant formed from reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. It contributes to smog and is a potent respiratory irritant, causing breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and other lung problems. While other pollutants listed also cause respiratory issues, ground-level ozone is particularly associated with the brownish haze and severe respiratory impacts.

Mains Practice Question

✍ The persistent air pollution crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR) poses a severe threat to public health and environmental sustainability. Critically examine the multi-faceted causes of air pollution in the NCR and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policy and institutional frameworks in addressing this challenge. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:
1. **Introduction:** Briefly define the NCR air pollution crisis, referencing its severe health impacts (e.g., ‘lungs of children not pink’ as highlighted by the Supreme Court amicus curiae) and its seasonal nature.
2. **Multi-faceted Causes:** Systematically categorise and explain the major sources:
* **Agricultural Practices:** Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
* **Vehicular Emissions:** Growing vehicle fleet, old vehicles, traffic congestion, inadequate public transport infrastructure.
* **Industrial Emissions:** Polluting industries in and around NCR, non-compliance with emission norms.
* **Construction and Demolition Activities:** Dust generation from unregulated sites.
* **Domestic Sources:** Use of solid fuels for cooking and heating, waste burning.
* **Geographical and Meteorological Factors:** Landlocked nature, wind patterns, temperature inversions trapping pollutants.
3. **Effectiveness of Existing Policy and Institutional Frameworks:** Evaluate the measures taken:
* **Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):** Its mandate, powers, and coordination role. Discuss its successes and limitations.
* **Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):** Explain its stages and measures (e.g., ban on construction, odd-even scheme, restrictions on polluting vehicles). Assess its impact and challenges in implementation and enforcement.
* **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):** Its targets and strategies for city-specific action plans. Discuss its progress.
* **Legal and Judicial Interventions:** Role of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) in issuing directives and monitoring compliance. Discuss the impact of judicial activism.
* **Inter-state Coordination:** Challenges in achieving effective cooperation between Delhi and neighbouring states on issues like stubble burning and industrial pollution.
* **Technological Solutions:** Adoption of cleaner fuels (BS-VI), electric vehicles, waste management technologies.
* **Public Awareness and Participation:** Role of citizen engagement.
4. **Challenges and Gaps:** Identify persistent issues such as enforcement deficits, lack of long-term sustainable solutions, political will, and socio-economic considerations.
5. **Conclusion:** Summarise the need for a comprehensive, sustained, and coordinated approach involving all stakeholders, focusing on both mitigation and adaptation strategies to ensure the right to clean air.

Source: LiveLaw

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