New Delhi’s Battle Against Air Pollution: Fines and Measures Implemented to Combat "Very Poor" Conditions
India’s Capital Struggles with Air Quality
As the world’s most polluted major city, New Delhi, India, is facing a severe air quality crisis. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Monday’s conditions were rated "very poor" with a score of 373 on its index, which rates levels from zero to 50 as "good."
Fines and Enforcement
To combat the issue, authorities in India’s capital and surrounding areas have handed out fines to the owners of thousands of vehicles and construction sites for infringing pollution rules. Almost 60,000 vehicles and more than 7,500 building sites were fined, with 54,000 vehicles lacking a pollution under control (PUC) certificate and 3,900 impounded as "overaged." Environmental compensation payments have been ordered for 597 sites, while 56 have been told to close.
Causes of Pollution
New Delhi battles intense pollution every winter as cold air traps emissions, dust, and smoke from farm fires in the adjoining farming states of Punjab and Haryana, forcing frequent school closures and construction curbs in response. The city’s poor air quality is a common winter problem across South Asia, with rising pollution capable of cutting a South Asian’s life expectancy by more than five years, according to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC).
Regional Impact
Pakistan’s second-largest city, Lahore, has also been affected by the pollution, with IQAir rating it the world’s second most polluted on Monday. The provincial government has shut primary schools for a week and urged people to stay indoors amid unprecedented pollution. On Sunday, the provincial government announced plans to hold talks with India to resolve the problem, blaming deteriorating air quality on pollution wafted in from its neighbor.
Conclusion
New Delhi’s struggle with air pollution is a pressing concern, with the city’s poor air quality having severe effects on both the healthy and those already suffering from disease. The implementation of fines and measures to combat pollution is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current air quality in New Delhi?
A: The air quality in New Delhi is currently rated "very poor," with a score of 373 on the CPCB’s index.
Q: What are the causes of pollution in New Delhi?
A: The causes of pollution in New Delhi include emissions, dust, and smoke from farm fires in the adjoining farming states of Punjab and Haryana, as well as cold air trapping pollutants.
Q: What are the effects of poor air quality in New Delhi?
A: The effects of poor air quality in New Delhi can be severe, affecting the healthy and having serious effects on those already suffering from disease.