Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Crisis Causes, Health Impacts

Why Delhi-NCR’s Air Pollution Is a National Concern Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has become one of India’s most serious environmental and public health challenges. Every year, especially during winter months, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad reaches “very poor” or “severe” levels. Thick smog blankets the region, schools shut down, flights get delayed, and hospitals report a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. Delhi is often ranked among the most polluted cities in the world, raising questions about governance, urban planning, public awareness, and sustainable development. Decoding air pollution concerns in Delhi-NCR requires understanding its causes, sources, health impact, government measures, and long-term solutions. 

 What Is Air Pollution? Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air that affect human health, the environment, and climate. These substances are called air pollutants. Major Air Pollutants in Delhi-NCR PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) PM10 Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) Carbon monoxide (CO) Ground-level ozone (O₃) 

Among these, PM2.5 is the most dangerous as it can enter the lungs and bloodstream. 

 Understanding AQI: How Bad Is the Air? The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure air pollution levels. AQI Categories in India 0–50: Good 51–100: Satisfactory 101–200: Moderate 201–300: Poor 301–400: Very Poor 401–500: Severe 

During peak pollution periods, Delhi-NCR often records AQI levels above 400, posing severe health risks. 

Key Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR 

Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is not caused by a single factor. It is the result of multiple local and regional sources, combined with unfavorable weather conditions. 1. Vehicular Emissions Delhi has over 12 million registered vehicles, making road transport a major pollution source. Key issues: Diesel vehicles Traffic congestion Old vehicles Inadequate public transport use 

Vehicular pollution contributes heavily to NO₂ and PM2.5 levels. 

 2. Stubble Burning in Neighbouring States One of the most discussed causes of Delhi’s winter pollution is stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Farmers burn crop residue after harvesting paddy Smoke travels to Delhi due to wind patterns Peaks during October–November 

Though not the sole cause, stubble burning significantly worsens air quality. 

 3. Construction and Road Dust Rapid urbanisation has led to: Continuous construction activities Poor dust control measures Unpaved roads and open soil 

Construction dust is a major contributor to PM10 pollution in Delhi-NCR. 

 4. Industrial Pollution Industries in and around NCR emit: Sulphur dioxide Nitrogen oxides Particulate matter 

Illegal or non-compliant factories, especially in industrial clusters, worsen local air quality. 

 5. Burning of Waste and Biomass Open burning of: Garbage Plastic waste Leaves Biomass for cooking or heating 

This practice releases toxic gases and fine particles into the air. 

 6. Weather and Geography Delhi’s landlocked geography and winter weather conditions trap pollutants. Key factors: Low wind speed Temperature inversion High humidity Lack of rainfall 

These conditions prevent dispersion of pollutants, leading to smog formation. 

 Seasonal Nature of Delhi’s Air Pollution Winter: The Worst Phase High stubble burning Cold air traps pollutants Increased biomass burning 

Summer: Dust Pollution Dust storms High PM10 levels Some relief due to wind 

Monsoon: Natural Cleansing Rain washes away pollutants AQI improves significantly   Health Impact of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR Air pollution directly affects millions of residents, from children to the elderly. Short-Term Health Effects Eye and throat irritation Coughing and breathlessness Headaches Fatigue 

Long-Term Health Effects 

Asthma and chronic bronchitis Heart disease and stroke Lung cancer Reduced lung development in children Premature deaths 

According to health studies, air pollution reduces life expectancy in Delhi by several years. 

 Impact on Children and Elderly Children inhale more air relative to body weight Elderly people have weaker immunity Increased school absenteeism Long-term cognitive and physical impacts   Environmental and Economic Impact Environmental Damage Reduced visibility Damage to crops and plants Acid rain risk Impact on biodiversity 

Economic Loss Increased healthcare costs Reduced worker productivity Flight delays and transport disruptions Loss to tourism and business 

Air pollution costs India billions of rupees annually. 

 Government Measures to Control Air Pollution 1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) GRAP is implemented based on AQI levels and includes: Ban on construction activities Restrictions on diesel vehicles Closure of polluting industries School closures during severe pollution   2. Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme Vehicles allowed on alternate days based on number plates Temporary relief during severe pollution episodes Encourages public transport use   3. Bharat Stage (BS-VI) Emission Norms Stricter vehicle emission standards Cleaner fuels Reduced sulphur content   4. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) Delhi’s EV policy aims to: Reduce vehicular emissions Promote clean mobility Expand charging infrastructure   5. Control on Stubble Burning Measures include: Subsidies for crop residue management machines Fines and penalties Promotion of alternative uses of stubble   6. Smog Towers and Air Purifiers Installed at selected locations Provide localized air cleaning Limited impact at city scale   Role of Judiciary and Institutions Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) regularly intervene Orders on firecrackers, construction bans, and vehicle restrictions Monitoring of compliance by authorities   What Can Citizens Do? Air pollution control is not only the government’s responsibility. Individual-Level Actions Use public transport or carpool Shift to electric or CNG vehicles Avoid burning waste Reduce firecracker use Save electricity 

Community-Level Actions Tree plantation drives Waste segregation Awareness campaigns Reporting violations   

Long-Term Solutions for Clean Air in Delhi-NCR 

1. Sustainable Urban Planning Green spaces Transit-oriented development Reduced dependence on private vehicles 

2. Clean Energy Transition Renewable energy Phasing out coal-based power plants Rooftop solar adoption 

3. Regional Coordination Air pollution does not respect state boundaries. Coordinated action among NCR states Shared responsibility framework 

4. Better Monitoring and Data Transparency Real-time pollution data Stronger enforcement Public accountability   Air Pollution and Climate Change Link Air pollution and climate change are interconnected: Fossil fuel burning causes both Cleaner air policies also reduce carbon emissions Climate-resilient cities help improve air quality  The Road Ahead for Delhi-NCR Decoding air pollution concerns in Delhi-NCR reveals a complex mix of human activity, policy gaps, and natural factors. While short-term emergency measures provide temporary relief, the real solution lies in long-term structural reforms, cleaner energy, better urban planning, and active citizen participation. Delhi’s air crisis is not just an environmental issue—it is a public health emergency and a governance challenge. With sustained political will, regional cooperation, technological innovation, and public awareness, Delhi-NCR can move towards cleaner, healthier air. The question is not whether solutions exist—but whether they are implemented with urgency and commitment.