Pollution Crisis in Delhi

Vehicular emissions have been a major contributor to Delhi's toxic air since the late 1990s. Despite efforts to mitigate pollution, challenges persist due to the rise in private vehicles.

Policy Response and Challenges

• In 2001, the Supreme Court mandated a shift to CNG for public transport. However, benefits were short-lived due to the increase in private vehicles.
• Recent directives from a high-level meeting led by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister have focused on reducing emissions from private vehicles and encouraging electric vehicle adoption.
• There's an urgent need to align the mobility needs of Delhi's residents with the goal of purifying the air.

Public Transport and Urban Challenges

• Public transport in Delhi has not expanded sufficiently to match the city's growth.
• The metro network covers nearly 400 km, but last-mile connectivity issues make it less appealing compared to private transport.
• Delhi's bus fleet remains below the Supreme Court's 1998 target of 10,000 buses.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Encourage environmentally friendly private transport practices, such as carpooling.
• Enhance public transport infrastructure to decrease reliance on private vehicles.
• The government must demonstrate commitment through initiatives like dust pollution reduction to inspire public cooperation.

Efforts to improve Delhi's air quality require a collaborative approach between the government and the public, focusing on both immediate actions and long-term strategies.