Question

Delhi is the city with the highest pollution level in India. Explain any five measures taken by the concerned authorities to reduce air pollution in the city.

Answer 1

1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A stage-wise emergency framework is implemented to trigger automatic restrictions on construction, industrial activities, and traffic based on air quality, such as banning diesel generators and restricting heavy vehicles.
2. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs): The city is rapidly adopting electric buses, expanding charging infrastructure, and implementing a policy aimed at having a high percentage of EVs in new vehicle registrations to reduce tailpipe emissions.
3. Transition to Clean Fuel & BS-VI Norms: Delhi has adopted Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) fuel standards and transitioned all commercial transport vehicles to CNG. Furthermore, industrial areas have shifted away from coal to cleaner natural gas.
4. Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Strict regulations, such as the use of mist cannons, anti-smog guns, and mandatory dust-control measures (like covering construction sites), are implemented to reduce particulate matter.
5. Odd-Even Traffic Rationing & Public Transport Boost: Emergency measures like the odd-even driving scheme are implemented, supported by efforts to improve the public transit system to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.