Every Winter, 'Worst Air Pollution' in New Delhi
Caused by Hindu Diwali Festival, Agricultural Fields, and Waste Burning
"Plans to Restrict Diesel Vehicle Use and Increase Sprinkler Installation"
Air quality deteriorated due to a fire that occurred last April at a landfill site in New Delhi, India. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] The capital of India, New Delhi, has taken measures to reduce pollutants ahead of the winter season. Following a massive investment in expanding electric buses, the city now plans to restrict the use of diesel vehicles that are over 10 years old.
This measure is understood to be aimed at preventing a sharp deterioration in New Delhi’s air quality this winter. It is known that since October, several factors negatively affecting the air have overlapped, causing the worst air pollution in New Delhi.
Notably, fireworks used during the Hindu festival of Diwali are cited as a major factor harming the air quality. Emissions from aging factories and vehicles are also mentioned as problems.
Additionally, farmers in several states near New Delhi burn agricultural fields after harvest, and urban poor residents burn various waste materials for heating and cooking, producing smoke that further worsens air quality. Especially since New Delhi is located inland, the monsoon winds do not blow strongly, so pollutants in the air do not disperse well.
In response, one citizen said, "New Delhi is turning into a gas chamber," and expressed to Yonhap News, "I am fed up with the worst air pollution that repeats every year."
Given this situation, authorities have prepared high-intensity pollution prevention measures. First, they decided to restrict the use of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and gasoline vehicles over 15 years old to reduce pollution from vehicles.
Also, to prevent the burning of crop waste ahead of the sowing season, biodegradable microorganisms will be distributed free of charge. Smog prevention nets and sprinklers will be installed to remove dust from the air.
Besides this, the use of fireworks and burning of various industrial wastes will be banned, and support will be provided to increase the use of natural gas instead of diesel generators. Furthermore, about 8,500 volunteers will be recruited to strengthen monitoring of compliance with pollution prevention measures.
In April, severe air pollution occurred in Bangalore, Karnataka, India due to roadside garbage dumps. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, this is not the first time authorities have prepared measures to prevent air pollution. Currently, New Delhi issues school closures or implements odd-even vehicle operation systems whenever air quality worsens annually. In August, it also announced an investment of $600 million (about 860 billion KRW) over the next three years to convert most public transportation to electric vehicles. Accordingly, New Delhi authorities plan to increase the proportion of electric buses in operation to 80% by 2025.
Regarding this, Chief Minister Kejriwal evaluated, "As a result of efforts by citizens and the government, last winter the concentration of fine dust in New Delhi decreased by 18.6% compared to four years ago," adding, "Reducing generator use, electric vehicle policies, and encouraging public transportation use all helped."
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