Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis: A Battle for Breath
Delhi’s air pollution crisis isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a societal, economic, and political challenge.
Experts highlighted the criticality of energy transition and the interplay between technology and human behaviour in combating Delhi's air pollution crisis
Every year, as winter envelops Delhi, the capital grapples with the severe challenge of air pollution. Despite recurring debates and interventions, the crisis remains monumental, underscoring the need for a multi-faceted and long-term approach. At a recent panel discussion, experts from diverse industries came together to discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to Delhi’s alarming air quality.
Amit Kapur, Joint Managing Partner at JSA, challenged a commonly held belief about stubble burning being the main villain. He stated, “Air quality issues are fundamentally about day-to-day handling. There’s a notion that stubble burning significantly contributes to the problem, but it’s only 8% of the total. The substantial contribution comes from transportation, which accounts for 50% of air pollution in Delhi.”
The conversation also turned to Flue Gas Desulfurisation systems (FGDs), mandated for thermal power plants to reduce emissions.
Adding to the discussion, Hemant Sahai, Founding Partner at HSA Advocates, highlighted inconsistencies in policy implementation. “Five to six years ago, the Ministry of Environment mandated FGDs (Flue Gas Desulfurisation systems) for thermal plants of certain capacities in a phased manner, with Delhi as the epicenter. Yet, a recent report by NITI Aayog claims FGDs are not required. This lack of data and clarity has left power plants in limbo, undermining effective action,” Sahai explained.
While discussing agricultural stubble management, Sanjeev Gemawat, Managing Director at Essar Group, emphasised the need for decentralisation. “The moment you realise that parali (stubble burning) blocks investment in India, the cost of addressing it becomes negligible. Empowering panchayats and block-level governance could yield tangible results,” he noted, stressing the socio-economic ripple effects of air pollution.
However, panelists also pointed to political bottlenecks. Sahai observed, “While technologies like agriwaste-to-energy solutions exist, states hesitate to implement them fully due to political and financial excuses, labeling them as expensive.”
The conversation inevitably turned toward the balance between development and ecological preservation. Referring to recent judgments, Kapur remarked that attention should be paid to the recent judgements by Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai’s opinion on the Shimla development plan and Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud’s stance on the Great Indian Bustard.
Gemawat, however, critiqued judicial overreach. “Media often dominates the judiciary's approach to environmental issues, leading to judgments that may not be necessary or effective,” he said, calling for a more pragmatic legal framework.
Govind Rishi, Founding Partner at Acumen Juris, stressed the need for a cultural shift in transportation habits. “The issue isn’t vehicles or their sale; it’s how they’re used. Basic standards of behaviour on the road and consistent laws are key,” he argued, lamenting Delhi’s reputation as the most unsafe city for cyclists.
Dr Kumudini Sharma, General Manager (Legal) at Oil India Limited, pointed to seasonal factors exacerbating Delhi’s pollution. “Thermal plants were operational during COVID-19, yet air quality was good. Delhi functions like an exhaust fan in winters, pulling pollutants in. The problem isn’t just thermal plants but a combination of systemic issues,” she stated.
Jay highlighted the criticality of energy transition and the interplay between technology and human behaviour in combating Delhi's air pollution crisis. He pointed out the stalled implementation of Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) systems, mandated in 2015 for 12 thermal plants within a 120-kilometer radius of Delhi NCR. “Of these, only one plant has managed to install the equipment,” he noted, underscoring the sluggish pace of progress. Emphasising individual responsibility, he remarked, “What you and I do—our actions and behaviours—will ultimately shape the state of pollution in Delhi.”
While identifying challenges, the panel also proposed actionable solutions:
Public Transport Investment: Encouraging greater use of public transport to reduce vehicular emissions.
Behavioral Change: Promoting small but impactful habits like carrying cloth bags and reducing waste.
Urban Greening: Expanding green belts to act as natural air filters.
Staggered Office Hours: Implementing flexible timings to reduce peak traffic congestion.
Awareness and Education: Launching rapid campaigns to educate citizens on reducing pollution.
Gemawat underscored the economic cost of inaction. “When global investors hesitate to establish offices in Delhi due to air quality, the cost to our economy becomes far greater than investing in solutions.”
Delhi’s air pollution crisis isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a societal, economic, and political challenge. The panel’s insights emphasised that addressing the crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, balancing policy reform, technological advancement, and behavioural change. Only by uniting efforts across stakeholders can the capital hope to reclaim its right to clean air.
