Assignment

Department of Geography
Indraprastha College for Women
University of Delhi
Delhi

Submitted by

ANJALI

23/SOC/05

SOCIOLOGY HONS

2ND YEAR

Submitted to

……JYOTI VERMA….
Department of Geography
IPCW, DU
 AIR
POLLUTION
AND
CASE STUDY
 CONTENT

• INTRODUCTION
• WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION?
• MAJOR AIR POLLUTANTS
• CLASIFICATION OF AIR POLLUTANT
• NATIONAL AIR QUALITY INDEX
• CASE STUDY OF DELHI
• ABOUT DELHI
• SOCIO -ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF
DELHI
• REASONS OF AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI
• NCR STATE FACTORS WHICH IMPACT
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN DELHI
• GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
• IMPACT OF INITIATIVES
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCES
 INTRODUCTION
Air pollution is a critical global issue that poses significant threats to
human health, the environment, and overall quality of life. Defined as
the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere—ranging from
gases and particulates to biological molecules—air pollution can
result from both natural phenomena and human activities. The rapid
industrialization, urbanization, and increased vehicular traffic seen in
many regions have led to alarming levels of air contaminants, which
contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even
premature death.
In recent years, cities around the world, particularly densely populated
urban areas like Delhi, have experienced severe air quality
degradation. This has prompted governments and organizations to
implement various initiatives aimed at mitigating pollution levels.
Understanding the sources and effects of air pollution is essential for
developing effective strategies for control and prevention. This
assignment will explore the complexities of air pollution, examining
its causes, impacts, and the effectiveness of government interventions
through a detailed case study focused on Delhi. By analysing these
elements, we aim to contribute valuable insights into one of the most
pressing environmental challenges of our time.
 AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the
atmosphere, resulting in detrimental effects on human health,
ecosystems, and climate. It encompasses the contamination of both
indoor and outdoor environments by various pollutants, which can be
classified into chemical, physical, or biological agents that alter the
natural.

MAJOR AIR POLLUTANT

• Particulate matter (PM)
PM is a common proxy indicator for air pollution. There is strong
evidence for the negative health impacts associated with exposure to this
pollutant. The major components of PM are sulphates, nitrates, ammonia,
sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water.
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless toxic gas
produced by the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous fuels such
as wood, petrol, charcoal, natural gas and kerosene.
• Ozone (O3)
Ozone at ground level – not to be confused with the ozone layer in the
upper atmosphere – is one of the major constituents of photochemical
smog and it is formed through the reaction with gases in the presence of
sunlight.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

NO2 is a gas that is commonly released from the combustion of fuels in

the transportation and industrial sector.

• Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

SO2 is a colourless gas with a sharp odour. It is produced from the
burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting of mineral ores that
contain sulphur.
 POLLUTANT MAJOR SOURCES MAJOR IMPACTS

Power generation: industry,

Sulphur dioxide Forest decline; elimination of lichens
domestic, and commercial
(SO2) and bryophytes
heating

Nitrogen oxides Power generation and Altered plant growth and enhanced
(NOx) and ammonia transport (NOx); intensive stress sensitivity; soil acidification
(NH3) agriculture (NH3) and eutrophication

Secondary pollutant formed Soil and freshwater acidification:

Acid deposition
from SO2 and NOx forest decline

Secondary pollutant formed

Ozone (O3) Reduced plant growth: forest decline
from hydrocarbons and NOx

Toxic metals (e.g., Smelting industry; transport Reduced soil microbial activity;
lead and cadmium) (lead) reduced soil invertebrate populations

Persistent organic Industry; fuel combustion;

Bioaccumulation in food chain
pollutants (POPs) pesticide use

TABLE SHOWING SOME MAJOR

AIR POLLUTANT AND ITS SOURCES AND
IMPACT
 CLASSIFICATION OF AIR
POLLUTANTS
The substances which are responsible for causing air pollution are
called as air pollutants.
Classification of Air Pollutants
Air pollutants can be categorized by various means:
• On the basis of source of origin
1. Natural air pollutants: Natural air pollutants are emitted from natural
sources such as volcanic activity, dust, sea-salt, forest fires, lightening, soil,
etc.
2. Anthropogenic air pollutants: These pollutants include the emissions from
stationary point sources (e.g. emission from industries), mobile sources (e.g.
vehicular emission, marine vessels, airplanes etc.), waste disposal landfills,
controlled burning, etc.
• On the basis of method of origin
1. Primary air pollutants: Those pollutants which are emitted directly
from any emission source in the atmosphere are termed as primary air
pollutants, e.g. sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), lead
(Pb), ammonia (NH3), etc.

2. Secondary air pollutants: Secondary pollutants are formed by the

reactions between primary air pollutants and normal atmospheric
constituents. In some of the cases, these pollutants are formed by utilizing
the solar energy, e.g. ozone, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), smog, etc.

• On the basis of state of matter

1. Gaseous air pollutants: Pollutants which are in the form of gas are
termed as gaseous air pollutants, e.g. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen
Dioxide (NOX), Ozone(O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), etc.
2. Particulate air pollutants: Particulate air pollutants or particulate
matter (PM) can be defined as the microscopic solid or liquid matter
 suspended in the earth’s atmosphere. There are various subtypes of
particulate matter:
a. Total suspended particulate matter (TSPM): The concentration of
particulate matter which is obtained when a high-volume bulk
sampling is done on a filter substrate. It includes particles of all sizes.
b. PM10: These are the particles less than 10 um in diameter.
c. PM2.5: These are the particles less than 2.5 um in diameter.
d. PM1.0: These are the particles less than 1 um in diameter.

Particles which lie between 10μm to 2.5μm are termed as ‘coarse

particles’ whereas particles with diameter less than 2.5μm are called
as ‘fine particles. Fine particles also include ultra-fine particles of size
less than 0.1 am (PM0.1).

• On the basis of chemical composition

1. Organic air pollutants: Examples are hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones,
amines, and alcohols, etc.
2. Inorganic air pollutants: Examples are carbon compounds (CO and
carbonates), nitrogen compounds (NOX and NH3), sulphur compounds
(H2S, SO2, SO3, H2SO4), halogen compounds (HF, HCl etc.), flash, silica,
etc.
 National Air Quality Index

The National Air Quality Index (AQI) has been launched during 2015 which is
a web-based system designed to provide simplified form of air quality data on
real time basis. Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for effective communication of
air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand. It transforms
complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index
value), nomenclature and colour. There are six AQI categories, namely good,
satisfactory, moderately polluted, poor, very poor, and severe. Each of these
categories is decided based on ambient concentration values of air pollutants
and their likely health impacts (known as health breakpoints).
CASE STUDY ON
DELHI
 DELHI
Delhi, with an area of 1483 km2, is geographically located in North India within
the latitude 28°24’17” and 28°53’00’’N, and longitude 77°45’30’’ and
77°21’30’’E 1. Delhi is jointly administered by the Central and State
Governments. As of 2011, Delhi inhabitants approximately 16.3 million people;
thus, becoming the second most populous city in India. However, due to rapid
development, Delhi is also facing serious challenges in terms of air pollution.
There are a number of factors responsible for the altered composition of the
ambient air which can be mainly categorised as natural causes and
anthropogenic (man-made) causes.

Rising issue of air pollution has increasingly been becoming a serious concern,
particularly in metro cities. A large number of cities and towns do not meet the
standards for pollutants specifically for particulate matter. In a few cities
including Delhi, the ambient particulate matter concentrations are much above
the standards i.e. three to four times or even higher. Air quality regulation and
actions for abatement of air pollution is undertaken under various provisions of
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment
(Protection) Act, 1985 which prescribes the mechanism and authorities for
handling the issue. The major impact is highlighted with reference to health of
people. As per the available data for Delhi and NCR for last five years,
Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations are the major concern for
the entire area, however a few violations are observed in NO2 concentrations in
Delhi, Meerut and Faridabad. The concentration of SO2 is within the standard
limit at all the locations in all the last five years. PM10 are inhalable coarse
particles, which are particles with a diameter between 2.5 and 1O micrometres
(um) and PM2.5 are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 um or less.
 SOCIO – ECONOMIC
BACKGROUND OF DELHI
Delhi's air pollution crisis significantly impacts its socio-economic landscape,
affecting health, economy, and migration patterns.

• Health Impacts
1. Severe Health Risks: High levels of PM2.5 led to respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases.
2. Disproportionate Effects: Lower socio-economic groups face greater
health challenges and limited access to healthcare.

• Economic Consequences
1. Productivity Decline: Health-related absences and increased healthcare
costs disproportionately affect poorer communities.

• Migration Trends
1. Pollution Migration: Many residents seek cleaner environments, with
middle and upper classes more able to relocate.
2. Inequality: Lower-income groups often remain in polluted areas due to
financial constraints.

• Indoor Air Quality

1. Overlooked Issue: Indoor air pollution can exceed outdoor levels,
impacting all socio-economic groups.
2. Low Awareness: Limited investment in air purification technologies
highlights a need for better public awareness.
REASONS OF AIR POLLUTION IN
DELHI
Air pollution in urban environments like Delhi arises from a complex mix of
natural and anthropogenic sources. A study by the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) identifies the following primary sources in Delhi:

• Vehicular Emissions
Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to urban air pollution. The
combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles emits nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon
monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter
(PM2.5 and PM10). Diesel-powered vehicles, in particular, contribute
disproportionately due to higher levels of particulate emissions compared to
gasoline engines.

Delhi’s Case:
Delhi has a vast fleet of over 12 million vehicles, according to the Transport
Department of Delhi. The city’s traffic congestion exacerbates emissions,
particularly during rush hours when vehicles idle in traffic, releasing pollutants
into the atmosphere. Despite the implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS6)
emission standards, older vehicles with poorer emission controls still circulate,
contributing significantly to NOx and PM levels.
 • Industrial Pollution
Industries, particularly those reliant on coal, contribute to the release of sulphur
dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The
proximity of industries to residential and commercial areas exacerbates the
exposure of people to these pollutants.

Delhi’s Case:
In Delhi, industrial emissions account for 18% of total pollution. The
Badarpur Thermal Power Plant, once a major coal-fired station in the city,
was shut down in 2018 after years of contributing to the city's pollution. Despite
this, industrial areas surrounding Delhi, such as Ghaziabad and Faridabad,
continue to pollute the air with industrial waste, emissions from brick kilns, and
unregulated factories.

• Crop Residue Burning

In India, post-harvest stubble burning is a traditional practice used by farmers to
clear fields for the next crop cycle. This practice leads to the release of large
amounts of PM2.5, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane
(CH4) into the atmosphere. The burning also contributes to the formation of
ground-level ozone and smog, which further worsens air quality.

Delhi’s Case:
A significant portion of Delhi's air pollution (about 25% during peak months)
comes from the burning of agricultural residues in nearby states like Punjab,
Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Farmers in these regions, due to the high costs
associated with alternative methods of disposal, burn millions of tons of paddy
straw after the harvest in October and November, leading to sharp increases in
PM2.5 levels across Delhi.

• Waste Burning and Firecrackers

Open burning of waste, including plastics, rubber, and other materials, releases
a cocktail of harmful pollutants such as dioxins, furans, carbon monoxide, and
fine particulate matter. Firecrackers, used during festivals like Diwali,
significantly increase pollution in a short period due to the release of sulphur
compounds, metal particles, and toxic gases.
Delhi’s Case:
In 2019, the Supreme Court of India limited the use of firecrackers due to
their harmful impact on air quality. However, during Diwali, despite the
restrictions, firecracker use remains widespread, causing a temporary spike in
PM2.5 and PM10 levels. The CPCB noted that air quality worsens from "Very
Poor" to "Severe" during the festival, with PM2.5 levels sometimes exceeding
500 µg/m³.

• Construction and Road Dust

In urban areas, PM10 (particles smaller than 10 micrometres) is often generated
from construction activities, road dust, and soil disturbance. Fine particles from
cement, sand, and other construction materials easily become airborne and
degrade air quality.

Delhi’s Case:
Delhi is undergoing rapid urbanization, with construction projects including
metro expansions, road building, and high-rise development. According to the
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), 12% of air pollution in Delhi
comes from dust generated by construction activities and road wear. This is
exacerbated by the dry, arid climate and the lack of frequent rainfall, which
allows dust to stay suspended in the air for longer periods.

Air Quality Monitoring in Delhi

Air quality monitoring in Delhi is carried out through a number of air quality
monitoring stations situated across the territory. The monitoring is undertaken
by various organizations viz. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi
Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and System of Air Quality and Weather
Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(IITM), Pune.
It hardly needs to be emphasized that Delhi is an air-shed and action is within
Delhi impact pollution outside the capital as well as action in adjoining cities
such as Gurugram, Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Faridabad impact air quality in Delhi.
 NCR STATES RELATED
FACTORS WHICH IMPACT
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY OF
DELHI
● Air quality monitoring stations to be set up in NCR with an online display
of data.
● The neighbouring states must ensure that the dust suppression methods
must undertake to control the dust emission from the construction sites.
● Open burning of garbage in Delhi’s neighbouring areas should be strongly
discouraged.
● The practice of burning of paddy stubs in the agricultural zones adjoining
Delhi needs to be stopped.
● Conversion of Public Transport to CNG in compliance to CAQM direction
no. 78.
● BS VI vehicle registration: only BS VI Inter-state commercial vehicles to be
allow for entering in Delhi.
● The brick kilns in NCR states should be closed/ or their emissions be
regulated.
● Discourage entry of non-destined trucks into Delhi: Hon’ble National
Green Tribunal has already directed that diesel vehicles of more than 10 years
life will not be allowed to ply in NCR.
● Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) and Inert disposal from the bio-mining of legacy
waste at dumpsites in Delhi
 GOVERNMENT MEASURES
TO COMBAT
AIR POLLUTION
Delhi’s air pollution crisis has prompted a multi-level response from the central
government, the Delhi government, and civic bodies.

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

The Central Government had notified a Graded Response Action Plan on 12th
January 2017 for Delhi and NCR, which comprises measures such as
prohibition on entry of trucks into Delhi; ban on construction activities,
introduction of odd and even scheme for private vehicles, shutting of schools,
closure of brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers; shutting down of
Badarpur power plant, ban on diesel generator sets, garbage burning in landfills
and plying of visibly polluting vehicles etc. The nature, scope and rigor of
measures to be taken is linked to levels of pollution viz. severe + or emergency,
severe, very poor, moderate to poor and moderate, after due consideration by
authorities concerned.
GRAP for NCR now classified under 4 different stages of adverse air quality in
Delhi, reflected through the AQI, which are as follows:
i. POOR Category: 201-300
ii. VERY POOR Category: 301-400
iii. SEVERE Category: 401-450
iv. SEVERE + Category: AQI:-> 450

• Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme

The Odd-Even Scheme is a traffic regulation that allows vehicles to operate on

alternate days based on their registration numbers (odd-numbered cars on odd
dates and even-numbered cars on even dates). First implemented in 2016, this
policy saw success in temporarily reducing PM2.5 levels by up to 15% during
its operational days.
• Implementation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

Delhi is part of National Clean Air Program (NCAP) launched by

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of
India, where a series of interventions in various sectors [transport /road
dust/waste and biomass burning etc.] with respect to ambient air quality is
being planned and implemented as part of air pollution mitigation
measures. 20%–30% reduction of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5)
concentration is being targeted by 2025.

• Summer Action plan

The (14-points) Summer Action Plan 2023 (April-September 2023) was

launched which focused on the main pillars of air pollution control i.e.,
Dust pollution, Industrial pollution, solid waste management, Tree
Plantation Drive, Tree transplantation Policy, Real time Source
Apportionment Study, Open Burning, Development of City Forest, Urban
Farming, Development of Jheel/Ponds in Delhi, Development of Parks
(Harit Park) in Delhi, E-waste Eco-park, Eco-Club Activities and
Coordination with neighbouring state Government, implemented by more
than 30 stakeholder departments . Enforcement teams were deployed for
ensuring compliance of dust control norms at construction sites,
preventing open burning etc.

• Winter Action Plan

The Winter Action Plan 2023-24 was launched by Government of Delhi

including 15 Action Points for the period of 1st October 2023 till 29th
February 2024, which encapsulated the targeted actions that government
will undertake during this winter season for air pollution control.

The Winter Action Plan 2023-24 (1st October 2023 till 29th February
2024) focuses on main pillars for air pollution control i.e. Stubble
Burning Control, Dust Pollution Control, Vehicular Pollution Control,
Prohibiting Open Burning, Industrial Pollution Control Hotspots
 monitoring, etc. which needs to be undertaken by government
departments / municipal corporations and daily action taken reports are
mandated to be submitted to the Department of Environment. Daily data
reporting is being taken from relevant stakeholder departments on
implementation of Winter Action Plan 2023-24.

• Promotion of Electric Vehicles

To further improve Delhi’s air quality and create an entire supply-chain
ecosystem for clean fuel/ electric vehicles, Delhi Govt. established a policy
‘Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy, 2020’. The policy intends to deploy 25% of all
new vehicles to be electric vehicles by 2024.

• Ban on bursting and sale of Firecrackers

Directions have been issued by DPCC vide date 06.10.2023 to Delhi

Police for ensuring compliance for ‘Complete Ban’ on all kinds of
firecrackers on manufacturing, storage, selling (including delivery
through online marketing platform) and bursting up to 01.01.2024 in the
territory of Delhi.

• Greening of City

This year, GNCTD plans to plant about 1 crore (including free

distribution of 7 lakhs) Trees/ Shrubs by greening agencies in 2023. In
2023 (up to December) 74 lakh trees/shrubs/bamboo planted against
target of 95.04 lakhs (78% achieved). 7.36 lakhs saplings were freely
distributed against target of 7 lakhs (105% achieved). Regular compliance
on Greening and plantation is being submitted to CAQM. The third-party
audit of plantation done by Department of Forests revealed that the
survival percentage of plantation is around 78%.
 . IMPACTS OF GOVERNMENT
INITIATIVES

The line graph above compares the PM2.5 levels in Delhi before and after the
implementation of several key government initiatives aimed at reducing air
pollution:
• Odd-Even Scheme (2016, 2017, 2019): The scheme resulted in
noticeable reductions in PM2.5 levels each year. For example, PM2.5
levels dropped from 150 µg/m³ to 130 µg/m³ in 2016.
• Electric Vehicle Policy (2020): The policy has led to gradual
improvements, reducing PM2.5 levels from 155 µg/m³ to 140 µg/m³ as
EV adoption grows.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Crop Burning Reduction
measures have also contributed smaller reductions.
 CONCLUSION

The air pollution crisis in Delhi represents a severe public health

emergency, characterized by alarmingly high levels of particulate
matter and toxic pollutants, making it one of the most polluted cities
globally. The health impacts are profound, with air pollution linked to
significant respiratory diseases and a potential loss of years in life
expectancy for residents, as highlighted by the Air Quality Life Index.
Economically, the burden is substantial, costing billions annually due
to increased healthcare expenses and decreased productivity. Despite
various measures implemented to combat this issue, such as
temporary bans on construction and restrictions on vehicular traffic
during peak pollution periods, these efforts often lack long-term
sustainability and comprehensive coordination across state lines.
Public response has included health advisories and emergency
measures like school closures and work-from-home policies for
government employees. To effectively address Delhi's air quality
crisis, a multi-faceted approach is essential—one that includes stricter
emissions regulations, increased public awareness campaigns, and
investment in cleaner technologies. Only through sustained and
coordinated action can the health of Delhi's residents be safeguarded
and the city’s air quality improved for future generations.
 REFERENCES
https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/Refinput/New_Reference_Notes/Englis
h/Delhi_Air_Pollution.pdf

https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1

https://www.britannica.com/science/air-pollution

https://www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants

https://moef.gov.in/pollution

https://www.ceew.in/publications/delhi-winter-pollution-2021-
case-study-on-air-quality-management

https://delhiplanning.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Planning/cha
pter_8.pdf

https://delhiplanning.delhi.gov.in/planning/2023-24-0

https://hpccc.hp.gov.in/Publications/Air-Pollution-and-Climate-
Change-Case-Study-National-Capital-Territory-of-Delhi.pdf