How can urban planning and public transportation policies be improved to reduce pollution in cities?
Model Answer Introduction Delhi has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, it was listed as the 4th most polluted city globally, according to IQ Air’s World Air Quality Report. Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the environment by any chemicaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Delhi has been consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2022, it was listed as the 4th most polluted city globally, according to IQ Air’s World Air Quality Report. Air pollution is defined as the contamination of the environment by any chemical, physical, or biological agent, and it poses severe health risks.
Reasons for Severe Pollution in Delhi
Geographical Location
Delhi’s geographical positioning plays a crucial role in its air quality issues. Unlike Mumbai and Kolkata, which are coastal cities with natural water bodies that help disperse air pollutants, Delhi is landlocked. This absence of natural outlets exacerbates the accumulation of pollutants, making it more susceptible to high pollution levels. According to a study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), this geographic isolation leads to a stagnation of air masses, trapping pollutants over the city (CPCB, 2020).
Vehicular Traffic
Delhi faces severe traffic congestion, primarily due to a much higher number of private vehicles compared to Mumbai and Kolkata. As reported by the Delhi Transport Department, the city has approximately 10 million registered vehicles, leading to increased emissions from transportation sources. The outdated public transportation infrastructure further complicates this issue, promoting reliance on personal vehicles (Delhi Transport Department, 2021).
Industrialization
The industrial landscape in Delhi is characterized by a significant number of small-scale industries that rely on fossil fuels, contributing heavily to air pollution. In contrast, industries in Mumbai and Kolkata are often located outside urban areas, reducing their direct impact on air quality (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2022).
Agricultural Residue Burning
Another critical factor is the practice of agricultural residue burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Stubble burning significantly contributes to Delhi’s pollution levels, especially during the winter months, when weather conditions trap smoke and particulate matter (Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 2021).
Conclusion
While Mumbai and Kolkata also grapple with air pollution, Delhi’s challenges are intensified by its geography, traffic congestion, industrial activity, and agricultural practices. Addressing these multifaceted issues will require comprehensive strategies that integrate both immediate and long-term solutions to improve air quality and safeguard public health.
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Urban planning and public transportation can significantly tackle city pollution. Here's how: **Planning for Less Traffic:** * **Mixed-use development:** Cities can create areas where people can live, work, and shop within walking or cycling distance, reducing car dependence [1].Read more
Urban planning and public transportation can significantly tackle city pollution. Here’s how:
**Planning for Less Traffic:**
* **Mixed-use development:** Cities can create areas where people can live, work, and shop within walking or cycling distance, reducing car dependence [1].
* **Green infrastructure:** Parks, green roofs, and street trees act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and improving air quality [2].
**Enhancing Public Transport:**
* **Investment:** Expanding subways, trams, and buses with frequent schedules makes public transport a competitive choice, reducing car usage [3].
* **Low-emission vehicles:** Transitioning public transport fleets to electric or hybrid options drastically cuts emissions [4].
**Together, these strategies can create a virtuous cycle: cleaner air encourages more public transport use, further reducing pollution.**
**Sources:**
* [1] The Role of Urban Planning and Design in Improving Air Quality [airly.org]
* [2] Ways to Reduce Air Pollution in Cities [ppsthane.com]
* [3] Effective Ways To Reduce Pollution In Modern Cities [urbandesignlab.in]
* [4] How can public transportation reduce air pollution? 4 Facts [Airly WP]
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