Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Context: Introduce the issue of air pollution in India, highlighting the significance of Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata as mega cities.
- Thesis Statement: Mention that Delhi faces a more severe air pollution problem than the other two cities.
Body
1. Geographical Location
- Fact: Delhi is a landlocked city with no nearby water bodies, which limits the dispersion of pollutants.
- Source: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, 2020.
- Comparison: Mumbai and Kolkata are coastal cities, benefiting from natural air circulation and dilution of pollutants.
2. Vehicular Traffic
- Fact: Delhi has approximately 10 million registered vehicles, leading to heavy traffic congestion and emissions.
- Source: Delhi Transport Department, 2021.
- Comparison: Mumbai and Kolkata have lower vehicle densities and a more extensive public transport system, which reduces reliance on personal vehicles.
3. Industrialization
- Fact: Delhi has a higher concentration of small-scale industries that burn fossil fuels, contributing to air pollution.
- Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2022.
- Comparison: In Mumbai and Kolkata, many industries are located outside urban areas, minimizing their impact on city air quality.
4. Agricultural Residue Burning
- Fact: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly contributes to Delhi’s air pollution, especially during winter.
- Comparison: Although agricultural practices affect all cities, the proximity of Delhi to these states exacerbates the issue.
Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the factors contributing to Delhi’s severe air pollution: geography, traffic, industrialization, and agricultural practices.
- Call to Action: Emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle air pollution in Delhi, incorporating both short-term and long-term solutions.
Relevant Facts and Sources
- CPCB Report, 2020: Delhi’s landlocked geography exacerbates pollution levels.
- Delhi Transport Department, 2021: Approximately 10 million vehicles contribute to emissions.
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2022: Higher concentration of polluting industries in Delhi.
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, 2021: Stubble burning in neighboring states is a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.
This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question while integrating relevant facts and sources for a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
1. Geographic and Meteorological Factors: Delhi’s geographical location in the Indo-Gangetic plain, surrounded by mountains, leads to temperature inversion, trapping pollutants close to the ground. In contrast, Mumbai and Kolkata benefit from coastal winds that help disperse pollutants more effectively.
2. Vehicular Emissions: Delhi experiences high vehicle density and older vehicle fleet which contribute significantly to air pollution. For example, despite the introduction of CNG buses and restrictions on older vehicles, the city still struggles with high levels of emissions.
3. Industrial Pollution: The proximity to industrial zones and construction activities in and around Delhi exacerbates air pollution. Recent examples include the construction boom in the National Capital Region (NCR) leading to increased dust and emissions.
4. Seasonal Factors: During winter months, Delhi experiences high particulate matter (PM2.5) levels due to crop burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. The practice of stubble burning releases large amounts of smoke, significantly affecting air quality in Delhi, whereas Mumbai and Kolkata are less affected by such practices.
5. Environmental Regulations: The enforcement of environmental regulations and air quality standards is generally more stringent in Mumbai and Kolkata, contributing to better air quality compared to Delhi, where regulatory enforcement has been less effective.
These factors collectively make air pollution a more severe issue in Delhi compared to Mumbai and Kolkata.
Delhi faces more severe air pollution compared to Mumbai and Kolkata due to several interrelated factors:
These factors combine to make air pollution in Delhi a persistent and severe problem.
Delhi faces more severe air pollution compared to Mumbai and Kolkata due to several interrelated factors:
These factors combine to make air pollution in Delhi a persistent and severe problem.
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.