Top 6 Factors behind High Air Pollution in Delhi

Delhi is considered as the most polluted center in the world. According to the latest reports shared by Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Delhi has annually average 2.5 concentrations at 113.5 micrograms/cubic meter. This report makes it clear that air pollution in Delhi is at a peak. The question is what is the reason behind this much and rapidly increasing Delhi air pollution. Here are the top 6 reasons behind it:

1. Traffic

Smog and air pollution in Delhi are due to heavy traffic in this city. Delhi has more than 12 million vehicles. This number is the largest in India. According to the report, Delhi has 5x times more vehicles than Ahmedabad and 4x times more vehicles than Mumbai. The increased number of vehicles running in the streets of Delhi results in an increase in traffic and vehicular emission. It contributes to increasing air pollution in the city.

2. Biomass Burns

Delhi is shares border with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana which burn biomass to clear wastage and crops. According to the reports, 35 million tons of crops are burned in these states. The winds transfer all these burned air pollutants to Delhi and making the quality of air even worse.

3. Reduced Use of Public Transport

Delhi is one of the most developed cities in India in terms of transport. It has a metro train and city buses running from one corner of the city to another. However, the usage of public transport is minimal. Women in this city are not safe due to antisocial elements. This increases women drivers. Furthermore, the city infrastructure is not well planned and public transport, especially, city buses have limited timings. It increases the use of private transport as in owned vehicles or taxies and cabs. The increased use of vehicles increases traffic and ultimately air pollution in Delhi.

4. No way of Air Purification

One of the contributors to the even worse air quality of Delhi is its geography. It doesn’t have a coastal area that can bring a breeze of fresh winds from the ocean to clean the environment unlike Chennai, Gujarat, and other coastal areas in India. It also doesn’t have green fields or forests around or nearby the city. Thus, there is no way air can be purified in this city. It increases smog formation and results in increased air pollution.

5. Industrial Pollution

Delhi has many big industrial plants in the industrial areas of the city as well as in nearby states. All pollution and garbage emitted by these industrial plants end up increasing smog and pollution in the air of Delhi.

6. Stagnant Air

Due to its infrastructure and geography, Delhi has stagnant air. In winter, it will be difficult for air to move around. Thus, air pollutants get locked in the air and result in worse air quality.

The situation in Delhi is so tough that there are some places that started selling fresh air. Yes, that’s true. The government is taking some actions, but still, the air pollution in Delhi will require joint action from the government and citizens to improve air quality.

* Source: Google Image