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Delhi, the national capital of India, continues to grapple with severe air pollution, a crisis exacerbated by systemic failures in enforcement and monitoring. A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has highlighted several critical lapses in the city's pollution control mechanisms, underscoring the need for immediate reforms. The report, titled 'Vehicular Air Pollution in Delhi', has been tabled in the Delhi Assembly, prompting calls for increased vigilance and coordinated action to combat the worsening air quality.
The CAG audit focused on vehicular pollution to assess whether the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) had taken adequate steps to prevent and mitigate vehicular emissions affecting air quality. The findings expose significant gaps in enforcement, monitoring, and policy implementation, which have allowed pollution levels to remain alarmingly high.
The report criticizes the previous administration for not conducting real-time studies to identify specific pollution sources, a crucial step in developing targeted solutions. Vehicles are identified as major local contributors to Delhi's poor air quality, emphasizing the need for stricter emission controls and better enforcement of pollution standards.
Here are ten critical highlights from the CAG report:
Irregularities in Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificates
The report reveals that over 1.08 lakh vehicles were issued PUC certificates despite emitting carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons beyond permissible limits. In many cases, multiple vehicles received these certificates within a minute, raising doubts about the credibility of the certification process[1][2][5].
Misuse of PUC Certificates for Diesel Vehicles
Between 2015 and 2020, nearly 4,000 diesel vehicles that exceeded pollution limits were wrongly certified as compliant, allowing them to continue polluting the environment[1][2].
Inaccurate Air Quality Monitoring
Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in Delhi failed to meet the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), leading to unreliable Air Quality Index (AQI) values. This compromises data accuracy and hampers effective pollution control efforts[1][4][5].
Failure to Deregister End-of-Life Vehicles
Only 2.98 lakh out of 47.51 lakh end-of-life vehicles were deregistered between 2018-19 and 2020-21, leaving most of these polluting vehicles still registered[1][5].
Inadequate Scrapping of Impounded Vehicles
None of the 347 impounded vehicles were scrapped by March 2021 due to insufficient impounding space, further contributing to pollution[1].
Lack of Enforcement Capacity
The transport department faced challenges due to staff shortages and a lack of pollution-checking equipment, impairing the ability to monitor and enforce pollution standards effectively[1][2].
Unimplemented Supreme Court Orders
Despite a Supreme Court order from 1998, the Delhi government failed to establish Inter-State Bus Terminals at Dwarka and Narela. This has allowed diesel-operated inter-state buses to continue entering the city, exacerbating pollution levels[1].
Mismanagement of Parking Infrastructure Funds
Funds collected for improving parking infrastructure were not utilized properly, leading to poorly managed parking spaces that contribute to congestion and pollution[1].
Shortage of Public Transport and Alternatives
Delhi has a severe shortage of buses (only 6,750 available against a requirement of at least 9,000), and inadequate use of alternatives like monorails or electronic trolley buses[2][4].
Inadequate Monitoring of Specific Pollutants
The DPCC did not measure lead levels in the ambient air, nor did it monitor benzene levels effectively. Benzene levels remained higher than permissible limits at several monitoring stations[2][4].
The CAG report paints a concerning picture of Delhi's air quality management framework, highlighting systemic issues that must be addressed urgently. The findings emphasize the need for more reliable air quality monitoring systems, better enforcement mechanisms, and comprehensive public transport solutions to reduce vehicular pollution.
Delhi's air quality remained 'Poor' to 'Severe' for a significant portion of the days from May 2015 to March 2021, underscoring the gravity of the situation[3]. The report's revelations about the inadequate and inconsistent application of pollution control measures have sparked calls for reform from both the public and other political parties.
To effectively combat Delhi's air pollution crisis, the following steps are critical:
Enhance Air Quality Monitoring:
Ensure that all CAAQMS meet CPCB standards and provide accurate data to inform pollution control strategies.
Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms:
Increase staffing and equip enforcement teams with requisite technology to monitor and penalize violators effectively.
Promote Public Transport:
Enhance the availability of buses and explore alternatives like monorails and trolley buses to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Implement Existing Orders:
Establish proposed Inter-State Bus Terminals to restrict polluting inter-state buses from entering the city.
Increase Transparency in Fund Utilization:
Ensure that funds collected for environmental initiatives are used effectively and transparently.
The CAG report serves as a wake-up call for urgent reform in Delhi's pollution management framework. Addressing these lapses is essential to protect the health of citizens and improve the environmental sustainability of the national capital. With concerted efforts from both the government and the public, Delhi can embark on a path towards cleaner air and healthier living conditions. The report encourages not just policy changes but also a cultural shift towards environmental accountability and sustainability.
Moreover, as Delhi seeks to improve its air quality, additional strategies could include promoting electric vehicles, enhancing green spaces within the city, and encouraging more sustainable waste management practices. The comprehensive approach outlined by the CAG offers a roadmap for Delhi’s journey towards cleaner skies, emphasizing the importance of coordination, technology, and public awareness in combating air pollution effectively.
