Delhi faces rising pollution as winter air quality declines
The Delhi government has implemented a Winter Action Plan to combat worsening smog and high pollution levels across the capital.
Delhi is experiencing a return of high pollution levels as winter sets in, according to a report by BBC News. Residents have reported eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and increased coughing as a grey haze and smoky smell cover the city.
The Delhi government has launched its Winter Action Plan, which runs from 1 November to 28 February. This plan aims to address pollution spikes that occur when falling temperatures and slow winds trap pollutants near the ground.
Under the plan, the government is restricting older, high-emission vehicles from outside Delhi and banning outdoor construction and demolitions. To reduce private vehicle use, authorities have requested that offices permit half of their staff to work remotely, implemented staggered work hours, and increased parking fees.
The Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), managed by the federal Commission for Air Quality Management, is also in its second stage. This currently restricts the use of firewood, coal, and diesel generators.
Experts suggest that while the early planning is a positive step, success depends on enforcement. Parthaa Bosu, a strategic adviser at the Environmental Defense Fund, noted that execution remains a challenge and that secondary pollutants and regional emissions from neighbouring states also contribute to the problem.
Manoj Kumar, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, stated that reducing pollution requires setting specific targets for sectors such as industry, power generation, and transport over the next five years.
