Q15. Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Megacities of the country but the air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are India’s major megacities, but air pollution is a particularly severe issue in Delhi compared to the other two. Several geographical, climatic, and anthropogenic factors contribute to the higher pollution levels in Delhi.

Body

Reasons for Higher Air Pollution in Delhi:

Geographical Location:

• Landlocked Geography: Delhi is landlocked, which limits the natural dispersion of pollutants. In contrast, Mumbai and Kolkata, being coastal cities, benefit from sea breezes that help in dispersing air pollutants.
• Surrounding Terrain: Delhi is surrounded by the Aravalli Range to the southwest and the Himalayas to the north. This traps pollutants within the city, preventing their easy dispersal, especially during winter.

Climatic Factors:

• Temperature Inversions: During winter, Delhi experiences temperature inversions where cooler air is trapped under warmer air, preventing the dispersion of pollutants and trapping them close to the ground.
• Stubble Burning: During the harvest season (October-November), stubble burning in nearby agricultural states like Punjab and Haryana significantly worsens air quality in Delhi. Winds carry smoke and particulate matter into the city, compounding pollution levels.

Vehicular Emissions:

• High Vehicle Density: Delhi has one of the highest per capita vehicle ownership rates in the country, contributing to substantial vehicular emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10).
• Diesel Use: The widespread use of diesel vehicles, which emit higher levels of particulate matter, worsens air pollution in the city.

Industrial and Construction Activity:

• Proximity to Industrial Areas: Delhi is surrounded by large industrial hubs like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Noida, contributing to air pollution through industrial emissions.
• Dust from Construction: Ongoing large-scale infrastructure development and construction activities release fine dust and particulate matter, worsening the air quality.
• Waste Burning: The burning of waste, including plastic and organic matter, is common in Delhi’s outskirts, adding to the pollution burden. In contrast, coastal cities like Mumbai and Kolkata have better waste management systems and lesser open burning practices.

Conclusion

‍Delhi’s severe air pollution problem is a result of its landlocked geography, seasonal climatic patterns like temperature inversions and stubble burning, as well as higher vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and waste burning. In contrast, Mumbai and Kolkata benefit from coastal winds and have relatively better waste management practices, resulting in lower pollution levels. Addressing these issues in Delhi requires concerted efforts in policy reform, pollution control measures, and regional cooperation.

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