• By Akansha Pandey
  • Tue, 02 Dec 2025 01:07 PM (IST)
  • Source:Jagran News Network
Add as a preferred

Contrary to popular belief, the primary cause of increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR and the wider North Indian region is not solely stubble burning. According to the Supreme Court, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the environmental think tank iFOREST, the narrative focusing exclusively on farmers is incorrect.

Key Insights On The Pollution Crisis

Year-Round Vs. Seasonal: Stubble burning is a seasonal activity occurring for only 1–1.5 months. In contrast, the burning of coal in industries and biomass (wood, cow dung) in households occurs year-round.

Geographical Scope: The issue is not limited to Delhi. The dense smoke affects the entire Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Smaller cities like Bhiwadi, Darbhanga and Moradabad often record pollution levels higher than Delhi.

Severity: Pollution levels in these areas are often 5 to 10 times higher than national standards and 20 to 40 times higher than WHO guidelines.

Statistical Breakdown: Main Sources Of Pollution

Studies indicate that the root causes lie in biomass burning and industrial emissions rather than vehicular traffic or stubble alone.

1. National Overview (Source: iFOREST)

India emits approximately 5.2 million tonnes (MT) of direct PM2.5 annually (excluding dust).

- Biomass Burning (Total: 55 per cent):

  • Household cooking and heating (firewood, cow dung): 48 per cent
  • Agricultural residue (stubble): 6.5 per cent

- Industry And Power Plants: 37 per cent

- Transport Sector: 7 per cent

2. CPCB Study Specifics

  • Total PM2.5 Emissions: 2.3 million tonnes
  • Industrial Smoke: 48.5 per cent
  • Biomass Burning: 35 per cent
  • Transport Sector: 5 per cent

Why Household Biomass Is More Dangerous

While vehicles and industries are generally fitted with pollution control equipment, open burning in stoves and fields is unregulated. Consequently, the PM2.5 emitted per kilogram of biomass is 10 to 100 times higher than that emitted from coal in thermal power plants or diesel in automobiles.

Key Policy Recommendations For Delhi-NCR

To achieve a permanent solution, a collective approach across cities, states and economic sectors is required. The following strategies are recommended:

1. Launching PM Ujjwala 3.0

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has been identified as the most effective pollution intervention of the last decade, surpassing measures like GRAP or Odd-Even.

  • Goal: Transition low-income households to LPG, biogas, or electricity.
  • Impact: Providing clean cooking fuel in Delhi-NCR could reduce PM2.5 by 25 per cent.
  • Cost And Subsidy: A 75 per cent subsidy (Rs 5,000–6,000 per family per year) is needed. The total estimated cost is Rs 6,000–7,000 crore annually—significantly lower than the healthcare costs associated with the 600,000 annual deaths caused by indoor pollution.

2. Clean Fuel For Heating

Over 90 per cent of households burn biomass for heating during winter (Dec–Jan).

  • Strategy: Implement a policy similar to China’s "Clean Heating Fuel Policy."
  • Action: Permit only electricity-based heating in homes and strictly restrict open fires for immediate relief.

3. Industrial Energy Transition

Industries and power plants contribute one-third of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi-NCR.

  • Small Industries: Promote electric boilers and furnaces.
  • Large Industries: Enforce stricter norms and the 2015 emission standards.
  • Power Plants: Shut down old thermal power plants.

4. Electrification Of Transport

Vehicular emissions, while less significant than biomass, still require management.

  • Public Transport: All new buses should be electric immediately.
  • Personal Transport: Rapid electrification of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, aiming for 100 per cent of sales to be electric by 2030.
  • Overall Target: Electrify 30 per cent to 50 per cent of total vehicle sales.

5. Green Belt And Municipal Strengthening

Dust contributes significantly to pollution levels.

Green Belt: Develop green belts around Delhi and increase roadside greenery to control local and external dust.

Municipal Action: Strengthen local administration to manage road dust, prevent waste burning, reduce congestion, and ensure accountability.

President and CEO of iFOREST Chandra Bhushan states, "The primary cause of pollution, not only in Delhi-NCR but across the whole of India, is dust and smoke. This accounts for 80 per cent of pollution. However, there appears to be a lack of seriousness in preventing it. Instead of focusing heavily on stubble, we must try to control dust and smoke. This is the only permanent and long-term solution to the problem."

Also Read: Kolkata Street Food Guide: 5 Delicious Dishes You Must Try On Your First Visit To The City Of Joy

 

Also In News