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10 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Environment & EcologyNEWS

Delhi's Air Pollution Fight: Last-Mile Connectivity Still a Challenge

Effective last-mile strategies are crucial for Delhi to combat air pollution effectively.

Delhi's Air Pollution Fight: Last-Mile Connectivity Still a Challenge

Photo by Akansha Deshmukh

Despite efforts to combat air pollution in Delhi, last-mile connectivity remains a significant challenge. The focus is now on addressing pollution at the local level, particularly in areas with high population density and traffic congestion. Experts emphasize the need for better infrastructure, public transportation, and enforcement of regulations to reduce emissions from vehicles and industries.

Citizen participation and awareness campaigns are also crucial for the success of these initiatives. The Delhi government is exploring various options, including promoting electric vehicles, improving waste management, and increasing green cover, to tackle the issue effectively.

Key Facts

1.

Last-mile connectivity is a key challenge in combating air pollution in Delhi.

2.

Addressing pollution at the local level is crucial, especially in high-density areas.

3.

Better infrastructure and public transportation are needed to reduce emissions.

4.

Enforcement of regulations on vehicles and industries is essential.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology - Air pollution, environmental regulations, government policies

2.

Connects to syllabus topics like environmental pollution, conservation, environmental governance

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, current affairs linked to static concepts

Visual Insights

Delhi's Air Pollution Hotspots

Map showing areas in Delhi facing challenges in last-mile connectivity and high pollution levels.

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📍Delhi
More Information

Background

Air pollution in Delhi is a complex issue with deep historical roots. The rapid industrialization and urbanization after India's independence led to increased emissions from factories, vehicles, and construction activities. The absence of stringent environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms further exacerbated the problem. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 to handle environmental disputes, but its effectiveness has been limited by resource constraints and implementation challenges. Over the years, various measures have been implemented to combat air pollution in Delhi. These include the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) for public transport, the phasing out of old vehicles, and the implementation of emission standards. The Environment Protection Act of 1986 provides a framework for environmental protection, but its enforcement has been inconsistent. The Supreme Court has also intervened on several occasions to direct the government to take action against air pollution. The legal and constitutional framework for environmental protection in India is enshrined in Article 48A of the Constitution, which directs the State to protect and improve the environment. Article 21, which guarantees the right to life, has also been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean environment. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, provide the legal basis for regulating pollution.

Latest Developments

The Delhi government is currently focusing on hyperlocal solutions to address air pollution, recognizing that pollution levels vary significantly across different areas. This involves identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions, such as improving waste management, promoting electric vehicles, and increasing green cover. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is playing a key role in coordinating these efforts across different states in the National Capital Region (NCR). There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of various measures to combat air pollution in Delhi. Some experts argue that the focus should be on addressing regional sources of pollution, such as stubble burning in neighboring states, while others emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of local regulations. The role of citizen participation and awareness campaigns is also being highlighted as crucial for the success of these initiatives. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations by 20-30% by 2024. Looking ahead, the Delhi government is exploring various options to further reduce air pollution, including the adoption of stricter emission standards for vehicles, the promotion of public transport, and the implementation of congestion pricing schemes. The success of these efforts will depend on effective coordination between different government agencies, as well as the active participation of citizens and businesses. The target is to achieve air quality standards that meet the guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main challenge Delhi faces in combating air pollution, as highlighted in the article?

The main challenge is ensuring effective last-mile connectivity to reduce pollution at the local level, especially in densely populated and congested areas.

2. What key areas should the Delhi government focus on to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce air pollution?

The Delhi government should focus on improving infrastructure, public transportation, and enforcing regulations on vehicles and industries to reduce emissions.

Exam Tip

Remember the three pillars: Infrastructure, Public Transport, Enforcement. Useful for Mains answers.

3. Why is the Delhi government focusing on hyperlocal solutions to address air pollution?

The Delhi government is focusing on hyperlocal solutions because pollution levels vary significantly across different areas, requiring targeted interventions.

4. What role do citizens play in combating air pollution in Delhi?

Citizen participation and awareness campaigns are crucial for the success of initiatives to combat air pollution. Citizens can contribute by adopting sustainable practices and supporting government efforts.

5. What are some options the Delhi government is exploring to tackle air pollution effectively?

The Delhi government is exploring options such as promoting electric vehicles, improving waste management, and increasing green cover.

6. What is the historical context of air pollution in Delhi?

Air pollution in Delhi is rooted in rapid industrialization and urbanization after India's independence, leading to increased emissions and a lack of stringent environmental regulations.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. It was constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2020. 2. It has the power to impose environmental compensation on industries violating pollution norms. 3. It coordinates efforts across different states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to address air pollution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was indeed constituted in 2020. It has the power to impose environmental compensation. It also coordinates efforts across different states in the NCR to address air pollution, as mentioned in the provided summary. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

2. With reference to Article 48A of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: 1. It is a Fundamental Right enforceable by the courts. 2. It directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. 3. It was inserted into the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 48A is a Directive Principle of State Policy, not a Fundamental Right. Directive Principles are not enforceable by the courts. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Article 48A does direct the State to protect the environment, and it was indeed inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

3. Which of the following measures is/are being explored by the Delhi government to tackle air pollution effectively? 1. Promoting electric vehicles 2. Improving waste management 3. Increasing green cover Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

According to the provided summary, the Delhi government is exploring various options to tackle air pollution effectively, including promoting electric vehicles, improving waste management, and increasing green cover. Therefore, all three measures are being explored, making option D the correct answer.

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