Delhi Over 2,300 Air Pollution Complaints Unsorted; Rajasthan Has Higher Rate of Unsolved Complaints in State, Finds CPCB.
Delhi has seen serious challenges in controlling air pollution over recent years, and disturbing statistics come forth as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). From October 15, 2021 to November 19, 2024, Delhi had a total number of complaints pertaining to air pollution at 6,170. Yet, an approximate 2,333 complaints or nearly 38% are pending. Evidently, the authorities have not gained adequate grip on the problem in managing the city’s air quality so far.
Rising Complaints of Air Pollution. Delhi and Rajasthan.
While Delhi faces issues regarding air pollution, similar issues do exist in Rajasthan. It received a minimal 77 complaints of air pollution for the same period. Yet, 66% of the complaints lodged for this reason (51) remain pending against the system of Rajasthan, while the pending ratio is just 38% in Delhi. So, there are issues in both states, including Delhi, which reflects the fact that systems have not been developed even at the state level, particularly for Rajasthan.
The worst performers in redressing complaints related to air pollution in Delhi were DJB and MCD. DJB received 188 complaints and was only able to redress 36% of those, while 64% of them remained unredressed. Likewise, MCD received the maximum number of complaints, 4,353 complaints, but could not redress 47% of the complaints it received-an indication of serious deficiencies in the grievance redressal mechanism for air pollution in the city.
Sameer App Exposes Inefficiencies
Most of these unsolved complaints were made through the Sameer app, which was launched to help citizens report pollution violation and ensure redressal. However, data has shown that the app has failed in its aim since an overwhelming percentage of complaints filed in key hotspots have gone unsolved for months.
The contrary instance would be of Delhi Cantonment Board that dealt with all 10 complaints received during this period. That reveals an urgent need for more co-coordinated action, so it looks toward a smooth and swift system of responding at local authority level in Delhi in terms of effective management of a deteriorating air pollution scenario on this continent.
Air quality in Delhi still not good.
The data from CPCB further underscores the gravity of Delhi’s air quality situation. From January 1 to November 20, 2024, Delhi experienced 124 days when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 201, which places the air quality in the “Very Poor” or “Severe” categories. This represents an increase from the 118 such days recorded during the same period in 2023, highlighting the worsening air quality in the region.
On 24 November 2024, the AQI had worsened to a hazardous level of 318, described as “Severe”. On 26 November also, the air quality remained in the “Very Poor” category, with an AQI value of 343. This level of alarming reading does indicate that the air pollution in the capital city is still significantly harming its inhabitants, resulting in diseases of the respiratory system and other complaints.
High court litigation To intervene in the deteriorating air quality of Delhi, the Supreme Court took further steps in it.
On November 26, 2024, the Court had ordered the Commission for Air Quality Management to reconsider its order directing the closure of the Delhi-NCR schools, which were classes 10 to 12. There was no logic in closing the schools for hazardous air quality posed danger not only to the students themselves but also to the midday meal scheme.
The court emphasized the importance of finding a balanced approach where both the health risks that poor air quality poses and the difficulties caused by school closure are considered.
The Court allowed resumption of physical classes under conditions set in Stage III of GRAP. However, on air quality, the Court had retained the restrictions imposed by Stage IV. The officials were, at the same time directed to be taken to task over failure to implement Stage IV directives.
Urgent need for action
These developments again and again bring to the fore the growing need for stronger and effective action to tackle air pollution in Delhi. The persisting failure to redress citizen complaints of air pollution while the number of hazardous days goes up in the city indicates the presence of a larger problem within the system of pollution management by the city. The inefficacy of redressing citizen’s complaints coupled with the failing enforcement of pollution control measures indicates the challenges the administration faces in curbing the crisis of air pollution. It now becomes more than evident that further worsening of the situation calls for comprehensive and concerted efforts towards checking air pollution. The government needs to take prompt action and steps in the improvement of complaint redressal systems, implementing pollution check more effectively, and punishing officials who are lenient in the enforcement aspect. It, however calls for a proper approach of the Supreme Court while simultaneously reminding one that further efforts have to be made into ensuring the health and well-being of the residents in that community.
Conclusion: In simple words, the data of CPCB reflects a dismal picture regarding the management of air pollution in Delhi and Rajasthan. With thousands of unsettled complaints, it becomes manifest that the existing mechanisms would certainly not be enough to bring an end to this rapidly increasing pollution crisis. And it all requires intervention on the part of the Supreme Court, stating the urgency of policy implementation and its enforcement. It is only with stronger efforts and better coordination among agencies that the government can continue working towards improving air quality, thereby bringing about meaningful change.
Source:Business Standard report based on data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).