Synopsis
Delhi-NCR is entering the air pollution season with 100 stubble fires already reported in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Promises for zero-stubble count and other pollution measures remain unmet. Key areas like e-bus procurement, EV charging points, and dust mitigation show significant gaps across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
AgenciesEven as Delhi-NCR is just about entering the air pollution season, the number of stubble fires has already touched 100 across the adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Both Punjab and Haryana had promised zero-stubble count for 2024.
There are also several other unkept promises on the air pollution front — from transport linked measures to dust mitigation.
At the latest central government review, it was found that the Delhi government‘s targeted procurement of 2,350 e-buses for 2024 is yet to be met. While 18,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points are to be readied by 2025-26, the current number is only about 4,800. The situation is no better in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
The targeted shift of inter-city bus services to cleaner emission norms — from EV to CNG or BS-VI diesel — also shows gaps. More than half of the 1,006 inter city buses from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and J&K to Delhi are yet to make the clean switch. Similarly, more than 300 inter city buses from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to Delhi are pending transition.
Delhi, which faces high levels of dust which caused PM 10 levels, is yet to green up nearly 200 km of central verges and an equal length of road sides. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are yet to ensure greening of 100 km and 200 km of road sides respectively. While Rajasthan’s NCR adjoining districts need to pave 363 km of road length, Delhi itself is short by 278 km while Haryana has 467 km road length that needs paving, the latest reviews show.
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing is another area found wanting. Against total C&D waste generation of 6,500 TPD, Delhi’s five facilities are able to process no more than 5,100 tonnes per day. Haryana has the capacity to handle just 600 TPD while UP and Rajasthan have reported nil capacity even amid rampant construction activity.
STUBBLE FIRE
It is, however, stubble fire that is of major concern from October to November. In a review held by the principal secretary for the prime minister on Monday, the Haryana government is learnt to have assured that farm fires will stay under 500 in the state this year while Punjab has also promised a vast improvement from last year.
At the review, both state governments are also learnt to have assured that they will adhere to the Supreme Court’s direction to bring in the ‘red entry’ system for farmers/owners who indulge in farm fires.
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