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Efforts to combat air pollution in megacities like Delhi often centre on industrial regulations, stringent vehicle emission norms, or grand environmental policies. However, a groundbreaking study conducted by IIT Delhi has highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of urban life that contributes significantly to pollution—poor civic infrastructure. The research reveals that targeting fundamental, day-to-day civic issues—such as fixing broken footpaths, repairing unpaved roads, and improving waste management—can substantially reduce particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in the capital.
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for policymakers and urban planners, suggesting that simple fixes can play an outsized role in reducing urban air pollution and enhancing residents’ health and quality of life.
Hyperlocal Interventions Lead to Big Wins
The IIT Delhi study, titled “The Impact of the Dispersed Sources Program on Local Air Quality,” focused on three pollution hotspots in Delhi: Jahangirpuri, Rohini, and Karol Bagh. These areas, which frequently record some of the highest PM2.5 levels—a dangerous pollutant with grave health consequences—experienced noticeable improvements in air quality once local civic problems were addressed. The study tracked a significant reduction in PM2.5 levels, with Jahangirpuri achieving a 26.6% reduction, Rohini a 15.7% drop, and Karol Bagh a 15.3% decrease.
These improvements are achievable. PM2.5 particles, tiny enough to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, are linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and premature death. While national and state-level interventions often get the spotlight, this study demonstrates how hyperlocal interventions—like fixing roads and improving garbage collection—can profoundly and directly impact air quality.
These results are backed by other global studies emphasising the importance of localised actions in combating air pollution. The research underscores that addressing civic issues doesn’t just improve infrastructure; it directly contributes to public health.
Garbage Management: A Hidden Factor in Pollution Control
One of the most surprising revelations from the IIT Delhi study is the significant role of effective garbage management in reducing pollution. Unregulated garbage dumping and burning contribute immensely to the city’s air pollution crisis. Open waste burning, a common sight in many parts of Delhi, releases dangerous toxins and particulate matter into the air, worsening the problem during high-pollution seasons, such as winter.
The study showed that PM2.5 pollution in urban areas could be reduced by as much as 26% by improving garbage collection, monitoring illegal dumping, and promoting proper waste disposal. This finding aligns with a 2023 report by the Centre for Science and Environment, which stressed that poorly managed waste contributes disproportionately to urban air pollution.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, cities across India generate over 62 million tonnes of waste annually. If adequate waste segregation, recycling, and disposal practices were rigorously followed, urban air quality would likely improve significantly. This insight makes a compelling case for more vigorous enforcement of waste management policies in cities like Delhi.
Pothole Repair: More Than Just a Comfort Factor
Fixing potholes and broken footpaths may seem like a minor task with negligible environmental benefits, but the IIT Delhi study shows otherwise. According to the research, unpaved roads and dilapidated footpaths contribute heavily to dust emissions, a significant source of PM2.5 pollution. Dust stirred up by vehicular movement on damaged roads significantly worsens air quality in urban areas, especially during dry months. The research highlighted that maintaining roads and footpaths could drastically reduce dust and particulate pollution.
The concept of repairing urban infrastructure to combat pollution has been introduced previously. Studies from other densely populated Indian cities, including Mumbai and Chennai, have shown that consistent road maintenance can result in lower pollution levels and better public health outcomes. However, this is the first time such a significant effect has been quantified in Delhi, offering a replicable model for other urban centres battling poor air quality.
A Scalable Model for Other Cities
The findings from IIT Delhi’s research offer a scalable model that could be applied across other Indian cities facing similar air quality challenges. The Dispersed Sources Program (DSP), under which this study was conducted, focuses on improving local civic infrastructure to combat dispersed sources of pollution. Urban local bodies in states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have already shown interest in adopting similar strategies, which could lead to broader improvements in urban air quality across India. This potential for change should inspire hope in the audience.
Moreover, air pollution in India is a problem that can be addressed. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), more than 1.6 million deaths in India yearly are attributable to air pollution. These deaths are primarily linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, made worse by high levels of PM2.5 and other pollutants. The situation’s urgency demands immediate and scalable solutions, and IIT Delhi’s research provides a promising roadmap for achieving both.
By addressing everyday civic issues, cities can make meaningful progress toward improving air quality and protecting public health. This study reminds us that solutions to India’s air pollution crisis may be found in the most ordinary places, from the quality of our roads to the management of our waste.
References:
https://www.cseindia.org/air-quality-tracker-initiative-2022-23-reports-11737
https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/india-solid-waste-management
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