Lok Sabha Question No. 3886 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Measures to curb Air Pollution in Tourism Industry
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sukhdeo Bhagat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3886

## ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## MEASURES TO CURB AIR POLLUTION IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

## 3886. SHRI SUKHDEO BHAGAT:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken Cognizance of the recent article in which the New Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to 1700 parts per million air particles, whereas the World Health Organization considers anything over 50 to be unhealthy;
- (b) whether  hazardous  air  pollution  has  deterred  foreign  tourists, leading to an estimated annual loss of $2.6 billion in tourism revenue despite investments in smog towers and drones to combat pollution, the  situation remains  dire,  with  ineffective  pollution controls exacerbating the crisis; and
- (c) the details of immediate and effective measures implemented by the Government to address this critical issue and restore confidence among international travelers?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM        (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c): As informed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Air  pollution  in  Delhi  is  a  collective  result  of  multiple  factors including  high  level  of  anthropogenic  activities  in  the  high-density populated  areas  in  NCR,  arising  from  various  sectors  viz.  Vehicular Pollution,  Industrial  Pollution,  Dust  from  Construction  &  Demolition Project activities, Road and Open Areas Dust, Biomass Burning, Municipal Solid  Waste  burning,  Fires  in  Landfills,  air  pollution  from  dispersed sources, etc.

During post-monsoon and winter months, lower temperature, lower mixing heights, inversion conditions and stagnant winds lead to trapping of the pollutants  resulting  in  high  pollution  in  the  region.  This  is  further aggravated due to the emissions from episodic events like firecrackers and stubble burning in NCR States.

Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand. It transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature and colour.

The web-based system is designed to provide AQI on real time basis. It is an  automated  system  that  captures  data  from  continuous  monitoring stations without human intervention, and displays AQI based on running average  values.  For  manual  monitoring  stations,  an  AQI  calculator  is developed wherein data can be fed manually to get AQI value.

The AQI values ranges from 0 to 500. There are six AQI categories, namely Good,  Satisfactory,  Moderately  polluted,  Poor,  Very  Poor,  and  Severe which are mentioned below:

| AQI Categories   | AQI value   |
|------------------|-------------|
| Good             | 0 - 50      |
| Satisfactory     | 51-100      |
| Moderate         | 101-200     |
| Poor             | 201-300     |
| Very Poor        | 301-400     |
| Severe           | >400        |

Various initiatives have been taken for control of pollution from different sources (transport, C&D activities, industries etc.) in Delhi-NCR, which has resulted in overall improvement in air quality. However, effectiveness of  each  of  these  actions  can't  be  evaluated  in  absolute  terms  as meteorological parameters like wind speed and mixing height which are variable  factors  also  play  crucial  role  in  governing  overall  air  quality. Various  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  reduce  Air  Pollution  in Delhi-NCR from different sources, are enclosed as Annexure-I.

Due to the concerted efforts made  by all stakeholders, gradual improvement has been observed in Delhi air quality. The number of days of  Good-Moderate  Air  Quality  Index  (AQI)  categories  has  increased  to more than 200 for consecutive two years i.e. 2023 and 2024 in comparison of 110 days in 2016. Further, 2024 has recorded maximum number of days (209) in Good-Moderate AQI categories since 2016, except for COVID year 2020.  The  details  of  AQI  of  Delhi  from  2016-2024  are  enclosed  as Annexure-II.

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## ANNEXURE-I

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3886 ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025 REGARDING MEASURES TO  CURB  AIR  POLLUTION  IN  TOURISM  INDUSTRY  RAISED  BY  SHRI SUKHDEO BHAGAT

Steps taken by the Government for abatement of Air Pollution in Delhi NCR:

## 1. National Clean Air Programme:

- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been launched by Ministry of  Environment,  Forest  and  Climate  Change  (MoEFCC)  in  January 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in 130 cities (non-attainment cities and  Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by engaging  all stakeholders.
- There are total 06 Non-attainment cites (NACs) in Delhi NCR, out of which 03 cities -Delhi, Alwar and Noida are funded under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and 03 cities- Ghaziabad, Meerut and Faridabad are funded under Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC).
- City Action Plans for improvement in air quality have been rolled out for implementation in all the 06 identified cities in Delhi NCR.
2. Regulatory Actions in Delhi-NCR:
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was formulated for Delhi-NCR to tackle the issue of sudden rise in air pollution levels. The revised GRAP  was  published  by  CAQM  in  December  2024  and  further directions  were  issued  for  its  implementation.  Actions  listed  for different AQI levels under GRAP are invoked from time to time by a sub-committee constituted by CAQM.
- For air pollution  abatement  and  control  in  Delhi  /  NCR,  the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has devised a comprehensive policy for air pollution abatement in NCR in July 2022, stipulating sector-specific action points quantifying targets along with timelines and implementation plan by various  agencies  in  NCR  States.  The  policy  framework  details sector-wise  interventions,  quantified  targets  and  timelines  for various sectors contributing to air pollution.
- Directions prescribing measures for control of pollution from various sources such as implementation of RECD system/ dual fuel kits in DG sets, use of cleaner fuels in industries, shift to EV/ CNG/ BS VI diesel
- fuel in transport sector, implementation of dust control measures at C&D sites etc., have been issued by CAQM. Further, policy to curb air pollution in NCR has also been formulated.
3. Measures  for  control  of  emissions  from  Stubble  Burning  in  DelhiNCR:
- Ministry  of  Agriculture  &  Farmers  Welfare  (MoA&FW)  in  2018 launched scheme for providing subsidy for purchase of crop residue management machinery and establishment of custom hiring centres (CHCs) in NCT of Delhi and the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for in-situ management of paddy straw. During the period from 2018-19 to 2024-25 (as on 28.02.2025), Rs. 3698.45 crores have been released by MoA&FW (Punjab - Rs. 1756.45 crores, Haryana Rs. 1081.71 crores, Uttar Pradesh - Rs. 763.67 crores, NCT of Delhi Rs. 6.05 Crores, ICAR- Rs. 83.35 crores & others Rs. 7.22 Crores). The states have distributed more than 3.00 lakhs machines to the individual farmers and to more than 40000 CHCs in these 4 States, which also include more than 4500 Balers & Rakes which are used for  collection  of  straw  in  the  form  of  bales  for  further  ex-situ utilization. MoA&FW in 2023 revised guidelines under the scheme to support establishment of crop residue/paddy straw supply chain, by providing financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery and equipment.
- An  Inter-Ministerial  Committee  has  been  constituted  under  the chairmanship  of  Special  Secretary,  MoA&FW  for  convergence  of scheme of  Schemes/Initiatives  supporting  Ex-situ  management  of paddy straw.
- CAQM has provided a Framework to the states concerned for control / elimination of crop residue burning and directed these to draw up detailed state-specific action plans based on the major contours of the framework. Directions have also been issued by CAQM to State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to strictly and effectively implement revised action plan to eliminate and control stubble burning.
- CAQM has issued directions permitting use of PNG or biomass as industrial fuel in NCR except Delhi where only PNG is permitted as industrial fuel. CAQM has also issued directions for co-firing of 5-10% biomass with coal in thermal power plants located within 300 kms of Delhi, and, in captive power plants of industrial units located in NCR.
- Central  Pollution  Control  Board  (CPCB)  has  framed  Guidelines  for grant  of  one-time  financial  support  under  Environment  Protection
- Charge  funds  for  establishment  of  pelletization  and  Torrefaction plants to promote utilisation of paddy straw. So far, 15 plants have been sanctioned with utilization capacity of 2.7 lakh tonnes of paddy straw per annum.
- During  stubble  burning  season  of  2023  (10.11.23  onwards),  33 scientists  of  CPCB  were  deployed  as  flying  squads  for  assisting CAQM in NCR and adjoining areas for intensifying monitoring and enforcement actions towards prevention of paddy stubble burning incidents in 22 districts of Punjab and 11 districts of Haryana. The flying  squads  coordinated  with  state  govt/nodal  officers/officers from respective districts and sent their daily report to CAQM.
- CPCB  has  deployed  26  teams  (in  16  districts  of  Punjab  and  10 districts  of  Haryana)  for  the  period  01 st October  -  30 th   November, 2024  to  intensify  monitoring  and  enforcement  actions  regarding stubble  burning.  These  teams  are  coordinating  with  concerned authorities/ officers deployed at the district level by the State Govt. and reporting to CAQM.
- MoA&FW  had  deputed  31  Central  Teams,  which  have  conducted Quality Survey work w.e.f. 1-15 th  September, 2024 in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and the Teams had visited 275 manufacturers  and  conducted  quality  audit  of  910  agricultural machines.  Further,  10  Central  Teams  have  conducted  survey  on utilization of machines in States of Punjab and Haryana during 15 th October  -  31 st   October  2024.  A  Team  comprising  members  from DA&FW, CAQM and ICAR and other stakeholders had visited to the State of Punjab to witness the activities of paddy straw management on 14 th  November, 2024.

## 4. Measures for control of vehicular emissions:

- Directions issued by CAQM to Government of NCT of Delhi and State Governments of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for migration of  public  transport  services,  especially  buses  in  NCR  to  cleaner modes. All state govt. bus services between Delhi and any city/town in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to be operated only through EV /CNG/BS-VI diesel w.e.f. 01.11.2023.
- Installation  of  VRS  system  at  3256  petrol  pumps  in  Delhi-NCR  in compliance with orders of Hon'ble Supreme Court and Hon'ble NGT.
5. Measures for control of industrial emission:
- Installation  of  Online  Continuous  Emission  Monitoring  System (OCEMS) in red category air polluting industries in Delhi-NCR
- Industrial  units  in  Delhi  have  shifted  to  PNG/cleaner  fuels  and, operational units in NCR have shifted to PNG/Biomass.
- Directions issued for conversion of brick kilns to zig-zag technology in Delhi and NCR. Brick kilns not converted to zig-zag technology are not permitted to operate in Delhi-NCR.
- In order to control DG set emissions, CPCB also provides funds for retrofitment/ upgradation of DG sets in Govt. hospitals in Delhi-NCR and guidelines have been issued in this regard.
- Ban on use of pet coke and furnace oil as fuel in NCR States since October 24, 2017.
- An  approved  fuel  list  is  in  force  in  Delhi-NCR  w.e.f.  01.01.2023. Industries operating on only PNG or biomass are permitted in NCR, except for specific requirement of other fuels by specific industries owing  to  technical,  technological  and  process  requirements.  The industries  not  operating  on  approved  fuels  are  not  allowed  to operate in Delhi-NCR.
- Stringent PM emission norms for biomass based boilers have been prescribed for compliance in NCR.
6. Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste:
- Directions issued to DPCC and NCR SPCBs to enforce installation of anti-smog guns and other dust control measures at C&D sites.
- Directions issued for setting up of a 'Dust Control and Management Cell' by road owning/ maintaining/ construction agencies  for monitoring and effective implementation of dust control measures in the NCR.
- Online monitoring mechanism (through web portal) introduced for monitoring compliance of dust mitigation measures for construction sites.
7. Close Monitoring & Ground level implementation in Delhi-NCR:
- 40  teams  have  been  deputed  by  CPCB  since  December  2021,  to assist CAQM, for conducting incognito inspections of air polluting industries, C&D sites, DG sets in Delhi-NCR to check implementation status  of  pollution  control  measures  and  compliance  of  other provisions of the Air (P&CP) Act,1981.

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Annexure-II

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3886 ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025  REGARDING  MEASURES  TO  CURB  AIR  POLLUTION  IN  TOURISM  INDUSTRY  RAISED  BY  SHRI SUKHDEO BHAGAT

Comparative Status of AQI- Delhi from 01 January to 31 December, 2016-2024

| Category                | Year                    |   2016 | 2017    |   2018 |   2019 |   2020 | 2021   |   2022 |   2023 |   2024 | 2016 2017   | 2018   | 2019   | 2020   | 2021   | 2022   | 2023   | 2024   |
|-------------------------|-------------------------|--------|---------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|-------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| Category                | No. of days             |    354 | 365 365 |    365 |    366 |    365 |        |    365 |    365 |    366 |             |        |        |        |        |        |        |        |
|                         | 50)                     |      0 | 2       |      0 |      2 |      5 | 1      |      3 |      1 |      0 |             |        |        |        |        |        |        |        |
| Satisfactory (51 - 100) | Satisfactory (51 - 100) |     24 | 45      |     53 |     59 |     95 | 72     |     65 |     60 |     66 | 110 152     | 159    | 182    | 227    | 197    | 163    | 206    | 209    |
| Moderate (101 - 200)    | Moderate (101 - 200)    |     86 | 105     |    106 |    121 |    127 | 124    |     95 |    145 |    143 |             |        |        |        |        |        |        |        |
| Poor (201 - 300)        | Poor (201 - 300)        |    120 | 115     |    114 |    103 |     75 | 80     |    130 |     77 |     70 |             |        |        |        |        |        |        |        |
| Very Poor (301 - 400)   | Very Poor (301 - 400)   |     99 | 89      |     72 |     56 |     49 | 64     |     66 |     67 |     70 | 244 213     | 206    | 183    | 139    | 168    | 202    | 159    | 157    |
| Severe (>401)           | Severe (>401)           |     25 | 9       |     20 |     24 |     15 | 24     |      6 |     15 |     17 |             |        |        |        |        |        |        |        |

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