Lok Sabha Question No. 166 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-03
Subject: Increasing Pollution in Delhi
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: Shri Benny Behanan, Smt. Lovely Anand, Shri Ramprit Mandal, Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 166

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2025

## Increasing Pollution in Delhi

166 SHRI BENNY BEHANAN: SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL: SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV: SMT. LOVELY ANAND:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  air  pollution  levels  have  reached  alarming  heights  in  the  National  Capital Territory of Delhi and surrounding areas, if so, the steps taken by the Government to tackle this situation.
- (b) whether the Government is holding consultations with experts regarding the reasons for this dangerous situation and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has assessed the effectiveness of existing air pollution control measures, if so, the details in this regard; and;
- (d) the details of steps taken by the Government to enhance collaboration among States to address cross-border pollution, due to stubble burning?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

## (a) to (d)

Air pollution in Delhi - National Capital Region (NCR) 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 stubble burning and firecrackers.

With a view to abate and control air pollution in Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR  and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)  has issued a sector specific comprehensive Policy  to  Curb  Air  Pollution  in  the  National  Capital  Region  in  July,  2022. Further, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is imposed during the winter months when AQI deteriorates due to unfavorable climatic and meteorological conditions.

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.  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.

Regular review meetings are held with Government of Delhi, other neighbouring NCR States including  Punjab,  their  agencies,  Commission  for  Air  Quality  Management  in  NCR  and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) and Central Pollution Control board (CPCB). The progress is also periodically monitored with the concerned agencies/Departments of GNCTD and NCR States by  CAQM  and  its  Sub-Committee  on  Safeguarding  and  Enforcements,  through  review meetings and seeking reports from the various agencies concerned.

An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted in December, 2023 by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare for monitoring implementation of various schemes/Initiatives supporting  management of paddy straw in a  convergent and synergistic manner. The IMC holds regular meetings with State Governments for effective monitoring and prevention of stubble burning incidents in these states.

Various  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  reduce  Air  Pollution  in  Delhi-NCR  from different sources, are enclosed as Annexure I .

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

## 1. Air Quality Monitoring and Network:

-  Ambient Air Quality Network: The country has a network of 1524 ambient air quality monitoring stations (558 continuous and 966 manual) covering 550 cities in the country including Delhi and NCR cities.
-  A centralized air quality monitoring portal is operated by CPCB wherein, tracking of various  information  such  as  hourly  PM  concentrations,  Live  Air  Quality  Data  of Monitoring stations and Live Air Quality Index is being carried out.
-  Daily AQI Bulletin is published on CPCB website as well as social media platforms giving  AQI  information  for  cities  across  India.  Various  campaigns  as  well  as informative  posts  related  to  air  pollution,  firecrackers,  vehicular  pollution,  stubble burning, sustainable lifestyle, etc. are also posted regularly on social media platforms.
-  CPCB issues a daily report comprising of AQI of Delhi and NCR towns, comparative AQI  status,  year-wise  trends  of  PM  concentration,  hotspots  for  the  day,  stubble burning  cases,  contribution  of  stubble  burning  and  meteorological  forecast.  This report is prepared based on the inputs available from various sources such as IMD, SAFAR, IARI, etc., and disseminated through CPCB website.

## 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 which was notified by MoEF&CC in January 2017 on recommendation of CPCB for implementation. A comprehensive review of actions listed under GRAP was carried out by CPCB in 2020 based on actions taken and improvement observed in air quality in recent years. Based on the inputs given by CPCB, the revised GRAP was published by CAQM 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 Delhi-NCR:
-  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 to 2024-25 (till 15.11.2024), a total of Rs. 3623.45 crores have been  released  (Punjab  -  Rs.  1681.45  crores,  Haryana  -  Rs.  1081.71  crores,  Uttar Pradesh - Rs. 763.67 crores, NCT of Delhi - Rs. 6.05 Crores and ICAR-Rs. 83.35 crores). The states have distributed more than 3.00 lakh 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.

-  Based on the deliberations and discussions held in series of meetings with the State Governments of Punjab, Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, Government of NCT of Delhi, State Pollution  Control  Boards  of  NCR  States  and  Delhi  Pollution  Control  Committee (DPCC) and various other stakeholders viz. ISRO, ICAR, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), CAQM has provided a Framework to the states concerned for control /  elimination  of  crop  residue  burning  and  directed  these  to  draw  up  detailed  statespecific action plans based on the major contours of the framework.
-  An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Special Secretary, MoAFW for convergence of scheme of Schemes/Initiatives supporting Exsitu management of paddy straw.
-  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.
-  Directions  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.
-  Based on the framework advised by CAQM through Direction dated 10.06.2021 to the concerned  State  Governments  of  Punjab,  Haryana,  Uttar  Pradesh,  Rajasthan  and Government  of NCT of Delhi  to  prepare  state  specific  detailed,  monitorable  action plans  based  on  learnings  from  the  years  2021,  2022  and  2023.  Action  plans  were reviewed, updated and finalised by the all concerned State Governments for the year 2024. Accordingly, a statutory direction for strict implementation of the framework and revised action plan for prevention and control of paddy stubble burning during the year 2024, to eliminate the practice through strict enforcement was issued to the respective States on 12.04.2024.
-  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. In case of setting up of palletisation plant, Rs. 28 lakhs per tonne per hour (TPH), or 40% of the capital cost considered for plant and machinery of a 01 TPH plant, whichever is lower, is provided as one-time financial assistance with a maximum total financial support of Rs. 1.4 crore per proposal. In case of setting up of torrefaction plants, Rs. 56 lakhs per TPH, or 40% of the capital cost considered for plant and machinery of a 01 TPH plant, whichever is lower, is provided as one-time financial assistance with a maximum total financial support of Rs. 2.8 crore per proposal.
-  A total  of  17  applications  for  establishment  of  pelletization  and  Torrefaction  plants under the above mentioned CPCB Guidelines have been sanctioned so far, out of which 02 plants are not coming up. Pellet production capacity of 15 sanctioned plants is 2.07 lakh tonne/annum. These plants are expected to utilize 2.70 lakh tonne 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. A total of 3003 out of 4608 brick kilns have converted to zig-zag technology including 1762 kilns in Haryana, 1024 kilns in U.P. and 217 kilns in Rajasthan. Brick kilns not converted to zig-zag technology are not permitted to operate.
-  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. Out of 7759 fuel based industries in NCR, 7449 have been shifted to approved fuels, with the balance 310 industries under closure.
-  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.
8. 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.

## 9. Others:

-  2.07 crore trees planted in Delhi-NCR states under the campaign ' Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam ' (2.06 lakh trees in Delhi, 61 lakh trees in Haryana, 1.11 crore trees in UP and 32.9 lakh trees in Rajasthan).

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