Amid ongoing concerns about air pollution, cities like Delhi are increasingly utilizing drone technology to monitor pollution hotspots and deploy methods like water spraying to mitigate PM2.5 levels. R Subramanian, an air quality expert from the Center for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy in Bangalore, emphasizes the effectiveness of drones in reaching hard-to-access areas such as crowded urban zones and industrial regions. While the drones are successful in identifying pollution sources, Subramanian points out that follow-up actions are crucial. Local authorities need to enforce changes, which may include traffic rerouting or shutting down specific sources of pollution. Another area of importance discussed by Subramanian is the expansion of pollution forecasts; currently, Delhi utilizes the SAFAR air quality dashboard, which offers three-day forecasts. Extending this forecasting system to ten days could enable authorities to take preventative measures in a more timely manner.
Despite potential refinements in Delhi’s pollution-control strategies, experts agree that addressing air quality issues in the region necessitates a broader approach. Satellite imagery from NASA reveals a thick smog that envelops the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain, which spans northern India and into Pakistan. This indicates that pollution issues transcend local and national borders, moving throughout the airshed of the plain. As R Subramanian puts it, “Efforts to address it must go beyond Delhi,” advocating for a more holistic strategy as a necessary step for effective pollution management. Collaboration across regions will be essential in tackling the overwhelming challenge of air quality, underlining that localized solutions may be futile.
Sagnik Dey, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, recognizes the significance of satellite data in transforming the focus from localized or city-centered pollution strategies to regional approaches. This shift aligns with India’s National Clean Air Programme, aiming to tackle pollution on a larger scale. Dey asserts that satellite technology enhances visibility into pollution levels throughout the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes rural areas that contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly due to practices like biomass burning. These advancements in monitoring pollution can help policymakers understand the comprehensive landscape of air quality across the region, stressing the need for a coordinated response that incorporates rural areas alongside urban centers.
Subramanian proposes that satellite monitoring should extend further to include emissions tracking, specifically methane from industrial facilities. Identifying super emitters through this technology could lead to targeted interventions and regulation, thereby enhancing overall air quality management. Additionally, implementing on-the-ground remote sensing of vehicles to assess emissions from individual cars could substantially improve local oversight, allowing authorities to identify faulty vehicles that require repair or replacement. These measures would bolster evidence-based decision-making in policy creation, which is crucial for improving air quality.
While advancements in pollution control technologies exist, experts believe that without strong political will, Delhi’s air quality situation is unlikely to see substantial improvement in the forthcoming years. Factors including rising energy demands, accelerated urbanization, and industrial growth will exacerbate pollution levels, particularly when the most heavily polluting sectors—thermal power generation, steel production, and transportation—remain inadequately regulated. Chanchal, one of the experts cited, expresses that there is already a wealth of scientific knowledge and practical solutions available; what is lacking is the political will to enforce these measures effectively.
In conclusion, the urgency to address air pollution in Delhi extends beyond local interventions. A multidimensional approach that leverages advanced monitoring technologies, encourages regional collaboration, and prioritizes political commitment is essential for meaningful progress. As pollution knows no boundaries within the Indo-Gangetic Plain, a united effort that embraces both urban and rural stakeholders as part of the solution will be critical. Only through decisive action on various levels can the detrimental impacts of air pollution be effectively mitigated, safeguarding public health and the environment for future generations.
