In December last year, articles on why pollution levels in the National Capital spike every winter dominated newspapers. Farmers burning stubble in their fields at the end of the harvest season was cited as the main culprit. Then there were the brick kilns spewing smoke into the air and vehicular emissions adding to the pollution. But how does one explain the pall of dust over Delhi this summer that has not only reduced visibility but has resulted in particulate matter (PM) levels shooting to over eight times the normal range?

Dust storms originating from Rajasthan and wind direction have been cited as the cause of the unusual discomfort that citizens are currently being forced to live with. According to the Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board, if the PM levels continue at present levels, emergency measures will have to be soon initiated and all construction activity stopped. Already, the Delhi government has been directed to carry out water sprinkling to bring down the PM levels. While movement of dust from Rajasthan is one source that needs to be addressed, environmentalists point out that other long-term actions are urgently required to protect our cities. SN Tripathi, department of civil engineering, IIT Kanpur, has been quoted in the media as saying that “modelling and measurements to evaluate the exact sources” of the dust particles are necessary. Local sources, he feels, may also be adding to the PM levels.

Very clearly, the current crisis is not just about dust from a neighbouring State. Experts believe that cities like Delhi require a green belt around it to reduce pollution levels. But greening open spaces or reforestation of land largely remain as concepts that are dusted and discussed each time pollution hits emergency levels. Our city planners need to do better than that. Right now, immediate measures need to be taken to effectively deal with the problem. However, it is long-term planning that is essential.

Preeti MehraEditorial Consultant

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