Delhi and Punjab governments should be blamed for toxic haze and choked skies

In the movie Blade Runner 2049, there’s a powerful scene that encapsulates the bleak future of a world ravaged by environmental decay. The protagonist, K, finds himself in a landscape where the air is so polluted that people are forced to buy canned oxygen just to breathe. This dystopian portrayal, while fictional, echoes a chilling possibility if air pollution continues unchecked. This grim scenario isn’t just a figment of cinematic imagination, it is soon going to be a reality of the government of NCT of Delhi simply ignores it responsibility towards residents of Delhi. During the winter months, the Indian capital is frequently enveloped in a dangerous smog, with air pollution levels often exceeding hazardous thresholds. This poses a significant health threat to its residents.

Air pollution, a silent killer, insidiously takes a toll on the human body. It is like an unseen enemy, infiltrating our defenses and wreaking havoc. Furthermore, fine particulate matter, often found in polluted air, can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially causing cardiovascular problems, strokes, and even premature death. A Lancet Study found that global average urban PM2·5 concentration in 2019 was 35 μg/m3, which is over three times the WHO 2005 guideline for annual average PM2·5 (10 μg/m3), resulting in 45 to 77 (95% CI) premature deaths per 100 000 people. Tragically, Delhi’s situation is even more dire than this global average. On the 2nd of November 2023, at precisely 4 pm, the PM 2.5 levels recorded in RK Puram reached an almost inconceivable 472 μg/m3. Air Quality Index in Anand Vihar touched 999.

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The situation in Delhi is catastrophic. The Delhi government’s inability to handle the smog issue has let down its residents. Their efforts to combat the smog problem have proven insufficient. However, the Punjab government should also share the blame. Stubble burning in Punjab is a significant cause of this problem. NASA’s Worldview satellite indicates a staggering 740% rise in stubble burning in Punjab after a notably clear October. The peak was marked by 1,068 farm fires on a single day this harvest season. Data from October 26 shows a substantial surge compared to the previous day. The image from NASA’s Worldview vividly captures the extensive stubble burning in Punjab. Dated 1st November 2023, the numerous red dots blanketing Punjab depict a concerning scenario. The resulting smog has densely shrouded Delhi.

Farmers often resort to stubble burning because it is a quick and cheap way to clear fields for the next crop. The government has tried to incentivise farmers by offering subsidies on machines to manage stubble, but these efforts have not been enough to dissuade farmers from burning crop residue 2. Moreover, there is a lack of infrastructure and investment in alternative methods of managing crop residue such as using it as fuel or compost.

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There are various other factors involved. The initiatives to equip farmers with in-situ farming tools haven’t been as effective as anticipated. Farmers are apprehensive about the potential decline in their crop output and the expenses linked to these tools.

Many farmers prefer ex-situ crop residue management, which doesn’t affect their farmland and can potentially provide an additional source of income. However, there are several challenges associated with this approach, including the lack of necessary equipment, inadequate storage infrastructure, and the high costs of biomass delivery.

A solution to these issues could be to attract private investments using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. This might improve the biomass supply chain and establish the required infrastructure for its utilisation. However, a state like Punjab, known for providing freebies, might struggle to allocate funds for initiatives aimed at reducing smog in Delhi. Consequently, both the Delhi and Punjab governments appear to be looking for reasons to cover up their shortcomings.

Recently, one of the prominent ministers in Delhi government said that the Delhi government doesn’t have data on source of pollution. The situation involving Delhi minister and the minister’s contrasting statements over the years about the sources of air pollution in Delhi is reminiscent of a classic tale of hypocrisy, akin to themes found in notable literature and movies. An appropriate anecdote that echoes this scenario is from George Orwell’s renowned novel, Animal Farm.”

In Animal Farm, the pigs, who initially champion equality and the rights of all animals, gradually become indistinguishable from the very humans they overthrew. One of the most significant moments of hypocrisy is when the pigs, who initially had the commandment “All animals are equal,” subtly change it to “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This shift mirrors their transition from leaders fighting for a common cause to rulers who indulge in the same oppressive practices they once stood against.

Relating this to Delhi Minister’s case, the shifting stance on the causes of pollution in Delhi is akin to the changing commandments in Animal Farm. Three years ago, when the AAP did not hold power in Punjab, the minister was clear and vocal about the role of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana in contributing to Delhi’s air pollution, even citing data to support these claims. However, now that AAP is in power in Punjab, the minister’s statements reflect uncertainty about the major sources of pollution, and suddenly lack of data is the reason for Delhi Government’s failure to deal with this issue.

This change in stance, influenced perhaps by political convenience, echoes the hypocrisy highlighted in Orwell’s narrative. It demonstrates a classic lesson in hypocrisy: the alteration of principles or positions when they no longer serve one’s immediate interests or when they become politically uncomfortable.

The distressing situation unfolding in Delhi, with its choking smog and air pollution, is undoubtedly heartbreaking. Yet, paradoxically, this very crisis could be the perfect material for an impactful screenplay. Picture the satirical drama, ‘Breathless: The Smog Saga’, which paints Delhi’s perpetual smog crisis as a never-ending saga, artfully reflecting the grim reality. It humorously portrays Delhi’s Chief Minister, grappling with ineffective solutions like the odd-even scheme, while Punjab’s Chief Minister, clings to archaic crop burning practices. Amidst this chaos, the common man, perpetually donning a mask, narrates this political farce. The film cleverly criticises through sequences of blame-shifting on TV debates and unproductive international conventions. It reaches a peak when children, the silent sufferers, catalyze a moment of reckoning for the leaders. However, it closes on a warning tone: unless there’s a fundamental shift, this tale of smog is doomed to be retold, year after year.

The author is Officer on Special Duty, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. Tweets @adityasinha004. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

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