Delhi extra buses and metro trips to tackle air pollution

On Friday, November 15, 2024, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, held a press conference to announce new measures aimed at combating the city’s hazardous air pollution levels. In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government is rolling out additional transportation services, including 106 extra cluster buses and 60 more metro trips, as part of the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-3.

With the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently crossing hazardous levels, Delhi’s air quality has been categorized as “severe” for consecutive days. On Friday, the AQI reached a dangerous 411 at 9 a.m., signaling the immediate need for stricter actions.

GRAP-3 Measures and Their Impact on Air Quality

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed GRAP-3 restrictions in Delhi due to the severe pollution levels. These measures are intended to curb emissions and improve air quality by reducing vehicular traffic and industrial pollution. GRAP is divided into four stages based on AQI levels:

• Stage 1: “Poor” AQI (201-300)
• Stage 2: “Very Poor” AQI (301-400)
• Stage 3: “Severe” AQI (401-450)
• Stage 4: “Severe Plus” AQI (above 450)

Under Stage-3 restrictions, several curbs are imposed to address pollution, such as the ban on non-essential construction, demolition activities, and mining in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Measures to Combat Air Pollution

In response to the “severe” air quality, the Delhi government has introduced the following measures to reduce pollution:

• 106 Extra Buses: To make public transportation more accessible, 106 additional cluster buses will be deployed across the city. Forty of these buses will specifically cater to government employees to discourage private vehicle use.
  
  Key routes will include prominent areas like Nehru Place, Rohini, Dwarka, Janakpuri, and Shahdara, ensuring that residents have more options for traveling without resorting to private cars. 
• 60 Extra Metro Trips: To further reduce private car usage and decrease emissions, the Delhi Metro will increase its trips by 60, providing more opportunities for commuters to use clean, efficient transportation.
  
  These additional metro trips aim to reduce overcrowding, encourage more people to use public transport, and ultimately contribute to lowering traffic-related emissions. 

Transport Restrictions and Enforcement

The Delhi government has implemented additional measures to ensure the effectiveness of the GRAP-3 guidelines:

• Ban on Non-CNG Buses: The entry of non-CNG inter-state buses into Delhi has been prohibited. Only electric and CNG-powered buses are allowed to operate within the city. 
• Restriction on Older Vehicles: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are also banned from entering Delhi to reduce pollution from older, more pollutive vehicles. 

To ensure compliance with these restrictions, the transport department has deployed 84 monitoring teams, along with 280 transport police personnel, across the city. Violations will result in fines of Rs. 20,000.

Enhanced Road Cleaning and Anti-Smoking Guns

To further combat pollution, the government has increased road cleaning efforts. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has deployed 65 dust suppression machines across key areas to keep the roads cleaner and reduce particulate matter in the air. Additionally, 200 mobile anti-smog guns are being used in three shifts for water sprinkling on roads, further helping to reduce dust and other pollutants.

Regulation of Construction Activities

To curb construction-related pollution, the Delhi government has restricted non-essential construction and demolition activities. Private construction works have been banned, while public and government construction services continue, as necessary.

The government has also suspended mining-related activities in the NCR area and is closely monitoring compliance with these regulations to ensure the safety and health of the city’s residents.

Public Awareness and Resident Participation

Minister Gopal Rai urged Delhi residents to actively participate in efforts to reduce pollution. He encouraged citizens to adopt practices such as:

• Cycling for Short Distances: Using cycles for shorter trips will help reduce vehicle emissions and improve individual health.
• Public Transport: Relying more on public transport like buses and metro will contribute to cleaner air and less traffic congestion.
• Carpooling: Sharing rides with others will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower overall emissions.
• Work from Home: If possible, working from home can decrease the number of cars on the road and lower pollution levels.

Looking Ahead

While the introduction of 106 extra buses and 60 additional metro trips is a significant step in addressing Delhi’s air pollution problem, it is essential to continue efforts toward long-term solutions. The government must continue implementing stricter emission controls, promoting electric vehicles, and tackling seasonal pollution sources like crop burning in neighboring states.

The comprehensive measures introduced under GRAP-3 will help mitigate the current pollution crisis, but sustained efforts are required to improve air quality year-round. Collaboration between the government, industries, and residents is crucial to ensuring that Delhi becomes a healthier and cleaner city.

In conclusion, the Delhi government’s recent measures to combat air pollution, including the introduction of extra buses and metro trips, demonstrate the city’s commitment to addressing its pollution crisis. These actions not only aim to reduce vehicular emissions but also promote cleaner, more sustainable forms of transportation for residents.