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Saturday, November 3, 2018
Friday, November 2, 2018
That time of the year By Sunita Narain
That time of the year
By Sunita Narain
The time of the toxic air is here again, and where do we stand with our clean-up actions?
Smell the air and you will know what I am talking about. The fact is that this year, more than ever before, there is public awareness about why toxic air matters. Nobody denies the problem—and this is not a small change. The fact is that even till last year, there was mummer, stutter, and statements to say that people do not die from air pollution. I say this because we have had to challenge these positions in courts and outside.
It is also a fact that even though health impacts are shouted about, there is still only “little” more appetite for action. This is not to say that things are not happening; but that whatever happens, happens after a protracted fight. Every solution is contested with the view that this only constitutes a small part of the problem—the 1 percent problem-as I have written earlier. There is also no desire to push the boundaries so that the action matches the scale and urgency of the public health crisis.
So, what has happened and what needs to be done. First, let’s sort out some basic facts. Delhi has its own sources of pollution, which need to be addressed and reduced. The reason that pollution peaks in winter is not only because of the farmers in Punjab and Haryana who burn crop stubble at this time. Pollution is worse in winter because of adverse weather conditions, which lead to inversion (cold air settles); moisture (traps the pollutants) and poor wind (does not allow for dispersion). This is why even though the sources of pollution remain constant throughout the year, the level of pollution peaks in winter.
Second, certain things are now done and must not be dusted. This year, there is a comprehensive action plan for pollution control in the National Capital Region (NCR). The plan handles all sources of pollution; has deadlines and agencies with responsibilities. Now let’s get on with it. We also have evidence about what is causing pollution; so again, we don’t need to spend time blaming the “other”. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES) has just released its emission inventory-pollutants and sources-for Delhi and its neighbouring areas. It establishes what we knew, that vehicles are the main cause of pollution in the city and NCR-contributing over 40 percent.
In the vehicle segment, heavy commercial vehicles (trucks) and commercial/personal vehicles like taxis are the major polluting source. It points to the fact that taxis (Ola, Uber etc.) travel 400 km/day, as against personal cars (55 km/day). It is a saving grace that these vehicles are fuelled on compressed natural gas and not diesel. But even with cleaner fuel, their net contribution is high. This requires to restrain on the trucks entering Delhi and on ensuring that there is a reduction in overall personal vehicles and that even taxi use is controlled through augmented bus and metro services. It also means that paratransit (like taxis and auto rickshaws) must use the cleanest fuel and technology as the miles traveled are the highest and so is their pollution potential. All this is known. We need action, now.
The other source, which has increased by a staggering 48 per cent between 2010 and 2018 is industry. This is because this part of the world has thousands of small industrial units, all previously using pet coke and now coal. After months of bitter wrangling in court, pet coke use in this region is banned. But it is allowed for industries that use it as feedstock and was allowed through imports without any license. Now, again, after much delay, there is a ban on the import of pet coke. Also there are standards for sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) for these industries. This took over six months of protracted arguments in court. But now that the standards have been issued, there is little or no enforcement. This is what needs to be changed.
But there is some good news. The MOES report finds that emissions from residential sector have reduced by half from 2010 to 2018. This is because of the increased penetration of LPG even in the poorer areas of the city. This means that something can be done. It will show up in the atmosphere. We will breathe better and cleaner air. This is where our efforts have to be deployed. This is where we must stay focused. Till next winter. With better news.
By Sunita Narain
Smell the air and you will know what I am talking about. The fact is that this year, more than ever before, there is public awareness about why toxic air matters. Nobody denies the problem—and this is not a small change. The fact is that even till last year, there was mummer, stutter, and statements to say that people do not die from air pollution. I say this because we have had to challenge these positions in courts and outside.
It is also a fact that even though health impacts are shouted about, there is still only “little” more appetite for action. This is not to say that things are not happening; but that whatever happens, happens after a protracted fight. Every solution is contested with the view that this only constitutes a small part of the problem—the 1 percent problem-as I have written earlier. There is also no desire to push the boundaries so that the action matches the scale and urgency of the public health crisis.
So, what has happened and what needs to be done. First, let’s sort out some basic facts. Delhi has its own sources of pollution, which need to be addressed and reduced. The reason that pollution peaks in winter is not only because of the farmers in Punjab and Haryana who burn crop stubble at this time. Pollution is worse in winter because of adverse weather conditions, which lead to inversion (cold air settles); moisture (traps the pollutants) and poor wind (does not allow for dispersion). This is why even though the sources of pollution remain constant throughout the year, the level of pollution peaks in winter.
Second, certain things are now done and must not be dusted. This year, there is a comprehensive action plan for pollution control in the National Capital Region (NCR). The plan handles all sources of pollution; has deadlines and agencies with responsibilities. Now let’s get on with it. We also have evidence about what is causing pollution; so again, we don’t need to spend time blaming the “other”. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES) has just released its emission inventory-pollutants and sources-for Delhi and its neighbouring areas. It establishes what we knew, that vehicles are the main cause of pollution in the city and NCR-contributing over 40 percent.
In the vehicle segment, heavy commercial vehicles (trucks) and commercial/personal vehicles like taxis are the major polluting source. It points to the fact that taxis (Ola, Uber etc.) travel 400 km/day, as against personal cars (55 km/day). It is a saving grace that these vehicles are fuelled on compressed natural gas and not diesel. But even with cleaner fuel, their net contribution is high. This requires to restrain on the trucks entering Delhi and on ensuring that there is a reduction in overall personal vehicles and that even taxi use is controlled through augmented bus and metro services. It also means that paratransit (like taxis and auto rickshaws) must use the cleanest fuel and technology as the miles traveled are the highest and so is their pollution potential. All this is known. We need action, now.
The other source, which has increased by a staggering 48 per cent between 2010 and 2018 is industry. This is because this part of the world has thousands of small industrial units, all previously using pet coke and now coal. After months of bitter wrangling in court, pet coke use in this region is banned. But it is allowed for industries that use it as feedstock and was allowed through imports without any license. Now, again, after much delay, there is a ban on the import of pet coke. Also there are standards for sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NOx) for these industries. This took over six months of protracted arguments in court. But now that the standards have been issued, there is little or no enforcement. This is what needs to be changed.
But there is some good news. The MOES report finds that emissions from residential sector have reduced by half from 2010 to 2018. This is because of the increased penetration of LPG even in the poorer areas of the city. This means that something can be done. It will show up in the atmosphere. We will breathe better and cleaner air. This is where our efforts have to be deployed. This is where we must stay focused. Till next winter. With better news.
- Follow Sunita Narain on Twitter: @sunitanar
- To post your comments on this editorial, please click here
with thanks to Sunita Narain
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Do we have #MyRightToBreathe ?
Same Parali fires every year in Punjab & Haryana and the same severe to extreme pollution levels in Delhi every year. Nothing changes. Things remain the same as well as the issues of the Blame game. No one looks serious enough to check and control the #AirPollution in Delhi. The voices echoed are - Punjab has not done... Haryana has not done... Delhi has not done... and the worst sufferers are the residents of Delhi & NCR. Just go through the issues raised by WHO at its Geneva conference a day ago.
Air pollution kills 7 million people each year.
Around the world, 9 out of 10 people breathe air that has been polluted by traffic emissions, industry, agriculture, and waste incineration.
About 3 billion people continue to use smoky, polluting stoves and fuels inside their homes for cooking and heating.
Our latest estimates are that up to one-third of deaths from heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are due to air pollution.
No one escapes, from the womb to the grave.
Some of our children will not reach their full potential because of exposure to air pollution in the womb and in early life; some of our parents will die early because of exposure to it throughout their lives.
Around the world, 9 out of 10 people breathe air that has been polluted by traffic emissions, industry, agriculture, and waste incineration.
About 3 billion people continue to use smoky, polluting stoves and fuels inside their homes for cooking and heating.
Our latest estimates are that up to one-third of deaths from heart attack, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are due to air pollution.
No one escapes, from the womb to the grave.
Some of our children will not reach their full potential because of exposure to air pollution in the womb and in early life; some of our parents will die early because of exposure to it throughout their lives.
Every day around 93% of the world’s children under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Tragically, many of them die: WHO estimates that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air.
And in many parts of the world, it’s getting worse.
Truly, in Delhi & NCR it's getting worse. The Pollution levels are so high in the city that most of the time PM 10, as well as the PM 2.5 levels, are much higher, i.e. many times over & above the prescribed limits and the local residents have to face all kinds of hardships.
Delhi remains the most polluted city in the world: WHO report
Where is #MyRightToBreathe in #Delhi
Delhi is the most polluted city and inspite of such adverse circumstances, we have learnt nothing. Where is #MyRightToBreathe tò check and control the #AirPollition #Delhi #mostpolluted
Pink Line Metro - Krishna Nagar - First day First show
Pink Line started in Delhi and touched our Krishna nagar after almost 10 years when the hoardings of Delhi Metro became visible for the soil testing. Nice train with better features. The engine is fast. More seating space for Senior citizens.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Friday, October 26, 2018
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
A penalty of Rs 10,000 per month on RWAs?
RWAs - SDMC has already issued notices to almost 300 RWAs and it may be your turn now. A penalty of Rs 10,000 per month on the RWAs for non-segregation and proper disposal of waste. It's SHOCKING. They can not give any empowerment to the RWAs but ready to impose penalties on RWAs.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Have you gone through this notice? Comments awaited.
It's strange. They want us to join hands with them without any empowerment and willing to levy huge penalties on us. Do they pay any penalty when they fail to do everything - potholes, waterlogging, sanitation, dengue, traffic jam, pollution, and a lot more, while they have all the powers. They are just fooling the masses.
RWAs are just doing the selfless service to the society. We spend our own time, by spending from our own pockets, without any empowerment, and they want to levy penalties on us for no fault of us under the garb of joining hands with them.
Please raise the issue, else soon all of the RWAs will shut their doors as that will be the better option for them, instead of paying the huge penalties out of nothing.
Chat:
Chat:
Ashutosh Dikshit This is as per the rules and laws notified by gazette notification of 2016 and bye-laws for Delhi notified in 2018. Of course following the law is not really a well-known practice in the country.
Sanjay Gupta This is going to be another big blow to RWA. The way rules are drafted, the whole onus will shift to RWA. Strange
Sanjay Gupta This is going to be another big blow to RWA. The way rules are drafted, the whole onus will shift to RWA. Strange
Ashutosh Dikshit Not really Sanjay ji. The rules leave the responsibility on municipalities but ask for RWA partnership. In Delhi RWA and CGHS are legally positioned differently so their onus is also different. This responsibility could also be an opportunity for RWA to help in dealing with a citywide crisis.
Sanjay Gupta Ashutosh Dikshit ji however the rules says differently when interpreted. The biggest issue will be with colonies where RWA formation is not mandatory. Law is not making any apparent division leaving scope for interpretation.
Ashutosh Dikshit Sanjay Gupta Ji. We have discussed this with officers as well as studied the bye-laws notified. Will discuss with you to clear apprehensions
Rwa Bhagidari It's strange. They want us to join hands with them without any empowerment and willing to levy huge penalties on us. Do they pay any penalty when they fail to do everything - potholes, waterlogging, sanitation, dengue, and a lot more while they have all the powers. They are just fooling the masses.RWAs are just doing the selfless service to the society. We spend our own time, by spending from our own pockets, without any empowerment, and they want to levy penalties on us for no fault of us.
Ashutosh Dikshit Of course. Any RWA registered as a society under SRA of 1860 is in reality an NGO and the current laws cannot levy penalties on it. The MCD can levy penalty on the individual as prescribed in these by laws. So any RWA that does not want to participate in waste management can refuse but an individual citizen cannot. The citizen is duty and legally bound but the RWA is not. It will help of course if it becomes clear as to what power an RWA wants. All powers will carry corresponding liability as well.
Ashutosh Dikshit But I agree that the Municipal intent on waste and in being a responsible body is missing
Rwa Bhagidari Do they pay any penalty when they fail to do everything - potholes, waterlogging, sanitation, dengue, and a lot more while they have all the powers.
Rwa Bhagidari RWAs are willing to participate but no penalties as we don't have any empowerment
Ashutosh Dikshit By being made responsible, as well as liable RWA, are automatically empowered. It gives them a right to demand residents fall in line. Unfortunately, RWA is not seeing that.
Rwa Bhagidari HaHaHa. Where is the Empowerment? Is it written anywhere in the rules and laws notified by gazette notification of 2016 and bye-laws for Delhi notified in 2018?
Ashutosh Dikshit Yes empowerment is important. But so far very few RWA are able to clarify the exact power they want. What power should be given that would be satisfactory
Rwa Bhagidari RWAs are just doing the selfless service to the society. We spend our own time, by spending from our own pockets, without any empowerment, and they want to levy penalties on us for no fault of us under the garb of joining hands with them.
Rwa Bhagidari Please raise the issue, else soon all of the RWAs will shut their doors as that will be the better option for them, instead of paying the huge penalties out of nothing.
Sanjay Gupta Ashutosh Dikshit ji however the rules says differently when interpreted. The biggest issue will be with colonies where RWA formation is not mandatory. Law is not making any apparent division leaving scope for interpretation.
Ashutosh Dikshit Sanjay Gupta Ji. We have discussed this with officers as well as studied the bye-laws notified. Will discuss with you to clear apprehensions
Rwa Bhagidari It's strange. They want us to join hands with them without any empowerment and willing to levy huge penalties on us. Do they pay any penalty when they fail to do everything - potholes, waterlogging, sanitation, dengue, and a lot more while they have all the powers. They are just fooling the masses.RWAs are just doing the selfless service to the society. We spend our own time, by spending from our own pockets, without any empowerment, and they want to levy penalties on us for no fault of us.
Ashutosh Dikshit Of course. Any RWA registered as a society under SRA of 1860 is in reality an NGO and the current laws cannot levy penalties on it. The MCD can levy penalty on the individual as prescribed in these by laws. So any RWA that does not want to participate in waste management can refuse but an individual citizen cannot. The citizen is duty and legally bound but the RWA is not. It will help of course if it becomes clear as to what power an RWA wants. All powers will carry corresponding liability as well.
Ashutosh Dikshit But I agree that the Municipal intent on waste and in being a responsible body is missing
Rwa Bhagidari Do they pay any penalty when they fail to do everything - potholes, waterlogging, sanitation, dengue, and a lot more while they have all the powers.
Rwa Bhagidari RWAs are willing to participate but no penalties as we don't have any empowerment
Ashutosh Dikshit By being made responsible, as well as liable RWA, are automatically empowered. It gives them a right to demand residents fall in line. Unfortunately, RWA is not seeing that.
Rwa Bhagidari HaHaHa. Where is the Empowerment? Is it written anywhere in the rules and laws notified by gazette notification of 2016 and bye-laws for Delhi notified in 2018?
Ashutosh Dikshit Yes empowerment is important. But so far very few RWA are able to clarify the exact power they want. What power should be given that would be satisfactory
Rwa Bhagidari RWAs are just doing the selfless service to the society. We spend our own time, by spending from our own pockets, without any empowerment, and they want to levy penalties on us for no fault of us under the garb of joining hands with them.
Rwa Bhagidari Please raise the issue, else soon all of the RWAs will shut their doors as that will be the better option for them, instead of paying the huge penalties out of nothing.
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