Delhi Tossed Old Cars and Stopped Fires – Air Got Better!

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced last week that air pollution in Delhi, India, has been cut down by 25% within four years.

Delhi was declared the world’s most polluted city by the World Health Organization in 2014, but has since faced many significant changes in an effort to improve air quality. When lawyer Vardhaman Kaushik approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that year in a fight against pollution levels, he took part in crucial orders, such as the ban on old diesel and petrol vehicles.

Other major changes also played a key role in the 25% dip, such as shutting down two thermal plants and limiting which vehicles can be on the streets depending on the severity of air pollution levels.

Experts believe two local changes have additionally led to a large positive impact on the atmosphere. “Open burning has been largely curtailed in the city. Earlier, as soon as autumn arrived, piles of leaves would be set on fire — but stringent fines now have meant the practice has almost disappeared,” says an officer of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. “The second thing is the regulation of construction activity. While not as successful as the ban on open burning, regular enforcement drives have meant that whenever a ban is ordered, it is largely followed.”