As September 2019 drew to a close, Delhi was bracing for what would become one of its most challenging winter pollution seasons. The national capital, home to over 20 million people, has long grappled with poor air quality, but the impending post-monsoon smog highlighted the complexity of the issue. In a detailed discussion with journalist Dhruv Rathee, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister, Manish Sisodia, shed light on the sources of pollution, immediate mitigation strategies, and broader efforts to address both environmental and educational challenges.
Delhi's air pollution is not a new phenomenon, but it intensifies dramatically each winter. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)—tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream—often exceeds safe limits by several times. The World Health Organization recommends an annual average PM2.5 level below 10 micrograms per cubic meter, yet Delhi frequently records levels above 300 during peak periods. In 2019, as harvest season approached in neighboring states, experts warned of a recurring "smog band" that could trap pollutants for weeks, turning the city into what many described as a "gas chamber."
A primary contributor to this seasonal spike is crop stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan. Farmers in these agrarian regions harvest rice in October and need to quickly clear fields for wheat sowing by mid-November. Modern combine harvesters leave behind tall stubble—up to two to four feet—that is difficult to remove manually. Burning it is the quickest and cheapest option, releasing vast amounts of smoke laden with PM2.5, black carbon, and organic compounds. Winds carry this smoke southward, where it stagnates over the Indo-Gangetic Plain due to cooler temperatures and low wind speeds.
Scientific studies from that period, including those by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, estimated that stubble burning accounted for up to 40% of Delhi's PM2.5 during early November peaks. The smoke affects a wide area, impacting cities like Amritsar, Meerut, Agra, Ghaziabad, and Moradabad—not just Delhi. This regional nature explains why the problem persists despite local efforts: the pollution layer forms over hundreds of kilometers and settles when atmospheric conditions trap it.
However, stubble burning is only part of the story. Delhi's own sources contribute significantly year-round. Vehicular emissions account for about 30% of the pollution, with millions of cars, trucks, and two-wheelers on the roads. Construction activities generate dust, making up another major share, especially in a rapidly expanding city. Other factors include industrial emissions, road dust, and waste burning. In non-smog periods, these local sources dominate, creating a baseline of poor air quality that the winter smoke exacerbates.
The health impacts are profound and well-documented. High PM levels lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced lung function, particularly in children and the elderly. In 2019, hospitals reported surges in asthma cases, eye irritation, and vomiting among schoolchildren during severe episodes. Air quality monitors frequently hit the "severe" category (AQI above 400), prompting public health advisories. Long-term exposure contributes to millions of premature deaths annually across India, with Delhi bearing a disproportionate burden.
Recognizing the urgency, the Delhi government announced a range of measures in September 2019. Central to the plan was the revival of the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme, set to run from November 4 to 15. Under this system, private four-wheelers with license plates ending in odd numbers could ply on odd dates, and even-numbered ones on even dates, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (excluding Sundays). The goal was to reduce the number of vehicles by half, easing traffic congestion and cutting emissions. Previous implementations had shown modest reductions in pollution—around 10-15%—along with faster commute times.
Exemptions included women drivers, CNG vehicles, two-wheelers, and emergency services, though the scheme applied to out-of-state vehicles as well. Violations carried a fine of Rs 4,000. To support compliance, the Delhi Metro added extra trips, and public buses increased deployments. The government emphasized that while odd-even would not disperse the stubble smoke layer, it would lower local vehicular contributions and provide immediate relief.
Other short-term actions included halting construction activities when AQI crossed critical thresholds, banning truck entry (except for essentials), and closing schools during peaks to protect children. Water sprinkling on roads and anti-smog guns at major sites aimed to settle dust. The government also requested the central government for cloud seeding to induce artificial rain, a technique involving aircraft dispersing silver iodide into clouds to trigger precipitation and wash out pollutants. Though not implemented in 2019 due to unsuitable weather, it highlighted innovative thinking.
For lasting solutions, Sisodia stressed regional cooperation. Incentives for farmers—such as subsidies for happy seeders (machines that sow without burning stubble) or markets for biomass—were proposed, requiring coordination between Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and the Union government. Nationally, promoting alternatives like converting stubble into biofuel, paper, or fodder could turn waste into value.
Delhi was also tackling its internal sources. Strict enforcement against construction dust included mandates for sites to use covers, water sprinkling, and barriers. Corruption in municipal oversight was acknowledged as a hurdle, with calls for better accountability. On vehicles, the Supreme Court's intervention had rerouted outsider trucks, reducing highway pollution. To encourage cleaner transport, the Environment Department offered incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), including subsidies that could slash costs significantly—for instance, bringing a Rs 50,000 electric scooter down to Rs 20,000. Details were available on the department's website, alongside solar panel incentives that reduced household bills dramatically.
Public transport electrification was under study, targeting a shift within four to five years. Prioritizing high-mileage vehicles like taxis (e.g., Ola and Uber) for EV conversion was seen as efficient, as one electric taxi could offset pollution from multiple private cars. Suggestions from citizens, such as distributing biomass stoves to reduce leaf burning or banning new diesel registrations, were evaluated for feasibility. A diesel ban, for example, would need national-level implementation to prevent registrations in neighboring cities.
Beyond pollution, the conversation touched on education reforms, reflecting the government's holistic approach to public welfare. Since 2015, Delhi had allocated about 25% of its budget to education—the highest in India—transforming government schools. Infrastructure upgrades included modern classrooms, labs, and even swimming pools in select schools. By 2019, thousands of new classrooms had been added, and pass percentages in board exams had risen sharply, from around 88% in 2017 to over 94% in 2019.
Critics questioned if improvements were limited to a few "model" schools, but data showed widespread gains. Teacher training, parent involvement through School Management Committees, and programs like Happiness Curriculum aimed at holistic development were key. Enrollment in government schools was increasing, reversing decades of decline, as parents recognized better facilities and outcomes.
These education efforts intersect with environmental goals: empowered students are more likely to advocate for sustainability. Initiatives like entrepreneurship mindset training encouraged innovation, potentially leading to solutions for issues like pollution.
Delhi's 2019 smog crisis underscored the need for multi-level action. Short-term measures like odd-even provided breathing room, but sustainable change demands addressing root causes: incentivizing farmers, curbing local emissions, and investing in clean technologies. Regional collaboration remains essential, as no single government can solve a trans-boundary problem alone.
Public awareness plays a vital role. Citizens can contribute by opting for public transport, EVs, or carpooling; supporting anti-dust measures; and holding authorities accountable. Scientific monitoring, like the AQI system, helps track progress.
As Delhi looked ahead from September 2019, the path was clear: combine immediate interventions with long-term investments in clean energy, green transport, and quality education. These steps not only combat smog but build resilience for future generations. Cleaner air and better schools are interconnected—both require commitment, innovation, and collective effort. By understanding the science and policies behind the crisis, residents can actively participate in creating a healthier, more equitable city.
The odd-even scheme in November 2019 demonstrated public cooperation, with compliance helping ease traffic and slightly improve air quality amid the smog. Ongoing reforms in education showed similar potential for systemic change. Delhi's journey offers lessons for other Indian cities facing similar challenges: evidence-based policies, transparent governance, and inclusive growth can yield tangible results.
Ultimately, tackling Delhi's air pollution is about more than survival—it's about thriving. With continued focus on science, equity, and collaboration, the capital can emerge from its seasonal haze into clearer skies.
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