Delhi’s ongoing battle with air pollution faces significant challenges, according to a new report tabled by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the Delhi Assembly. The CAG’s findings highlight critical flaws in the city’s air pollution management systems, raising concerns about inaccurate data, inefficient pollution control practices, and a persistent shortage of public transport options.
A major issue identified by the CAG is the placement of the city’s Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS). These stations, which are intended to provide real-time pollution data, are situated in locations that may undermine the accuracy of the readings. Thirteen of the 24 CAAQMS were found to be surrounded by trees, while others were placed near high-rise buildings and construction sites, where external factors could distort air quality measurements. Additionally, some stations were positioned next to heavily trafficked roads, where traffic congestion exacerbates pollution levels. The CAG’s findings suggest that these poor placements could lead to unreliable data, complicating efforts to tackle the city’s pollution problems effectively.
The report also revealed the absence of key data regarding the types and numbers of vehicles operating on Delhi’s roads. With vehicular pollution being one of the primary contributors to the city’s poor air quality, the lack of detailed information on vehicle emissions is a significant gap. Without accurate data on the emissions from various types of vehicles, Delhi’s authorities are unable to implement targeted policies to reduce pollution from the most harmful sources. In terms of public transport, the CAG highlighted a chronic shortage of buses in the city. The current fleet of just 6,750 buses falls far short of the 9,000 buses needed to meet the city’s transport demands. As a result, many bus routes are left uncovered, putting more pressure on private vehicles and contributing to traffic congestion and pollution. Despite promises in the budget, alternative transport solutions such as monorails, light rail, and electric buses have not materialised. The report criticised the previous government for prioritising private bus operators, which exacerbated the city’s traffic problems instead of addressing the root cause of congestion and pollution.
Another significant concern raised in the report was the irregularities in the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). These certificates, which are meant to ensure that vehicles meet emissions standards, were often issued without proper tests. The CAG noted that in several cases, multiple vehicles were shown to have been tested at the same time at a single centre, which is practically impossible. Furthermore, over 1.8 lakh vehicles, despite emitting harmful pollutants beyond the permissible limits, were cleared and issued PUCCs. This lack of enforcement in regulating vehicular emissions undermines Delhi’s efforts to reduce air pollution.
The report also pointed to the failure to deregister end-of-life (EOL) vehicles, which contribute significantly to pollution. Despite policies to remove these vehicles from the roads, only a small percentage were taken off between 2018 and 2021. The government had also failed to scrap any of the impounded EOL vehicles by March 2021, further compounding the pollution issue. The CAG also found issues with the utilisation of funds collected for parking infrastructure. Between 2014 and 2021, the transport department raised significant funds for this purpose, yet there was no clear record of how these funds were spent. This lack of accountability raises questions about the efficiency of the city’s approach to tackling traffic congestion and pollution.
Political leaders have responded to the report in differing ways. While some defend the current government’s actions, citing measures such as the odd-even scheme to tackle pollution, others have criticised the systemic inefficiencies exposed by the CAG. The report’s findings underscore the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Delhi’s pollution control systems. Addressing the gaps in data, expanding public transport infrastructure, and enforcing stricter vehicle emission standards will be essential if the city hopes to improve its air quality and safeguard the health of its residents.
