Delhi’s ongoing battle with air pollution is a dire concern for its residents, businesses, and government alike. Ranking as one of the most polluted cities globally, Delhi has consistently faced severe health risks, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ levels. This has triggered urgent measures like restrictions on diesel vehicles and online education during hazardous pollution periods. Yet, despite these efforts, pollution levels remain critically high, raising questions about the effectiveness of current interventions.
The sources of Delhi’s pollution are varied and include industrial emissions, construction dust, and biomass burning. However, vehicular emissions stand as the primary contributor, accounting for a substantial share of toxic pollutants. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has long advocated for addressing this “mobility crisis” to reduce the impact of vehicles on air quality. One promising solution lies in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Unlike their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, offering a cleaner, greener alternative.
Switching to electric vehicles could drastically reduce Delhi’s vehicular emissions, providing multiple benefits to the environment and public health. EVs generate significantly fewer lifetime emissions, including CO2 and particulate matter, and are also more efficient than conventional vehicles. If powered by renewable energy, their environmental impact could be further diminished. The adoption of EVs could also lead to improved air quality, with fewer respiratory and cardiovascular issues among Delhi’s population, ultimately contributing to better public health.
From a sustainability standpoint, the transition to EVs represents a transformative step for Delhi. It would not only mitigate vehicular pollution but also move the city towards a more sustainable future. Reducing emissions from transportation, a major source of urban pollution, is essential for building a resilient, clean, and healthy city. Delhi’s embrace of electric vehicles could become a model for other cities grappling with similar pollution challenges, making the path to clean air not just a possibility, but a reality.
