09-July-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Discuss the impact of vehicular pollution on urban health and environment in India. Suggest policy measures to mitigate it, with reference to Delhi’s example.
(GS Paper 3, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Answer:
Vehicular pollution is a leading contributor to urban air pollution in India, severely affecting public health, environmental sustainability, and life expectancy, especially in densely populated cities like Delhi.
Impact on Urban Health and Environment:
- Reduced Life Expectancy: As noted by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, pollution in Delhi has led to a measurable decline in life expectancy due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- High Share of Emissions: The transport sector contributes 40% to national pollution levels, with a significant portion originating from road transport and aviation activities.
- Degrading Air Quality Index (AQI): Delhi often records AQI in the ‘severe’ category, impacting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
- Climate Change Contribution: High emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles increase greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.
Government Measures and Initiatives:
- Promotion of Green Highways: Projects like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ under NHAI encourage tree plantations to offset pollution.
- Transition to Green Fuels: Efforts are being made to expand the use of ethanol, aviation biofuels, and CNG.
- Scrappage and Electrification Policy: Introduction of vehicle scrappage policies and electric vehicle (EV) subsidies to replace polluting vehicles.
- Public Transport and Infrastructure: Investment in metro systems, electric buses, and improved last-mile connectivity.
Conclusion:
- Tackling vehicular pollution requires a multi-pronged approach involving infrastructure upgrades, green fuel transitions, and public awareness.
- Delhi, as a case study, exemplifies both the urgency and opportunity to act, making it imperative for India to prioritize sustainable urban transport policies.
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