Delhi has been termed the most polluted city. The key source of pollution is the number of cars, which is increasing every year. As per the latest Economic Survey, Delhi has seen an increase of 6.3% in the number of vehicles, as a result of which the air quality has deteriorated. From 26.25 lakh cars in 2013, the city now has 27.9 lakh.
While environmentalists say there is an urgent need to promote sustainable public transport, the number of DTC buses in the city has come down by 511. Even the number of passengers using the facility each day has reduced from 43.4 lakh to 38.8 lakh.
“With more cars added every year and the number of buses coming down, it is evident why the level of air pollution has spiked. This is an indication of both mobility and health crisis,” said Anumita, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment.
The pollution levels, particulate matter 10, have gone up from 282 to 318 in the last year.
Experts say it is high time the government announces plans to control the problem. “This is the reason why AAP government plans to introduce 10,000 more buses. Soon, 1,880 buses will start plying. Moreover, the plan is also to include luxury buses so that people can switch to public transport,” said Transport Minister Gopal Rai.
Surprisingly, despite awareness drives, the green cover in the city hasn’t increased.
“We realised the saplings planted didn’t last. Now, we will plant at least five-feet high plants so that they have more chances of survival,” said Environment Minister Asim Khan.
The government is also pushing for the recent NGT ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
