Delhi can electrify its path to clean air

Delhi’s pollution crisis stems from multiple sources, including industrial emissions, construction activities, and biomass burning.

The air quality in New Delhi has reached hazardous levels, with the city ranking third on the global list of the most polluted cities, following Astana in Kazakhstan and Lahore in Pakistan. Persistent air pollution poses severe environmental challenges and significant health risks for Delhi's residents. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently moving from 'very poor' to 'severe,' emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have again been enforced, including restrictions on diesel freight vehicles and shifts to online education during high-pollution periods.

Despite these measures, pollution levels remain alarming, leading to judicial interventions. The Supreme Court has criticized existing efforts and held local authorities accountable for ineffective enforcement. This raises an essential question: Are there sustainable solutions to Delhi’s pollution woes? Could embracing electric vehicles (EVs) provide a viable pathway to cleaner air and a healthier future for the capital city?

The Role of Vehicular Emissions in Delhi's Pollution

Delhi’s pollution crisis stems from multiple sources, including industrial emissions, construction activities, and biomass burning. However, vehicular emissions are the primary contributor, accounting for a significant share of toxic air pollutants. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlights that addressing this "mobility crisis" requires immediate and scaled-up interventions. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer a promising solution to mitigate vehicular emissions and address air pollution. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs do not emit tailpipe pollutants offering several advantages. First, EVs generate significantly fewer lifetime emissions, including CO2 and particulate matter, and their regenerative braking systems also reduce emissions caused by brake wear. Second, reduced vehicular pollution translates to better public health with fewer respiratory and cardiovascular issues, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of Delhi's population. Finally, EVs are more efficient than ICE vehicles and can further reduce environmental impact when powered by renewable energy.

Global Success Stories: Learning from Beijing

Delhi can take inspiration from Beijing, which transformed its air quality through decisive action. In 2013, Beijing faced severe pollution, with AQI levels often exceeding safe limits. Over a decade, the city adopted stringent policies, including subsidies and incentives for EVs, public transport electrification and decommissioning coal-fired power plants. These shifts to cleaner energy sources along with large-scale afforestation projects helped offset emissions and drastically improved air quality. Beijing's citizen-centric approach emphasized the benefits of pollution control measures, fostering public cooperation. Today, Beijing’s AQI often falls in the "good" category, showcasing the effectiveness of long-term commitment and collective action.

Delhi’s Current EV Policy and Progress

Delhi's EV Policy, introduced in 2020 and recently extended to 2025, reflects a progressive approach to reduce vehicular emissions. It offers subsidies of up to Rs 30,000 for two-wheelers and Rs1.5 lakh for electric cars, based on battery capacity to encourage EV adoption. It also focusses on infrastructure development including installation of 25 new charging stations across the city and allocation of Rs 140 crore to implement the extended EV Policy effectively. These initiatives aim to increase EV adoption, with the target of having one in four new vehicles sold in Delhi by 2024 as an EV.

Solutions for a Sustainable Transition

To replicate the success of cities like Beijing, Delhi must adopt a comprehensive approach. Enhancing charging infrastructure in residential, commercial, and public spaces is crucial to addressing range anxiety and encouraging EV usage. Electrifying public transport, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, can deliver an immediate and significant reduction in emissions. Integrating renewable energy into the power grid will further amplify the environmental benefits of EVs. Supporting research and development in battery technology and EV manufacturing can lower costs and improve accessibility. Public engagement through educational campaigns emphasizing the economic, health, and environmental advantages of EVs is essential to building support for the transition. Additionally, stricter enforcement of policies, such as vehicle restrictions and subsidies, will ensure consistent implementation, bolster public trust, and accelerate EV adoption.

The Path Forward

Delhi’s pollution crisis demands urgent and decisive action. While emergency measures provide temporary relief, long-term solutions like transitioning to EVs are essential to achieve sustainable urban living. EVs offer a unique opportunity to reduce emissions, improve public health, and modernize transportation.

However, this transition must be complemented by investments in renewable energy, public transportation, and consistent policy execution. By learning from global success stories like Beijing and tailoring strategies to local challenges, Delhi can become a model for environmental sustainability in urban settings.

The stakes are high, but with collective willpower and effective implementation, Delhi can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future, ensuring that its journey from hazardous air quality to clear skies is not just a dream but a tangible reality.

(The author is Founder and Managing Director, InGovern Research Services.)

Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.