Delhi-NCR consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted regions. The main contributors are:

• Vehicular emissions (cars, trucks, two-wheelers)
• Construction dust and road dust
• Crop residue burning in neighboring states
• Industrial emissions
• Seasonal factors like low wind speed and winter inversion that trap pollutants

🚦 Government Measures

Authorities have already introduced several frameworks:

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A step-by-step system that imposes restrictions like halting construction, banning diesel generators, and limiting vehicle entry when AQI worsens.
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A long-term plan to cut particulate pollution by 20–30% across Indian cities.
• NHAI SOPs: Mechanized Road sweeping, greening of highways, and dust control measures on construction sites.

🏙️ What Citizens Can Do

Pollution control isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. Here’s how residents can help:

• Use public transport, carpool, or cycle instead of driving solo.
• Switch to cleaner fuels (CNG, EVs, or hybrid vehicles).
• Avoid firecrackers during festivals, which spike AQI levels.
• Plant trees and maintain greenery in local communities.
• Segregate and recycle waste to reduce open burning of garbage.
• Conserve energy at home to cut power plant emissions.

🏗️ Role of Businesses & Builders

• Cover construction sites with green nets to reduce dust.
• Use water sprinklers and anti-smog guns at large projects.
• Adopt sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs.

🌍 Long-Term Solutions

• Regional cooperation: Delhi cannot solve this alone—Punjab, Haryana, and UP must coordinate on stubble burning alternatives.
• Cleaner energy transition: Phasing out coal-based power plants and promoting solar/wind energy.
• Air quality monitoring: Expanding real-time AQI sensors across NCR for transparency and accountability.
• Public awareness campaigns: Educating citizens about health impacts and practical steps.