Friday, 17 May, 2024
A big majority of respondents said that Delhi government has failed to address the problem of pollution in the national capital
Delhi is infamous for being one of the most polluted cities in the world. The situation deteriorates during the winter months, starting in October. It’s not just Delhi; most cities and towns in north India face a similar problem. Agencies, the government and even the judiciary have taken several measures over the decades to tackle the menace of pollution. In the late 1990s, all taxis and three wheelers were ordered to shift to CNG as their fuel and all industries were banned in Delhi. Similarly, there is a blanket ban on sale and use of fire crackers during the Diwali festival in Delhi. In June this year, Delhi announced ban the entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles into the city from October 1, 2022. The ban will stay in place till March 2023.
But despite so many stringent measures, there seems to be no improvement when it comes to pollution in the city. A study conducted a few months ago had estimated that life expectancy in Indian cities is about 10 years lower because of extreme pollution. Just recently, US-based Health Effects Institute ranked Delhi as the most polluted city in the world.
CVoter-India Tracker conducted a nationwide survey to find out what Indians think about the move. The respondent were asked whether they feel Delhi government has failed to address the problem of pollution in the national capital. The results were not surprising. A big majority of respondents (67%) blamed the state government for pollution.
As the accompanying chart shows, Indians across age, gender, educational, income, religious and ethnic backgrounds felt government has failed big time to curb pollution. 67 percent youth (18-24 age group) and 71 percent senior citizens agreed to the notion. In some ways, it indicates that pollution causes more harm and inconvenience the aged. Two thirds of those living in rural as well as urban areas blamed the state government for pollution.
More males compared to females believed Delhi government has failed to address the problem. 69 percent males responded positively as compared to 65 percent males. A similar pattern was followed by ethnic groups. We also did not saw any political division over this issue. While 59% of the respondents who are opposition supporters were in agreement with government's failure, 77 percent NDA supporters backed the notion.
Clearly, the survey result suggests that people believe there seems to be no improvement when it comes to pollution in the city. There can be no doubt that pollution is a crisis confronting Delhi and other cities and towns in northern India and it needs to be tackled on urgent basis.
