NEW DELHI: When the AAP government came to power in February, Delhi's air pollution had touched the danger level with PM 2.5 (fine, respirable particles) remaining 10 times higher than the limit prescribed by WHO.

In fact, just ahead of AAP's victory, WHO's urban air quality database had ranked Delhi to be the most polluted among 1,600 cities in the world. There was public outrage over inaction by the government and concerns raised about serious health impacts due to exposure to such high level of PM 2.5.

Though the AAP government took note of the problem, it did not come up with any substantive policy to address it. National Green Tribunal intervened in the matter and issued a slew of directions to governments in NCR, most of which are yet to be implemented. AAP's Delhi Dialogue Commission held meetings with experts to gather ideas on what action can be taken as well.

The Kejriwal-led government recently told the Centre that addressing air pollution should be priority for all and not just of states. Delhi's environment minister Asim Ahmed Khan said the city government would implement an action plan based on the recommendations of a high-powered committee headed by the then chief secretary, but the specifics were never shared with the public.

The measures that Delhi could have taken on its own were not paid heed to either.For instance, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) had prepared a list of interventions that Delhi can make, which include a daily health advisory for residents based on air pollution levels, investigating the sources of air pollution, strengthening the PUC system and linking to vehicle insurance, in crease cess on diesel to make it on a par with neighbouring states, improving public transport network, hiking parking fee among others.But the government hardly addressed any of these issues except issuing directions asking sub-divisional magistrates carry out regular inspections and surprise checks at landfills and other areas to check burning of waste.

"As a political party that had a landslide victory we expect it to push through some hard decisions and negotiate with the Centre to take action on air pollution. On its own, the Delhi government can do a lot to address vehicular pollution which is the most toxic, it can discourage diesel vehicles, and can ensure multimodal transport.," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, head of CSE's clean air programme.