Air Pollution in Delhi: A Crisis Beyond Limits

Posted On: 2024-11-26 12:02:49

Delhi, India's capital, is grappling with an alarming rise in air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring beyond 1,000 in certain areas during November 2024. This severe level of pollution exceeds the "hazardous" category and poses grave health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions.

Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi

1. Vehicular Emissions: Delhi's dense traffic contributes significantly to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels.
2. Industrial Pollution: Factories in and around Delhi release harmful pollutants into the air.
3. Construction Dust: Rapid urbanisation generates substantial dust, worsening air quality.
4. Stubble Burning: Farmers in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana burn crop residues, releasing vast quantities of smoke.
5. Weather Conditions: Winter inversions trap pollutants near the ground, deteriorating air quality.

Impacts on Health and Daily Life

The toxic air has led to increased cases of respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Schools have had to shift to online modes, flights and trains have faced disruptions due to smog, and visibility in the city has dropped dramatically?

Measures to Curb Air Pollution

While the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV has been activated, imposing restrictions on construction, industrial activities, and vehicle movement, long-term solutions are essential:

1. Promoting Clean Energy:
   • Transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
   • Incentivize industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies.
2. Enhancing Public Transport:
   • Improve the efficiency and coverage of public transport to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
3. Better Agricultural Practices:
   • Support farmers with subsidies for eco-friendly alternatives to stubble burning, such as bio-decomposers and mechanized harvesters.

4. Stronger Policies and Enforcement:
   • Implement stricter pollution control measures and ensure compliance through real-time monitoring.
5. Community Involvement:
   • Encourage citizens to adopt sustainable practices, such as carpooling, using bicycles, and reducing energy consumption.
6. Afforestation:
   • Increase green cover through urban afforestation projects to act as natural air purifiers.

A Call to Action

Air pollution in Delhi is not just an environmental crisis but a public health emergency. Addressing this requires collective action from the government, industries, and individuals. By implementing sustainable practices and stricter regulations, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future.

The current scenario is a stark reminder of the urgyent need to prioritize environmental policies and awareness. Each small step taken today can lead to significant improvements in Delhi's air quality tomorrow

Filaantro is a crowdfunding organisation, that supports initiatives aimed at positive change, including environmental efforts like tree plantations, etc. If you want to raise funds for climate-related causes, such as afforestation or pollution control, reach out to Filaantro. Together, we can build a healthier, greener tomorrow

Author: Isha Mahendra Ingle