New Delhi, India’s capital, is struggling under a thick blanket of smog as air quality has plunged to alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) now categorized as ‘severe.’ Multiple regions within the city have recorded AQI levels close to the 450 mark, significantly above the safe threshold, placing citizens’ health at severe risk.
Rising Pollution Threatens Health
The situation has grown particularly dire with the onset of winter, a season notorious for worsening air quality in northern India. As cooler temperatures settle in, pollutants tend to remain trapped closer to the ground, exacerbating the already severe levels of pollution. This seasonal increase in pollution has intensified the smog cover, reducing visibility and leading to health advisories across the region.
Health experts have raised alarms, warning that such high levels of pollution are extremely harmful, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory ailments. At severe AQI levels, prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory infections, cardiovascular issues, and a marked increase in asthma cases. Many hospitals are already seeing a rise in patients with breathing problems, and the Delhi government has advised residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when pollution levels peak.
Sources of Pollution
Several factors contribute to the sharp rise in Delhi’s pollution levels. Stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh continues to be a major cause, as farmers clear crop residues by setting their fields on fire. Additionally, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and construction dust further compound the crisis. The recent Diwali celebrations added a temporary surge in pollutants as firecrackers were set off across the city, despite government restrictions.
Government Response and Measures
In response, the Delhi government has enacted emergency measures to control pollution, including shutting down schools temporarily and instituting odd-even vehicle schemes to reduce traffic emissions. They have also deployed anti-smog guns and increased patrolling for pollution control. However, experts argue that long-term solutions, including significant infrastructure changes and stricter regulations, are essential to prevent these annual crises.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming days are expected to be even more challenging as meteorological conditions continue to favor the accumulation of pollutants. Residents are advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks, using air purifiers at home, and minimizing outdoor activities, to protect themselves against the hazardous air quality.
With each passing year, New Delhi’s pollution crisis deepens, sparking calls for comprehensive policy changes to combat the issue at its root. Until such measures are implemented, the capital’s residents face prolonged exposure to dangerous air quality levels, raising significant concerns for both immediate and long-term public health.
