India’s capital woke up under a suffocating blanket of smog on Friday, the latest grim chapter in the city’s annual struggle with hazardous air pollution. With primary schools shuttered, construction activities banned, and older diesel vehicles barred from the streets, authorities are scrambling to mitigate the health crisis that engulfs the metropolitan region each winter. Yet, for millions of Delhiites, these measures appear as insufficient stopgaps against a worsening catastrophe.
Delhi, home to over 30 million residents, once again claimed the dubious distinction of being one of the world’s most polluted cities. The air quality index (AQI) recorded “hazardous” levels for the fourth consecutive day, with PM2.5 levels—a dangerous fine particulate matter—soaring to more than 26 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limits.
“I have an eight-year-old kid, and he has been suffering from a cough for the past couple of days,” said Satraj, a concerned parent, echoing the sentiment of countless families across the capital. “The government did the right thing by shutting down schools.”
The government’s decision to close primary schools and move classes online highlights the severe toll on children, who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory ailments caused by prolonged exposure to toxic air. However, beyond this immediate intervention, the city’s reliance on short-term fixes reveals deeper systemic challenges.
Every winter, New Delhi is enveloped in a noxious haze exacerbated by a confluence of seasonal and human factors. Among the chief culprits is the large-scale burning of crop stubble in neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana. This agricultural practice, used to clear fields for the next planting season, releases plumes of smoke that drift into Delhi, combining with local pollutants to create a deadly mix.
A report from NDTV noted over 7,000 farm fires in Punjab alone in recent days, marking a stark reminder of the deep-rooted challenges in curbing such emissions.
“Cooler temperatures and stagnant air currents trap pollutants closer to the ground, intensifying the health hazard,” explained Sunil Dahiya, an expert at the advocacy group Envirocatalysts. “Since we haven’t yet carried out any systemic long-term changes, like the way we commute, generate power, or manage our waste, even the curtailed emissions remain significantly high.”
Authorities have rolled out a series of emergency measures aimed at curbing pollution.
- School Closures: Primary schools were closed, with lessons shifting online to shield young children from toxic air.
- Construction Bans: All construction activities have been temporarily halted to reduce dust pollution.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years have been ordered off the roads, in an attempt to cut vehicular emissions.
- Dust Suppression: Water trucks have been deployed to spray roads and prevent dust particles from becoming airborne.
Despite these actions, critics argue the measures are insufficient to address the scale of the crisis. “We haven’t responded to the emergency with the same intensity with which we are facing this crisis,” Dahiya lamented.
The health implications of Delhi’s air pollution are staggering. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, is linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as cancer. A study published in The Lancet in 2020 attributed 1.67 million premature deaths in India to air pollution in 2019, underscoring the immense toll on public health.
Hospitals in Delhi often report a surge in patients with respiratory issues during the smog season. Dr. Kavita Sharma, a pulmonologist at a leading hospital in South Delhi, noted a sharp increase in children and elderly patients suffering from aggravated asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic conditions. “This is an annual health crisis, and yet our preparedness and response remain woefully inadequate,” she said.
The practice of stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, has proven difficult to eliminate. While authorities in Punjab have promoted alternatives like crop residue management machines, adoption rates remain low due to cost barriers and logistical challenges.
Farmers, already under financial stress, argue that burning is the most economical way to clear fields quickly. “We understand the environmental impact, but without sufficient government support, what option do we have?” said Gurpreet Singh, a farmer in Punjab. Punjab’s leadership have engaged in public blame games over the issue, highlighting the political complexities of addressing cross-state pollution.
Beyond agriculture, emissions from coal-fired power plants, industrial units, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of household waste compound Delhi’s pollution problem. The city’s dependence on fossil fuels for energy and transportation leaves it vulnerable to high emissions. Efforts to transition to cleaner energy and expand public transportation systems have been slow and uneven.
Delhi residents, weary from years of breathing toxic air, are increasingly vocal about the lack of effective government action. “Every year, we hear the same promises, but the smog keeps coming back,” said Meera Gupta, a school teacher. “We need leaders who can think beyond politics and prioritize public health.”
Activists and environmental groups have called for more comprehensive strategies, including stricter enforcement of industrial regulations, widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and investment in urban greenery to act as natural air filters.
As winter progresses, the smog is likely to persist, posing severe challenges for residents and policymakers alike. Experts warn that without sustained efforts to address the root causes of pollution, the annual crisis will continue to worsen.
- Policy Overhauls: Establishing stricter emission norms for industries and power plants.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Subsidizing alternatives to stubble burning for farmers.
- Clean Transportation: Accelerating the shift to electric vehicles and expanding public transport.
- Urban Planning: Enhancing green cover and reducing reliance on high-emission activities in urban areas.
For now, Delhiites must endure the suffocating air, with face masks and air purifiers becoming a necessity rather than a choice. The path to cleaner air remains fraught with challenges, but it is a battle that must be fought with unwavering commitment for the sake of public health and the environment.
