Delhi Air Quality Crisis: Causes, Impact, and the Urgent Need for Solutions
To improve the air quality and address persistent pollution issues in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), immediate action is critical. On November 13, 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital city remained in the “very poor” category, with heavy smog leading to a significant reduction in visibility. Areas such as Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad were enveloped in dense layers of smog early in the morning, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The average AQI recorded in Delhi’s Anand Vihar touched 393, and according to Swiss group IQAir, Delhi’s AQI reached a hazardous level of 1133, with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant.
The combination of smog, fog, and mist further aggravated the poor air quality, making it challenging for residents, particularly those with respiratory ailments, to navigate through their daily routines. This thick blanket of pollution is expected to persist throughout the day, heightening health risks and reducing visibility during evening hours.
The surge in pollution is partly attributed to seasonal stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Farmers in these regions burn crop residue from their paddy harvest, leading to a significant spike in particulate matter levels. The issue has been an ongoing challenge, despite attempts by both state and central authorities to implement preventive measures. On November 12, Punjab recorded 83 new incidents of stubble burning, taking the season’s tally to over 7,000 cases.
In Punjab’s cities, such as Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar, AQI readings were recorded between the “poor” and “very poor” categories, while Chandigarh reached an AQI of 349 on Tuesday evening. Similarly, Haryana cities like Kaithal and Jind also recorded worrying AQI levels. Gurugram, Sonipat, and Kurukshetra reported figures above 200, signifying unhealthy air quality.
Air quality is measured based on the concentration of pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10. A “good” AQI ranges between 0 and 50, while a reading above 300 is considered “very poor.” Readings above 450 signal “severe plus” levels, with serious health implications. High pollution levels can lead to respiratory distress, particularly in vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
The adverse impact of pollution extended beyond daily life. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s visit to Ludhiana was disrupted as poor visibility prevented his aircraft from landing at Halwara airport. His plane was redirected to Amritsar, where he stayed temporarily before continuing his journey to another event in Madhya Pradesh. The conference he was set to attend at the Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana focused on the challenges of climate change and transforming agrifood systems—an ironic reminder of the pressing need for solutions to pollution and climate concerns. Despite the Vice President’s absence, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann proceeded with the event.
To address these alarming pollution levels, innovative solutions and stricter enforcement are crucial. This could include technological interventions like anti-smog guns and improved public transportation, as well as policies to curb industrial emissions and regulate construction dust. Farmers’ adoption of alternative practices for crop residue management, supported by government subsidies and incentives, remains a key area for intervention.
Long-term public health campaigns, community engagement, and cross-border collaboration are necessary to mitigate the impact of seasonal pollution surges. As the situation evolves, the government and citizens must work together to implement sustainable measures and build a healthier environment for all.