Delhi and the National Capital Region are being struck by a serious environment and health crisis, with toxic smog continuing to surround the region and air quality indexes touching “severe” and “hazardous” levels. For the last few days, the residents have been waking up to a grey and toxic environment, screaming of polluted air, with air quality indexes refusing to show any signs of respite.
As per official monitoring bodies, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various areas of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad has gone beyond dangerous levels, making it unfit for outside activities. Prime contributors in the air pollution case in the national capital are the levels of fine particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10, which have been found more than the safety level defined by the World Health Organization.
The effect of this pollution has been very harsh. The visibility has drastically reduced during early morning and evening hours, and this has resulted in flight and train delays, as well as road traffic. The impact has also affected commuters as there has been an increase in absenteeism in offices as people catch ailments or opt for teleworking due to adverse effects of inhaling pollution. Landmarks in the NCR are hardly visible due to smog.
The healthcare facilities within the area have observed an increased number of patients showing symptoms of respiratory ailments. According to doctors, there has been a large increase in instances of asthma attacks, bronchitis, allergies, irritation of the eyes, and irritation or discomfort in the chest area. Children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing conditions of the heart or lungs have been categorized as most affected, but doctors have cautioned that anyone can fall victim to this environment as, over time, lungs lose capacity.
“This is no longer an environment-related problem; this has become a public health crisis,” said a top pulmonologist at a government hospital in Delhi. “Being so consistently and continuously exposed to such high levels of pollution puts people at risk of not only having respiratory problems and heart diseases but also of dying prematurely.”
The increase in pollution has been ascribed to several factors. Vehicular pollution has been a key contributor in this regard, and it has been accelerated by the increasing use of private vehicles. The dust generated from construction activities, industrial emissions, and the burning of trash contribute to this aspect. Stubble burnings practiced in the neighboring states and adverse weather conditions like reducedspeed winds and temperature inversion have ensured that the pollution is contained in the lower atmosphere.
Reactions to this situation include that the Delhi government has enforced its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). There has been a ban on construction work in various areas, use of diesel-powered generators (except for essential services), and enhanced water sprinkling and road sweeping practices to reduce dust. Schools have been advised to cut down on outside activities, while an online learning program for younger children has also been considered in case of persisting critical air pollution.
However, environmental experts say that these steps offer only a temporary respite. They emphasize the need for a “long-term approach that addresses more efficient transport, more stringent emission standards, improved transport infrastructure, and a more cohesive transportation policy that involves the states on the Delhi border.” “We tend to follow the same cycle every year,” an environmental analyst was quoted saying, “unless there are changes, the same situation will recur each year.”
Public disgruntlement is also on the rise. Residents are confining themselves to their homes, wearing face masks, and relying on air purifiers in their homes. Social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are full of photos of streets covered in smog. As the Delhi NCR region looks towards a change in the weather conditions that would offer relief in terms of stronger wind and/or rain, medical authorities have advised citizens to take necessary precautions. The region is witnessing yet again the Toxic Smog episode that throws even more emphasis on the need for sustainable and proactive efforts to address this concern and maintain the well-being of citizens and the environment.
