Delhi Faces Severe Pollution Crisis Once Again
Delhi, the capital city of India, is currently grappling with a severe pollution crisis. Thick and toxic smog has enveloped the city and its surrounding areas, making it the most polluted place in the world. On November 3, the air quality index crossed the dangerous mark of ‘500’. The concentration of PM2.5, a harmful pollutant, exceeded the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter by seven to eight times in many locations. As a result, schools have been shut down, except for Class 10 and 12, and the odd-even rule for cars will be implemented again next week.
Government agencies have issued warnings that pollution levels in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to worsen over the next 15-20 days. This deterioration is primarily attributed to a surge in farm fires in neighboring Punjab, along with the anticipated drop in temperature and air speed.
In recent years, Delhi has experienced the arrival of a brown haze, like a new season, punctually every October as the weather becomes cooler. Winter in the city has now transformed into a pollution season that lasts until February. For four months, the city is gripped by an “air-pocalypse” that dominates headlines, discussions, and meetings.
However, once February arrives, pollution seems to be forgotten by the public, as well as the central and state governments and political parties. Even the courts get a break from petitions related to pollution. It becomes a done and dusted issue until the next “sepia season.”
The reasons behind this yearly smog are multifaceted. A recent study suggested that the average resident of Delhi loses up to 12 years of their life due to air pollution. Official figures reveal that in 2022, Delhi had only 68 days with “good” or “satisfactory” air quality. One of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi-NCR is the burning of paddy stubble in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Stubble burning accounts for approximately 25% of the pollution in Delhi. Satellite images captured over 1,000 such fires burning in Punjab alone.
Farmers consider this practice as a cheap and effective way to clear their fields after harvest, preparing them for the next crop. However, the governments of Punjab and Haryana have failed to educate farmers about alternative methods, such as the Pusa bio-decomposer, which can naturally decompose paddy stubble and convert it into valuable manure.
The health impacts of this severe pollution are significant. The average concentration of PM2.5 particles, which can enter the bloodstream and cause heart disease and respiratory problems, is 98 micrograms per cubic meter. This level is nearly 20 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization. Coughing, breathing problems, and watery eyes have become common issues among people due to the smog.
Air pollution affects all age groups and can lead to various health problems. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as it can result in birth defects and premature deliveries. Children commonly suffer from asthma, pneumonia, and breathing difficulties, sometimes requiring ventilator support. In the long run, it can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
The political response to pollution in Delhi has been lacking. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been in power in Delhi for the past nine years, has not taken any significant steps to address the issue. Measures like installing ineffective smog towers, implementing the odd-even car rule, and sprinkling water on roads are merely symbolic gestures to deceive citizens. Both Delhi and Punjab are governed by AAP, but this has not helped in reducing or controlling farm fires in Punjab. AAP leaders in Delhi quickly shift blame to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, but their pollution mitigation plan has been in vain. Taking action against farmers in Punjab by imposing a ban on stubble burning or penalties would risk AAP’s vote bank in the state. This political inaction comes at a high cost to the lives of millions of people in Delhi. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi has also contributed to the political noise without providing any significant solutions. The central government has similarly failed to offer a viable solution to this recurring problem.
The courts have been actively involved in addressing the issue of pollution in Delhi. The Delhi High Court recently criticized the forest department for allowing indiscriminate cutting of trees, holding it responsible for the pollution mess in the capital. On October 31, the Supreme Court directed Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to submit affidavits detailing their steps to control air pollution. The court observed that the efforts so far in Delhi were not reflecting on the ground.
Despite the efforts made by the courts in the past to devise an action plan, little progress seems to have been made. The Supreme Court bench expressed concerns about the lack of improvement in air quality despite various measures being implemented. The courts may be the only hope for finding a solution, but the execution of their judgments often falls short. Accountability for addressing this recurring nightmare of pollution needs to be established.
In conclusion, Delhi’s severe pollution crisis has once again brought the city to its knees. The factors contributing to this problem, such as stubble burning and ineffective government measures, need to be urgently addressed. The health impacts on the residents are devastating, and the political blame game must give way to proactive solutions. The courts’ intervention is crucial in holding the authorities accountable for their inaction. Only through collective efforts can Delhi hope to breathe cleaner air and protect the lives of its citizens.
