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| Delhi air pollution - AI generated image |
Delhi is once again in the limelight for its hazardous air pollution, having experienced its worst Air Quality Index (AQI) in three years this October and November. The toxic haze over the city is no mere seasonal inconvenience—it is now a full-blown public health emergency, with readings consistently breaching the “Very Poor” and even “Severe” zones.
Why the Crisis Keeps Escalating
The problem is persistent and multi-layered. Delhi’s AQI this October averaged a staggering 232, climbing steadily as the month progressed—higher than previous years. By mid-November, the AQI hovered close to 400, signalling air barely fit to breathe. The leading contributors are well-known: vehicular and industrial emissions, agricultural stubble burning in adjoining states, rampant road dust, and a flurry of firecrackers during festivals. Weather conditions, like low wind speeds and temperature inversion, act like a lid, trapping pollutants over the city instead of dispersing them.
The Human and Environmental Toll
This pollution blanket is no longer just an environmental threat—it is a direct assault on the health of every Delhiite. Respiratory illnesses spike each winter, but this year, doctors are also warning of increased eye problems, heart conditions, and even damage to the nervous system due to prolonged exposure to high PM2.5 and toxic gases. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing ailments are at particular risk.
The Science Behind the Smog
Most of Delhi’s pollution sources are continuous—road dust alone contributes between 38% and 56% of particulate matter, thanks to broken pavements and constant construction. Stubble burning, though seasonal, can spike pollutant levels overnight. Historical data shows that each November, the capital endures multiple “severe” air days—just last year, there were eight such days and a peak AQI of 494.
What Can Be Done? Solutions Take Centre Stage
While policy moves like restricting vehicles and barring construction provide temporary relief, experts call for systemic, large-scale interventions. Long-term solutions include:
Strengthening public transport and electrifying vehicles to cut traffic emissions.
Enforcing strict dust control at roadsides and construction sites all year round.
Investing in air filtration in public spaces, homes, and schools.
Incentivising farmers to adopt alternatives to burning crop residue.
Regional cooperation for emission control, as pollutants don’t respect state boundaries.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Collective Action
There is no magic bullet. The data and lived experience from the last three years make it clear: unless the central and state governments, industries, farmers, and ordinary citizens coordinate on both behaviour change and technology adoption, Delhi risks breaking its own pollution records every winter. This crisis now defines the city’s image as much as its historic landmarks. Only with united, urgent action can Delhi hope to reclaim its blue skies and set a new example for clean urban living in India.
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