Air Pollution in Delhi: A Crisis Unfolding

Air pollution in Delhi, the capital city of India, has reached alarming levels. The city is currently enveloped in a thick blanket of smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking beyond 4001, a level that poses a significant risk to those with lung-related diseases and even lung cancer1.

Current Scenario

The situation has worsened to such an extent that the Delhi administration has decided to extend the closure of schools for students up to class 5 until November 102. The AQI in several areas of Delhi has remained in the severe category for the fourth consecutive day. In Delhi’s Aya Nagar, the AQI was recorded at 464, while in Noida sector-62, it was recorded at 4833.

The concentration of poisonous PM2.5 is still over 80 times the healthy limit prescribed by the World Health Organization3. This toxic air is choking not just Delhi, but also the neighboring cities of Noida and Gurugram3.

Health Implications

The persistent air pollution has raised serious health concerns. Senior Lung specialist, Dr. Arvind Kumar from Medanta Hospital, explained that all age groups are adversely affected by air pollution4. He said, "The toxins enter the mother's lungs through her breathing, enter her bloodstream through the placenta, and ultimately reach the child., and the fetus, and cause damage… Our air quality is around 450–500, which is equal to about 25–30 cigarettes in terms of damage to the body… They have all sorts of breathing problems"4.

Government Measures

In view of the pollution hazard, the resident welfare associations (RWAs) in Delhi have issued dos’ and don’ts and banned trash burning3. The Delhi government has also implemented stricter curbs and has advised government staff to work from home5.

Conclusion

The current air pollution crisis in Delhi is a wake-up call for urgent and effective measures to combat this issue. It’s high time we prioritize the health of our citizens and the environment over everything else. As we continue to gasp for breath, let’s hope for a cleaner and healthier future.

References

2: Delhi govt closes primary schools till Nov 10 as air quality worsens 5: Delhi, NCR Air Pollution LIVE Updates: Stricter curbs go in place amid ‘severe’ AQI; WFH for govt staff 1: Delhi pollution news: Air quality reaches fatal levels, several areas wake up with AQI above 400 3: Delhi pollution: AQI remains ‘severe’, toxic air choking Capital 4: Delhi sees another day of ‘severe’ air pollution