As we enter the prewinter season in North India, the national capital continues to witness a deterioration in its air quality. Delhi’s air quality crisis has reached alarming levels, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 360 recently, indicating a “very poor” air quality. Delhi is turning into a gas chamber with constant deterioration in air quality increasing health challenges for its 20 million residents. A huge number of residents witness health issues like asthma, COPD, etc. AIIMS Delhi has seen a sudden rise in OPD patients with respiratory health issues like asthma, COPD, etc, due to increased levels of air pollution in Delhi.
Why Does Air Quality Decline During Winter?
The winter months bring a perfect storm of conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground, creating a thick blanket of smog over the city. Several factors contribute to this seasonal phenomenon:
Low Wind Speed : Delhi typically experiences low wind speeds during winter, which further contributes to pollution build-up. During this season, there’s often not enough wind to disperse the particulate matter and gases in the atmosphere, allowing pollutants to linger for longer periods.
3. Increased Burning of Biomass and Stubble Burning : Farmers in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop residue, or stubble, after the harvest season, primarily in October and November. This practice releases massive amounts of smoke, which drifts over Delhi and worsens its air quality. Despite various efforts to provide alternatives, stubble burning remains a significant contributor to Delhi’s winter air pollution.
4. Vehicular Emissions and Industrial Activities : Delhi is a hub of economic activity, with countless vehicles on the roads and industries operating throughout the city and surrounding areas. During winter, increased fuel combustion from vehicles (as people keep engines running longer in colder temperatures) and emissions from industries, such as coal-burning plants, release pollutants that remain close to ground level, reducing air quality.
5. Unmanaged Solid Waste : According to National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), around 8000 m tonnes of solid garbage are produced everyday in Delhi; however, only roughly 5000 to 5500 m tonnes of waste are removed by the authorities each day. This contributes to the accumulation of trash. This data is excluding hazardous and non-hazardous waste from industries. The amount of trash increases during the festive & wedding season, adding to the issue.
6. Ongoing Construction Works : Extensive construction activities in Delhi contribute significantly to dust and air pollution, accounting for nearly 56% of the particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels. The ongoing infrastructure development releases fine dust particles into the air, heavily impacting air quality and posing serious health risks to residents. This is the very reason that the state government puts bans on construction activities during winters.
7. Increased Population : Delhi's burgeoning population is a significant contributor to its severe air pollution problem. As the city's population grows, so does the demand for transportation, housing, and energy. This increased demand leads to a surge in vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction projects, all of which release harmful pollutants into the air. Additionally, a larger population often translates to increased waste generation, which, if not managed properly, can contribute to air pollution.
8. Use of Fireworks During Festivals : Diwali, celebrated in October or November, often involves widespread use of fireworks. This festive tradition contributes heavily to the spike in air pollution, with the smoke and particulate matter from firecrackers creating a hazardous smog that can take days to dissipate.
Measuring Air Quality: Understanding the AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to measure and categorize air quality levels. AQI values range from 0 to 500 and classify air quality into categories, from “Good” to “Hazardous”:
0-50: Good
51-100: Moderate
101-200: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
201-300: Unhealthy
301-400: Very Unhealthy
401-500: Hazardous
During winter, Delhi’s AQI often crosses 400, putting it in the "Hazardous" category. In some severe cases, AQI levels have even exceeded 500, leading authorities to declare health emergencies.
The Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality
Prolonged exposure to high pollution levels poses serious health risks, affecting not only vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions but also healthy individuals.
Steps Taken to Improve Air Quality
Over the years, the Indian government and local authorities have implemented various measures to combat Delhi’s air pollution. Some of these initiatives have shown promise, though challenges remain.
What Can Residents Do?
While government actions are crucial, residents can also adopt certain practices to protect themselves and contribute to the fight against air pollution in Delhi.
Long-Term Solutions and Hope for Change
Achieving clean air in Delhi will require sustained efforts on multiple fronts. While government policies and technological solutions are crucial, tackling this issue will also require public cooperation and community engagement. Cities around the world have successfully reduced pollution with a combination of policies and active citizen participation. For Delhi, addressing the root causes of pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring strict enforcement of regulations are key to making the city a safer place to live, especially during winter.
Conclusion
Winter air pollution in Delhi is a complex issue influenced by various factors, from weather patterns to human activities. While efforts to combat pollution have shown some progress, Delhi’s citizens continue to endure hazardous air quality every winter. To truly transform Delhi’s air, a holistic approach is needed—one that involves government action, community involvement, and a commitment to sustainable practices. With coordinated efforts, Delhi can hopefully look forward to winters with clearer skies and healthier air in the years to come.
Dec 09, 2024
TUI Staff
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