Delhi’s Pollution Crisis: Severe Levels Lead to School Closures and Health Concerns

Image: “Delhi Air Pollution Crisis”

Delhi is currently facing a severe pollution crisis, with air quality levels reaching hazardous levels. This has led to the closure of schools in the city and raised concerns about the potential impact on public health, particularly for those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has surpassed 400, which is considered “severe” or “hazardous” by global environmental bodies.

The primary cause of the pollution crisis is attributed to smoke from the burning of crop residues after harvest in neighboring states, Punjab and Haryana. Additionally, a drop in temperature and a lack of wind in North India have contributed to the worsening air quality.

To address the situation, local authorities have taken several measures, including halting all non-essential construction activities in the city and increasing enforcement of fines on individuals driving vehicles that do not meet emission standards.

The pollution crisis in Delhi is not a new issue, as severe pollution occurs annually during the winter months. However, this year’s crisis has been exacerbated by the burning of crop residues and the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali, which involves the use of firecrackers. The Indian government has imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers in the national capital until January 1, but the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain due to potential enforcement challenges.

The severity of the pollution crisis in Delhi has been highlighted by data from aqicn.org, which showed that the AQI level in the Anand Vihar neighborhood briefly reached a level of 999, indicating that pollution levels exceeded the limits of the sensors in the area.

NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System has also tracked a significant increase in fires in the northern Indian state of Punjab, which has contributed to the worsening air quality in Delhi.

The pollution crisis in Delhi has sparked concerns and discussions among government officials and the public. U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, compared the situation in Delhi to the air pollution he experienced growing up in Los Angeles.

Addressing the pollution crisis in Delhi requires a collaborative effort from municipal, state, and federal government authorities. The governments of Punjab and Haryana have attempted to address the issue by offering financial incentives to farmers who do not burn crop residues after harvesting their crops. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been limited, as the incentives often do not outweigh the financial savings for farmers who choose to burn the residue instead of clearing it manually or using a tractor.

In conclusion, the severe pollution crisis in Delhi has led to school closures and raised concerns about the potential impact on public health. The crisis has been attributed to a combination of factors, including smoke from burning crop residues and a lack of wind in the region. The Indian government has taken measures to address the situation, but the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain. Addressing the pollution crisis in Delhi requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including government authorities and farmers in neighboring states.