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Delhi , which is a metropolitan city and the capital of India, is one of the cities with the worst air pollution in the world. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has reached dangerously high levels on numerous occasions, placing its citizens in significant health risks. This blog discusses how air pollution in Delhi came to be, its effects and how it can be remedied.
The situation of air quality in the city of Delhi as of now.
As of today, the national capital has been accredited the second most air polluted city in India as well, as its air quality has reached the āhazardousā status. With various internal reports stressing the national capitalās worsening condition, the residentsā worst fears have been confirmed: the AQI has been present in the āsevereā category for the longest period of time. In such situations where exposure lasts for a considerable amount of time, adverse health impacts are almost inevitable, especially in sensitive groups such as children, old people, and those with preexisting conditions. It is evident through these statistics that pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) have adverse effects not only on the environment but also over the health of the general population.
As winter approaches, one can see some factors including crop stubble burning in neighboring states and vehicular and industrial activities which worsen the pollution levels. At this point in time, however, the meteorological conditions also make the pollution scenario difficult by allowing harmful particulates to remain suspended close to the surface. Consequently, the AQI levels peak and the city becomes a Hazardous Zone for its inhabitants.
Delhi ‘s pollution
Periods of acute air pollution are experienced in the plug seasons of Delhi with a variety of factors extending the seasons in duration and intensity. One such reason is the high population density and more so, the population density of road vehicles. Delhi has more than 10 million registered vehicles and emissions from these vehicles do have dire consequences on the air quality. Other farmers in the region have poor vehicle maintenance, thus increasing the quantity of emissions into the atmosphere.
Moreover, during winter, the practice of burning of crop residues in Punjab and Haryana states only adds more woes to the situation of already poor pollution levels in Delhi. In order to prepare their fields for the next cropping season, farmers go for burning practices and indirectly add a large volume of smoke and particulate matter to the atmosphere. Their presence in Delhi contributes to the thick fog in the region and hence, strong winds carry the regionās pollution.
Factories and power plants situated in and around Delhi discharge large quantities of pollutants including Sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which further deteriorate the air quality. In addition, the use of iron metal in construction also causes dust pollution in the city.
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The Health Hazards Related to Poor Air Quality
People suffering from air pollution face several health threats caused by residing in high pollution areas.
Children and the elderly are at the particular risk. For children, air pollution exposure compounds chances for severe developmental health issues such as relative underdevelopment of the lungs, later directed towards respiratory diseases. For elderly patients suffering from other medical complications, the health overall of this group can become much worse due to exposure to uncovered air resulting in increased hospital admissions.
Another study suggests that prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution could also affect the brain leading to memory loss as well as mental disorders.
Measures to Solve the Problem of Air Pollution in Delhi
In spite of the dire scenario, there are some strategies that should be effective in lowering pollution levels in DelhiOne of the notable measures is the odd-even car rule. This rule allows cars with either an odd or even number to be on the road on alternate days. The aim is to control pollution through vehicle emissions and reduce traffic on the roads.
Besides that, there was a shift in strategies in Delhi towards the use of public transport. For example, the Delhi Metro is a sustainable alternative to cars.
On a wider scope, controlling the practice of crop burning in the adjacent states is still in the offing. However, the government has started offering some subsidies to farmers to discourage them from burning their crops. For instance, using machines for post-harvest management and payment for not setting crops on fire are some of the ways to eliminate the problem.
The Role of Citizens in Air Pollution Control
Governments, in this case, have a major share in solving urban air pollution problems, but ordinary people may also do a lot of good. For example, if people use a bus or ride with their friends, they will decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emissions instead of driving their vehicle all by themselves. Further, burning waste and using products made from organic sources will put fewer pollutants in the air.
Apart from this, citizens can also work to improve pollution control efforts by the authorities. The society can join the movements which nurture clean energy, more green areas and waste disposal sites so as to leave the environment clean and safe.
Furthermore, both the government and citizens also have a very important role to play: caring about their health. When the air quality is very poor, using an air conditioner may be worthwhile due to the likelihood of using it indoors. When it is still required to be outside, a special mask can be used.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
There are still many grievances in New Delhiās air pollution crisis, which seems relentless to many. Many factors interplay to make the air quality severely hostile. Indeed, while the government has taken measures in this regard, there is still a great deal of work to be performed. It will be the responsibility of the government, industries and common people to work together in order to lessen the effects of air pollution in the city. It is only through persistent endeavors and shared accountability that Delhi may anticipate enjoying pure air in the near future. Click here for the source
