POLLUTION

Delhi’s Much-dreaded Annual Tussle with Smog Commences as City’s Air Quality Turns “Very Poor”

Thick fog in Delhi ahead of Republic Day (Piyal Bhattacharjee/BCCL) — File photo
(Piyal Bhattacharjee/BCCL)

The national capital, Delhi, is once again grappling with a severe air pollution crisis. With an AQI of 339, the city’s air quality has plummeted into the “very poor” category, casting a thick layer of smog over its residents. This deteriorating air quality poses a significant threat to public health and has prompted widespread concern.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's (IITM) forecast paints a grim picture, predicting that the situation will likely persist for the next few days, with a further dip into the “very poor” category expected by Sunday. This annual decline in air quality is a result of a confluence of factors, including vehicle emissions, construction dust, and most notably, stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Despite strict regulations, the practice of stubble burning continues to be a major contributor to the air pollution crisis in Delhi. Particulate matter emitted from this practice exacerbates the pollution levels, leading to a significant deterioration in air quality. The Supreme Court has recently criticised Punjab and Haryana for their failure to comply with anti-pollution laws related to stubble burning, increasing pressure on these states to take action.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has implemented several measures. The Winter Action Plan, launched in late September, outlines 21 strategies aimed at curbing pollution. These include initiatives such as bio-decomposer spraying to reduce the effects of crop stubble burning and an anti-dust campaign targeting construction sites. Additionally, the Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has introduced further measures to monitor the city’s pollution hotspots.

While these efforts are commendable, the challenges posed by the deteriorating air quality remain significant. The combination of low temperatures and calm winds hinders the dispersal of pollutants, making it difficult to improve the air quality. Rainfall, when it occurs, can provide some relief, but the recurring nature of Delhi’s pollution problem highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions.

As Delhi continues to grapple with this environmental crisis, it is imperative that both the government and citizens work together to address the root causes of air pollution. Sustainable practices, stricter regulations, and collective action are key to ensuring a healthier and more livable city for all.

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