Delhi, India’s capital, is once again grappling with hazardous air quality levels as pollution hits the ‘severe’ category. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has spiked to alarming levels, with some areas reporting critical conditions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has pointed to buses from neighboring Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a significant contributor to the worsening air quality. The impact on residents’ health is concerning, with dense smog covering the city, making breathing difficult and raising serious health risks. Despite the efforts of the Delhi government to curb pollution, it emphasizes the need for coordinated action between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other neighboring states to mitigate the crisis.
The Alarming Air Quality Levels in Delhi:
Delhi’s air quality took a sharp downturn on October 20, 2024, with several areas experiencing hazardous AQI readings. At 8:30 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 454, categorizing the air as ‘severe.‘ The thick layer of smog that settled over the city was felt across various regions, including Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, and ITO, where the AQI fell into the ‘Very Poor‘ and ‘Poor‘ ranges.
The rise in pollution levels has triggered concerns among residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The dense smog has made daily activities challenging, forcing many to limit outdoor exposure.
AAP Government Blames UP Buses for Pollution Surge:
The AAP government has been vocal about the sources contributing to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi and Environment Minister Gopal Rai pointed fingers at buses entering the city from Uttar Pradesh, claiming they are a significant source of pollution. Many of these buses run on older, less eco-friendly engines that emit harmful pollutants, adding to the city’s already struggling air quality.
In addition to the buses, untreated waste from Haryana and UP flowing into the Yamuna River has been identified as another critical contributor to pollution. The untreated effluents not only harm the water ecosystem but also aggravate the broader environmental issues in the city.
Measures Implemented by the Delhi Government:
Despite the alarming situation, the AAP government is taking proactive steps to control the pollution levels in the city. The Delhi government has deployed 99 teams specifically for dust control measures. In addition, over 325 smog guns, which release fine water mist to capture airborne dust particles, have been deployed across the city to tackle pollution.
To further curb pollution, the government has launched road repair drives, encroachment removal operations, and enhanced dust management protocols. These measures are part of a larger effort to prevent further escalation of the pollution crisis, particularly in construction-heavy zones.
Call for Cooperation with Neighboring States:
While the Delhi government has ramped up its anti-pollution efforts, Environment Minister Gopal Rai stressed the importance of collaboration with neighboring states, particularly Uttar Pradesh. Rai called for the UP government to take similar anti-pollution measures, such as deploying water sprinklers at the Kaushambi bus depot to control dust levels.
Rai’s plea for joint action highlights the need for coordinated measures across state borders to effectively combat pollution. Pollution in Delhi is influenced by multiple external factors, and without a united approach, the city will continue to face seasonal pollution crises.
Impact on Residents’ Health and Quality of Life:
The toxic air quality in Delhi is causing severe health implications for the city’s population. With AQI levels reaching hazardous zones, respiratory problems are on the rise, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. Medical experts have warned of the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to polluted air, including the risk of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.
The poor air quality also impacts productivity and daily routines. Schools are often forced to close, and businesses report decreased attendance as people stay indoors to avoid exposure to smog. The city’s notorious winter pollution period, known as “smog season,” exacerbates these issues, especially during the colder months when fog traps pollutants near the ground.
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