Manoj Kumar Pathak
As the national capital, Delhi has long been grappling with the ominous issue of poor air quality. The city’s residents are no strangers to the yearly cycle of air pollution, which frequently crosses the hazardous 150-200 Air Quality Index (AQI) range. However, in the coming days, Delhi faces an even graver threat as the AQI may soar beyond 500, a level beyond which measurement becomes impossible. The looming crisis is an intricate interplay of various factors, from meteorological conditions to human activities.
One of the primary culprits exacerbating Delhi’s air quality is the convergence of temperature, wind speed, and direction, which forms a perfect storm during the winter months. Delhi’s densely populated streets are congested with an excessive number of vehicles, further contributing to the problem. Additionally, the city’s geographical proximity to the arid Thar landscape means that dust is a constant companion. The inefficient management of garbage disposal only compounds the issue. Nevertheless, perhaps the most notorious contributor to the city’s pollution crisis is stubble burning, a practice that has become synonymous with North India’s post-harvest season.
In recent days, Delhi’s air quality has oscillated dramatically based on wind patterns. For instance, earlier this week, when the wind blew from the southeast, the average AQI stood at a concerning 350. However, as the wind direction shifted to the northwest, carrying residue and smoke from stubble fires, the AQI catapulted beyond 400, and it now looms close to the ominous 500 mark. This meteorological phenomenon emphasizes the importance of incorporating temperature, wind speed, and direction into any comprehensive alert system designed to combat air pollution in Delhi.
It is worth noting that even in the absence of stubble burning, Delhi’s air quality remains far from ideal. However, it would not plunge into the severe category as it has now, and this is unlikely to occur in the near future.
Addressing Delhi’s air quality crisis necessitates a two-fold approach encompassing long-term year-round measures and short-term interventions. Long-term strategies must focus on reducing vehicular emissions, improving garbage disposal practices, and promoting green initiatives. To make a substantial and lasting impact, these measures should be consistently implemented and monitored throughout the year.
On the other hand, short-term solutions are equally vital, especially during the winter months. Controlling traffic congestion, regulating construction activities, and curbing stubble burning are immediate actions that can mitigate the acute spikes in pollution. These interventions, although temporary in nature, are essential to safeguard the health and well-being of Delhi’s citizens.
It is high time that Delhi’s air quality crisis is acknowledged as a year-round problem rather than just a seasonal one. This calls for collective efforts from government authorities, industries, and citizens alike. Implementing effective, long-term policies and stringent short-term measures are critical for preventing the looming catastrophe of AQI levels beyond 500. Delhi’s air quality deserves more than just fleeting attention—it requires sustained, comprehensive solutions to ensure the health and future of the city’s inhabitants.
