The toxic air in Delhi : School has been closed.

The toxic air in Delhi has been a significant environmental and public health issue for several years. During the colder months, especially from October to January, air quality in the Indian capital worsens dramatically due to a combination of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the main contributors to the toxic air in Delhi:

1. Crop Burning (Stubble Burning) .

Farmers in neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop residue (mainly rice stubble) after the harvest to clear fields for the next crop. This practice produces a large amount of smoke that drifts into Delhi, contributing to hazardous air quality.
This typically peaks between October and November, adding significantly to the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and other pollutants in the atmosphere.

2. Vehicular Emissions .

Delhi has one of the highest numbers of vehicles in the world, many of which run on fossil fuels. Emissions from cars, trucks, and buses contribute to the high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter in the air.
Older vehicles and heavy traffic congestion exacerbate the pollution problem.

3. Industrial Emissions .

Industries in and around Delhi, including power plants and factories, emit large amounts of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air pollution. Many of these industries are not always subject to strict environmental regulations.

4. Construction Activities .

With rapid urbanization, construction activities, including the building of new roads, buildings, and infrastructure, contribute dust and particulate matter to the air.
Lack of proper dust control methods and the use of diesel-powered construction equipment further pollute the air.

5. Weather Conditions .
   Delhi’s geography and seasonal weather patterns, particularly during winter, exacerbate air pollution. The colder months bring a phenomenon known as “temperature inversion,” where cold air traps pollutants near the ground. This results in high levels of smog and poor air quality that can persist for days or weeks.
6. Burning of Firecrackers .

During festivals like Diwali, large-scale firecracker use significantly worsens air quality, leading to short-term spikes in pollution levels. The burning of firecrackers releases hazardous chemicals like sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter.

7. Waste Burning .

Open burning of garbage, often consisting of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, adds to the toxic air, especially in areas on the outskirts of the city.
Key Pollutants:

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter): These tiny particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide): Mainly from vehicular emissions, it irritates the respiratory system and contributes to the formation of smog.
• SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide): Emitted by industrial activities and power plants, it can lead to acid rain and respiratory issues.
• CO (Carbon Monoxide): A colorless, odorless gas from vehicle exhaust, which can impair oxygen delivery in the body, especially in high concentrations.

Health Impacts:

• Long-term exposure to toxic air can lead to chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
• It also worsens cardiovascular diseases and can cause premature death.
• The high pollution levels also affect children’s lung development and can impair cognitive function.
• Air pollution is linked to increased hospital admissions for respiratory and heart-related problems, particularly during the peak pollution months.

Government Response and Measures:

• The Delhi government has implemented several initiatives to improve air quality, including:
• Odd-Even Rule: A vehicle rationing scheme where cars with odd-numbered and even-numbered plates are allowed on alternate days to reduce traffic emissions.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of emergency measures that are implemented in response to rising pollution levels, including measures to curb industrial emissions and construction activity.
• Public Transport Improvements: Promoting electric vehicles, expanding the metro system, and increasing the use of public transport to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
• Pollution Control Devices: Enforcing stricter regulations for industries and promoting cleaner technologies.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the health risks of pollution and encouraging the use of masks and air purifiers.

Challenges:

• Despite these measures, air quality continues to be a serious challenge due to the scale of the problem, the multitude of contributing factors, and limited enforcement of environmental regulations.
• Addressing stubble burning remains a complex issue, with many farmers unable to adopt alternative practices due to economic pressures. What Can People Do?
• Stay Informed: Checking air quality index (AQI) reports regularly to gauge when to stay indoors.
• Limit Outdoor Activities: Reducing physical activities outside during times of high pollution, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
• Use Air Purifiers: Installing air purifiers at home or in the office to filter out harmful particles.
• Wear Masks: Using N95 masks to protect against fine particulate matter when going outside.
• Support Policies: Advocating for more sustainable agricultural practices, better waste management, and stronger enforcement of pollution laws.

Addressing Delhi’s toxic air requires coordinated efforts between the government, industries, and residents, alongside broader regional and national efforts to tackle pollution from sources like crop burning and vehicle emissions.

Increasingly severe air quality also means that it is equivalent to the amount of cigarettes a person could be breathing in or smoking every day. With the national capital being at the worst of it all, at an AQI of 978, a person could breath 49.02 cigarettes every day.

Since October end, the air quality in Delhi has been on the down low and even worsening with each day, the same being caused by multiple factors including firecrackers and stubble burning.

Delhi residents are facing their worst fears with an AQI worse than what they could have imagined.

According to aqi.in, the national capital’s air quality index (AQI), as of 12:30 pm on November 18, stood at 978. This equals to smoking 49.02 cigarettes per day, i.e., in 24 hours.

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The Supreme Court also rapped the AAP-led state government over the delay in enforcing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) despite the alarming rise in pollution levels in the national capital.

An apex court bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih stated that it would not permit any reduction in preventive measures under stage 4 of GRAP, even if the AQI drops below 450.
Notably, schools, except for grades 10 and 12, have opted for offline classes in view of the deteriorating pollution levels.

Haryana seconds Delhi
Delhi’s neighbouring state of Haryana is the second worst. An AQI level of 631 is equal to smoking 33.25 cigarettes each day.
Both Haryana and Delhi fall prey to smog and those toxic particles from stubble burning every year. Haryana on Monday is expected to settled at a minimum temperature of 16.55°C and a maximum of 27.56°C.

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Uttar Pradesh
According to aqi.in, Uttar Pradesh has an air quality index of 273, which is equivalent to smoking 10.16 cigarettes per day.

The weather in UP is such that the maximum temperature stands at 31°C and minimum temperature at 13°C. The humidity in the state stood at 21%. Meanwhile, the PM2.5 quantity at 122 µg/m³.