Delhi's Smog Crisis: A Public Health Emergency Looming Over the Capital

The Rising Tide of Respiratory Illnesses In recent weeks, pulmonologist Dr. Ashish Jain has witnessed an alarming increase in patients presenting with respiratory ailments. From persistent coughing and wheezing to exacerbated asthma symptoms, the effects of Delhi's pollution crisis are tangible and severe. “The number of admissions in the hospitals – they (have gone) up,” Dr. Jain explains, underscoring the urgency of the situation. A report from the medical journal BMJ highlights the gravity of the problem, indicating that air pollution claims over 2 million lives in India annually, with Delhi facing one of the highest mortality rates in the world. The Role of Diwali Celebrations The recent spike in pollution levels can be partly attributed to the extended Diwali celebrations, during which many residents defied a ban on firecrackers. This led to one of the most polluted weeks of the year, with the Air Quality Index fluctuating between unhealthy and hazardous levels. The Supreme Court's inquiry into the ineffective enforcement of the ban raises questions about accountability and the role of governance in managing public health crises. A Winter of Smog: Causes and Consequences Every winter, Delhi’s air quality plummets, largely due to a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and the burning of agricultural residue in neighboring states. This year, research indicates that local pollution sources have significantly contributed to the issue. The resulting smog, a lethal mix of toxic gases and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), poses serious health risks, including eye irritation, respiratory distress, and even death.

Stubble Burning: A Persistent Challenge One of the key contributors to Delhi's pollution crisis is stubble burning in nearby agricultural states. Despite being banned, this practice continues due to its cost-effectiveness for farmers. The smoke generated from these fires often gets trapped in Delhi's atmosphere, exacerbating the already dire air quality. Data from the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology suggests that stubble burning can account for up to 50% of the PM2.5 levels on certain days. The Government's Response: Are We Doing Enough? In response to the pollution crisis, the government has deployed movable anti-smog guns and temporarily banned construction activities. While these measures provide some respite, experts argue that they are insufficient. A comprehensive year-round inspection program targeting vehicular emissions and industrial pollution is crucial for a sustainable solution.