Every year you will see Delhi under a thick coat of smog. And this is what people are accustomed to year after year. But, no, this should not be our reality and we should definitely not pretend that it is some small annoyance. The pollution causing this is not only the hassle we are used to but it is literally killing humans and impeding the development of this city. This is not something we can ignore continuously.
Reason that makes air in Delhi so polluted?
Well, it’s not just one but a combination of various factors:
– There are many vehicles on the roads. Basically, every car is the main source of air pollution with the smoke and particles it emits. Air is polluted continuously by the dust and car exhaust. It has become so congested that traffic hardly ever stops although the air does never get a break.
– The factories and construction sites have to be the main culprits of the pollution that keeps on coming in. Besides the city expanding, the air is getting worse too.
– Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP use to burn approx 20 million tonnes of crop stalks in these three states every year. Clearly, there is nothing that can prevent smoke from borders. It just moves in and settles down.
– How could the weather be worse in winter? Cold days, no wind to blow away the smoke and the pollution is trapped in the lowest layer of atmosphere due to the lack of heating, or thermal inversion layer is formed.
– While cooking or staying warm, burning of coal, wood, or even garbage is done by humans. It is adding to the pile that is covering the sky.
How Does This Affect Humans?
Though dirty, breathing in Delhi’s air is also very harmful.
– More and more people are affected by sickness. Asthma, bronchitis, lung infections are just a few of the diseases that have appeared and their number is growing rapidly.
– Cardiovascular diseases rise too. The longer you stay in such an environment the higher will be the probability of cardiac arrest, stroke or hypertension etc.
– Children and elderly are the most affected. Children may not be able to develop their lungs properly while old people may not be able to withstand the extra stress.
– Productivity is decreased. Schools are closed due to the terrible air quality, people are on sick leave and basically everyone is forced to remain indoors trying to protect themselves instead of doing work or spending time outdoors.
– Expenses for medical care increase, life expectancy decreases. It is basically a vicious circle that goes on without stop or real solution for a long time now.
So, What Can We Actually Do?
It would take a government of serious intent to provide long-term solutions to the problem. However, individuals and communities have a lot to contribute to relief the situation and they can even achieve tangible results immediately.
– If possible, take the bus, which is a shared vehicle which helps lessens air pollution. Shared ride to go to work or school, ride your bike or simply walk if the distance is not long.
– Keep off from burning wastes such as garbage, dry leaves, or firecrackers. Every little bit counts.
– Allow air purifiers to operate in your house and, in case when the atmosphere is worst, wear a protective mask, which prevents pollutants from entering the respiratory system.
– Besides that, planting trees, which absorb the pollutants, will be effective, do not forget to look after own garden too by watering regularly so it stays green and clean.
The local administration should also make efforts to improve the quality of air:
– They must take steps to enforce measures aimed at lessening pollution from vehicles and factories.
– Making sure that dust is controlled around construction sites should be another priority of them.
– They are going to lobby for pollution-free energies and thus, pave the way for a future where electric cars dominate the road.
– Coming up with new ways to handle leftover grains rather than setting is one of those plans.
– Once educated, people will react accordingly. So, sooner or later, the news must be circulated to the public.
In short
Delhi’s air problem is not only an eco-issue but a health crisis of grave proportions. Albeit the government has to act, the things we do on a daily basis are important as well. Minor changes if we are all consistent, cumulate. It is the only way that Delhi may breathe freely and people get to live healthier lives.