In a concerning turn of events, Delhi, the capital city of India, has been engulfed by a thick toxic smog, plunging the air quality to severe levels. This marks the beginning of an annual pollution season that has become a catastrophe for the city and its residents. The air quality index in Delhi soared to nearly 500, which is a staggering 100 times higher than the limit considered healthy by the World Health Organization. Consequently, schools have been closed, and non-essential construction has been banned in an effort to mitigate the risks.
The deteriorating air quality is attributed to several factors, including the sharp increase in farmers from neighbouring states like Haryana and Punjab burning their fields during the crop planting season. Winds have carried these pollutants into Delhi, where they have been trapped due to a drop in temperatures, exacerbating the problem. On a single day, Punjab witnessed a shocking 740% rise in farm fires, further contributing to the crisis. Additionally, car emissions, ongoing construction, and the burning of rubbish at waste plants are worsening the pollution levels in the city.
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Delhi, home to approximately 33 million people, is consistently ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to the latest air quality life index by the University of Chicago's energy policy institute, residents of Delhi could face a reduction in their life expectancy by 11.9 years due to the poor air quality.
Medical professionals in Delhi have reported a surge in patients experiencing respiratory issues, including coughs, colds, watery and irritated eyes, and breathing problems. People of all ages are being affected, prompting doctors to emphasise the importance of wearing masks and limiting outdoor activities to essential tasks only.
The Central Pollution Control Board has revealed that pollution levels in Delhi in October reached their worst since 2020, indicating a critical situation that demands urgent attention. Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as wearing masks and staying indoors whenever possible, to safeguard their health amidst this alarming pollution crisis.
