Air quality in India’s capital, Delhi, has plummeted to alarming levels, with pollution reaching the “very poor” category across several areas. Recent data reveals that pollution levels have exceeded 25-30 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe limit.
Rising Concerns Over PM 2.5 Levels
Government data from Safar shows that levels of PM 2.5—a harmful particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs—have escalated to 350 micrograms per cubic meter in some parts of the city. This measurement categorizes air quality as “very poor” and dangerously close to the “severe” range, which starts at 400.
Seasonal Factors and Diwali’s Impact
Delhi annually experiences a sharp spike in air pollution from October to January, due to a combination of factors such as low wind speeds, vehicular emissions, and crop residue burning in neighboring states. In the winter months, farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn crop stubble to clear their fields, a practice that significantly contributes to the region’s smog crisis.
Adding to this challenge, experts predict the pollution will worsen with the celebration of Diwali on Thursday. Despite a government-imposed ban on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of fireworks, previous attempts to curb their use have proven ineffective, with residents sourcing them from other states.
Government Actions to Combat Pollution
The Delhi government has implemented its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes restrictions on activities involving coal, firewood, and diesel generators for non-emergency purposes. Additionally, authorities have advised residents to limit outdoor activities and urged the use of public transport to cut down on vehicular emissions.
In an attempt to mitigate the effects of the pollution, water-sprinkling trucks have been deployed across the city to settle dust. Construction activities have also been limited to reduce the contribution of dust particles to the air.
Call for Long-Term Solutions
Farming groups continue to call for financial and technical assistance to explore alternative methods of crop residue management, as existing government schemes have not yet yielded sufficient results. With the onset of winter and the festival season, experts caution that long-term strategies are needed to combat the recurring crisis and safeguard public health in the region.