Worry over toxic Delhi air as pollution worsens

In the capital city of India, Delhi, the air quality has taken a turn for the worse, reaching alarming levels of pollution. Recent data indicates that the air quality has dropped into the 'very poor' category, with pollution levels soaring to 25 to 30 times higher than the safe limits set by the World Health Organization. Experts are raising concerns that the situation is likely to deteriorate further in the coming days due to a combination of weather conditions, the use of firecrackers during the upcoming Diwali festival, and the burning of crop residues in neighboring states. Every year, from October to January, Delhi and several other northern cities in India experience extreme air pollution, which disrupts daily life, leading to the closure of schools and businesses. In response to the rising dust levels, the Delhi government has deployed water tankers to sprinkle water on the roads to help settle the dust. nnThe levels of tiny particulate matter, known as PM 2. 5, have reached concerning heights, with some areas recording levels as high as 350 micrograms per cubic meter. According to the government-run Safar website, air quality is classified as 'very poor' when PM 2. 5 levels range from 300 to 400, and it is deemed 'severe' when levels exceed 400. Each winter, Delhi becomes shrouded in a thick layer of smog due to a mix of smoke, dust, low wind speeds, vehicle emissions, and the burning of crop stubble. During November and December, farmers in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana often burn crop stubble to clear their fields. Farming groups have expressed the need for financial and technical assistance to explore alternative methods for clearing crop remains, but government initiatives have not proven effective thus far. The smoke generated from firecrackers set off during Diwali also contributes significantly to the pollution problem. nnAs is customary, the Delhi government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of fireworks ahead of the Diwali festival, which is set to take place later this week. However, previous attempts to enforce such bans have not been entirely successful, as individuals often find ways to obtain fireworks from other states. In addition to the fireworks ban, the Delhi government has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP, to combat pollution. This plan prohibits activities that involve the use of coal and firewood, as well as the operation of diesel generators for non-emergency purposes. Authorities in Delhi have advised residents to remain indoors as much as possible and have restricted construction activities throughout the city. They have also encouraged the use of public transportation to help reduce vehicle emissions.