Choking on smog

Delhi's alarming air pollution—exacerbated by vehicular emissions, construction dust, tree felling, and garbage burning—is a manifestation of administrative neglect, mismanagement, and unaccountability

- RANJAN MUKHERJEE

Lord Hanuman Ji must be extremely unhappy with Delhi these days—and understandably so. As a devoted son, he is undoubtedly worried about the poor health conditions of his father, Shree Pawan Ji, along with the lakhs of his followers who are also suffering due to the ‘SEVERE’ levels of pollution in the air across the National Capital Region of Delhi. Everyone is choking and unable to breathe properly, suffering from respiratory diseases caused by these poisonous atmospheric conditions.

Meanwhile, there appears to be no accountability from anyone or any agency responsible for the prevailing condition.

On a serious note, the deteriorating conditions are man-made and can be addressed with a little sincerity and effort—which, unfortunately, is missing. No one seems to care or bother anymore. The media, including social media, diligently flags the issue, but no one pays the necessary attention. The judiciary has also taken the matter seriously, reprimanding the administration about the worsening air quality and law and order situation. However, it remains helpless in ensuring proper steps are taken to provide clean air for Delhi’s residents, in addition to improving law and order.

Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to the dangerously high AQI levels, now reaching 500, while a level below 100 is desirable. Several schools have shut down and children are asked to stay indoors. Delhi today is one of the most polluted cities in the world.

While many factors contribute to this crisis, the burning of crop residue (parali) often becomes the scapegoat. Other significant causes include: