Urgency of crisis demands quick action
The Statesman|November 24, 2024
Returning from a month-long holiday in the US, I was immediately struck by the urgency of the pollution crisis as I landed in Delhi, past midnight this week.
Urgency of crisis demands quick action

The dark skies, sheets of dust, heat, and difficulty in breathing welcomed me as a stark reminder and a pressing call to action.

The pollution levels in Delhi have soared to their highest this week. New Delhi has reached hazardous levels, causing state officials to limit movement and revive plans to stimulate artificial rain to clear toxins.

This forced schools and offices to close due to the thick brown smog cloaking the city and demanded immediate action.

The number of respiratory diseases in children and older adults is rising, along with other health issues.

In cold winters in the north, smog covers the area every year and traps harmful pollutants from fires, construction sites and factories.

This issue worsens when farmers burn their stubble after the harvest to prepare for new crops.

The same or even worse scenario unfolds yearly, reaching alarming levels over time.

Citizens feel helpless in the face of severe pollution, while politicians engage in a blame game.

As a result, the public endures poor air quality, which seriously threatens their health.

Some people escape to warmer destinations during winter, but children and older people suffer the most.

Many schools have closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors.

Denne historien er fra November 24, 2024-utgaven av The Statesman.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 24, 2024-utgaven av The Statesman.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE STATESMANSe alt
The Statesman

Do we still need the G20?

The G20 remains an important platform for dialogue between major countries and a banner of multilateralism in today's world.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Statesman

Congress must reform

SIR, The Congress party had been in power for several decades after independence.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Statesman

Toxic Living~ II

While trucks and other heavy vehicles have been recognised as a major contributor to air pollution, in India, freight movement by rail has declined, giving way to a road-based freight system dominated by trucks. Rapid expansion of roads and highways has given impetus to road transport. The share of railways in 1950-51 was 89 per cent, which declined to 27 per cent in 2022

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Constitutional Whispers
The Statesman

Constitutional Whispers

There are several troubling aspects to the Apex Court's interventions in the R G Kar case, argues Debarshi Chakraborty.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Statesman

Migration Tragedy

The conviction of two individuals involved in a human smuggling operation that led to the deaths of an Indian family at the US-Canada border in January 2022 underscores the devastating toll of illegal migration networks.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Statesman

Rahul Gandhi accuses govt of protecting Adani

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, accused the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of protecting billionaire businessman Gautam Adani, who was indicted by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for alleged bribery.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
The Statesman

India welcomes ceasefire deal in Lebanon

India on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, hoping such developments will lead to peace and stability in the region.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
England Veteran Stokes skipped IPL auction to prolong international career
The Statesman

England Veteran Stokes skipped IPL auction to prolong international career

Ever since the advent of cash-rich T20 leagues across the world, including the money-minting Indian Premier League, there has been a debate over players choosing franchise cricket over their respective national teams' interest.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Bumrah rides Perth Test performance to reclaim top spot in ICC Test rankings
The Statesman

Bumrah rides Perth Test performance to reclaim top spot in ICC Test rankings

Pace maestro among several Team India colleagues to register big gains in latest ICC rankings

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
BGT 2024-25: Australia to add uncapped Beau Webster to squad for pink ball Test
The Statesman

BGT 2024-25: Australia to add uncapped Beau Webster to squad for pink ball Test

Australia are set to add uncapped fast-bowling all-rounder Beau Webster into their squad for the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, to be played with the pink ball in Adelaide, starting on 6 December.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024