Delhi - Smog Blanket on the Day of DiwaliDiwali

 

Post-Diwali, Delhi and neighboring cities like Noida have been experiencing severe air pollution as toxic smog blankets the region. This yearly phenomenon worsens during the festival season due to a combination of factors, including firecracker use, crop stubble burning, and seasonal weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground. Here's an in-depth look at the current air pollution situation and its contributing factors:

Current Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels and Predictions

As of recent days following Diwali, the Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached hazardous levels, often crossing the 400 mark in many areas. The AQI scale categorizes readings above 400 as "severe" or "hazardous," indicating highly polluted air that poses health risks to the general population, especially to sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.

Experts predict that AQI levels will likely worsen as the temperature drops and atmospheric conditions become more stagnant, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Seasonal changes, such as the onset of winter, create an inversion layer where warmer air traps cooler, polluted air near the ground, aggravating smog conditions.

Contributing Factors to Severe Air Pollution in Delhi

Delhi's air quality crisis is driven by multiple factors, and the post-Diwali period often marks the peak of pollution levels due to a confluence of these issues:

1. Diwali Firecrackers: Despite government bans and awareness campaigns, firecrackers remain a popular part of Diwali celebrations. Firecracker smoke releases a mix of toxic substances, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which contribute to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and cardiovascular problems. Even a single night of firecracker activity can lead to an exponential spike in AQI levels, as seen immediately after Diwali.

2. Crop Stubble Burning: Every year, farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn the residue of harvested crops to prepare for the next planting season. This stubble burning, or “parali” burning, emits significant amounts of PM2.5 and PM10, which drift toward Delhi and NCR, contributing heavily to the smog. Government measures to address stubble burning include subsidizing equipment for crop residue management and launching awareness campaigns, but enforcement remains challenging.

3. Vehicular and Industrial Emissions: Delhi’s high population density, coupled with its large number of vehicles, generates significant air pollution. Diesel-powered trucks and buses, private cars, and two-wheelers emit pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Additionally, industrial activities in and around Delhi contribute to the region's pollution levels.

4. Construction Dust: Ongoing construction activities, especially in rapidly growing urban areas like Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, generate dust, which contributes to particulate pollution. Despite rules requiring builders to cover construction sites and dampen dust, enforcement is inconsistent, and dust from these sites contributes significantly to local AQI levels.

5. Weather Conditions: The weather patterns during October and November play a crucial role in exacerbating air pollution. The lack of wind and the phenomenon known as temperature inversion trap pollutants in the lower atmosphere. Cold air at the surface, combined with warmer air above, prevents the dispersion of pollutants, creating a thick layer of smog over the city.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

The toxic air poses a range of health risks to the residents of Delhi and NCR. Short-term exposure to high pollution levels can cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and lungs, and worsen asthma and bronchitis symptoms. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and even reduce life expectancy. Studies have shown that the average life expectancy in Delhi is shortened by several years due to poor air quality.

Children, elderly people, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. With the AQI at hazardous levels, health experts advise the public to stay indoors, use air purifiers if possible, and wear N95 masks outdoors to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Government Measures and Public Responses

In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government, in collaboration with other agencies, has implemented several emergency measures. These include:

Ban on Firecrackers: Firecrackers are banned during Diwali and other festivals, though enforcement has been challenging.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): GRAP is a multi-tiered plan with specific actions at different pollution levels, including restrictions on construction activities, stricter emission standards for industries, and traffic restrictions.

Odd-Even Scheme: To reduce vehicular emissions, Delhi occasionally enacts an odd-even vehicle scheme, which limits the number of cars on the road based on their license plate numbers.

Promotion of Public Transport and Electric Vehicles: Initiatives to promote the use of public transport and electric vehicles (EVs) are part of the long-term strategy to reduce pollution.

Subsidies for Farmers: Subsidies for farm equipment that manage stubble without burning aim to reduce pollution from crop residue burning.

Despite these efforts, sustained improvement in air quality remains challenging, as factors like crop residue burning require cooperation across states, and enforcement of bans on firecrackers and emissions from vehicles remains inconsistent.

Recommendations for Public Safety and Reducing Pollution

In light of hazardous AQI levels, residents can take the following steps to protect their health:

Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and evening hours when pollution levels are typically highest.

Use Air Purifiers: Indoor air purifiers can help reduce exposure to indoor air pollution.

Wear Masks: N95 or similar high-filtration masks are recommended for those who need to go outside.

Avoid Outdoor Exercise: Physical exertion increases respiratory rates, which can lead to inhaling more pollutants. Opt for indoor exercise routines during this period.

On a broader scale, there is a growing need for improved urban planning, green cover, and alternative energy solutions to help reduce Delhi's dependence on polluting sources. Citizens can contribute by advocating for stricter pollution control policies, reducing vehicle use, and promoting renewable energy solutions in their communities.

Overall, addressing Delhi's air pollution problem requires a coordinated, multi-pronged approach involving stricter government regulations, enhanced public awareness, and active participation by both urban and rural populations. Without sustained efforts, the capital and its residents will continue to face the debilitating effects of toxic air.