Delhi situation is miserable due to pollution
The whole city has sadness on its face.
The condition of the heart is the condition of Delhi.
confusion, suffocation, despair, heat, brake, longing
It’s so packed it’s hard to even breathe.
The famous poet Malikzada Manzoor Ahmed may have written this verse out of some feeling of love, but the condition of Delhi described in the verse is a mirror of the poisonous atmosphere of the city. The air in Delhi has become so stifling that people find it difficult to even breathe. Breathing Delhi air is equivalent to smoking 30 to 40 cigarettes a day.
The pollution level has reached a dangerous level from the serious category. After the AQI scale crossed 400, Grape-4 had to be implemented in Delhi. As a result, schools were closed and people were advised to stay indoors. These conditions have existed in Delhi for many years with the arrival of winter. According to the Air Quality of Living Index, the life expectancy of Delhiites is decreasing by 10 years due to pollution, but no government is willing to take responsibility for it.
So in this situation, can lockdown alone remove pollution from Delhi? This question is because when the lockdown was imposed during the time of coronavirus, among all its disadvantages, one thing was very good for nature. There was almost no pollution in the air or in the entire atmosphere. Due to the lockdown, there was a huge reduction in not only air but also water and noise pollution. But this was the pandemic crisis, will it be easy to implement confinement in such circumstances? Shall we try to understand this question with the help of experts?
Controlling pollution through confinement: solution or simply relief?
During the lockdown, Delhi saw clean air and blue skies. For example, in the first 21 days of the lockdown in 2020, PM 2.5 levels in Anand Vihar fell from 300 to 101. But the question arises whether the lockdown can be a permanent solution to stop pollution.
Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Founder of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals It is said that confinement can bring a temporary decrease in pollution, but it is not a solution, and its greatest impact falls on the poor, as was seen during the Covid confinement. He gives the example of Great Britain’s Great Smog (1950), where 12,000 people died due to pollution, but no lockdown was imposed. Instead, the British government took concrete steps. He believes Delhi will also have to show similar political resolve against pollution.
Shamit Gupta, medical director, Amritdhara Hospital, Karnal. He also agrees with Shuchin Bajaj. He says even the lockdown will not end problems like stubble burning, which contributes to around 35% of Delhi’s pollution. In addition, factors such as vehicle smoke, construction work and stagnant air also increase pollution.
It is necessary to know in which city, which sector, i.e. transportation, energy, construction, etc., is spreading how much pollution. Unless goals are set keeping these nuances in mind, the air cannot be made breathable.
What could be the solutions?
Dr. Bajaj and Dr. Gupta believe that the solution to the problem is possible only through comprehensive and concrete measures.
promote public transportation
Public transportation infrastructure will need to be improved. Better and accessible transportation will reduce the use of private vehicles, which will reduce air pollution. Strict fines and punishments should be provided for those who spread pollution.
stubble burning ban
The government can prevent farmers from being forced to burn stubble. To do this, measures can be taken such as buying stubble or giving other options.
Emphasis on electric vehicles
Charging infrastructure for electric vehicles will need to be strengthened so that people reduce their use of gasoline and diesel vehicles. It will be necessary to raise public awareness of the health risks caused by pollution and the importance of the environment.
political will is needed
Dr Bajaj says Delhi can overcome pollution like London, but it requires political determination and serious efforts. Air pollution will have to become an electoral issue, so that it can be given priority. Unless the government, public and experts take concrete steps together, this problem will persist.
Shuchin Bajaj gave the example of Beijing, the capital of China. He said that about 10 years ago the AQI level in Beijing, China had exceeded 100. But in 2013, China made a big plan to tackle air pollution and by 2022, Beijing’s AQI was reduced to 30. Shuchin Bajaj says if its neighboring country can improve AQI, why not India?
If Delhi wants clean air, it has a long way to go. Lockdown can only be a temporary solution, but the real solution is only possible through sustainable measures.
How dangerous is this pollution?
According to a recent global study published in the journal Lancet Neurology, air pollution is one of the leading causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This is some kind of brain stroke. Air pollution has been found to be responsible for approximately 14% of deaths and disabilities due to subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2021.
Dr Shamit Gupta Air pollution is said to have many adverse effects on our health. Breathing pollution weakens the lungs. Pollution begins to accumulate in the lungs, so they begin to shrink. Polluted air contains PM 2.5 particles. When these particles enter the body through breathing, they reach all organs along with oxygen.
They then damage all the organs and try to spread the cancer. Increases the risk of heart disease. Like a heart attack, weakening of the heart. The liver and kidneys are also affected by polluted air. Therefore, the age of people continues to decrease.
