New Delhi, the Indian capital, is grappling with hazardous air pollution, prompting officials to close all primary schools and shift classes online indefinitely. This decision was officially announced late Thursday by Chief Minister Atishi Marlena Singh through social media, as the city contends with dangerously poor air quality exacerbated by severe smog.
The current air quality crisis is characterized by levels of particulate matter—specifically PM2.5 and PM10—that surpass World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits by alarming margins. On Wednesday, PM2.5 levels were recorded at more than 50 times the recommended daily maximum, with some areas showing PM10 levels exceeding ten times the daily recommended threshold. Such pollutants can penetrate deep within the lungs, entering the bloodstream and leading to significant health issues.
This situation is not new for New Delhi. Each winter, the city faces serious air quality challenges due to several factors. The confluence of descending temperatures, smoke from agricultural burning, vehicular emissions, and dust stirred by low wind speeds creates the perfect storm for hazardous smog. Reports highlight how stubble burning by farmers—a common practice at this time of year—contributes roughly 38% to the capital's pollution levels.
Despite being one of the world’s most polluted cities with nearly 33 million residents, local authorities have enacted various mitigation measures. This includes banning non-essential construction, stepping up street cleaning with dust suppressants, and increasing the pressure on residents to limit the use of coal and wood for heating. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan on Friday morning, restricting specific vehicles and construction, all aimed at countering the dangerously high pollution levels.
School closures are among the most visible signs of the crisis. Online classes will continue for primary schoolers as parents and medical professionals voice growing concerns for children’s health. Reports from local hospitals indicate increased cases of respiratory issues—children are presenting high numbers of asthma-related complaints and other complications stemming from prolonged exposure to the bad air.
“There has been a sudden increase in children with allergies, cough, and cold, along with acute asthma attacks,” Sahab Ram, a pediatrician from the Fazilka region of Punjab, noted. Meanwhile, other residents have described feeling discomfort and pain during physical activities due to the air quality. Athletic training, for example, has become particularly concerning for many younger sports enthusiasts, who express anxieties about the long-term impacts of smog on their health.
Visibility has also plummeted across the city, with the Delhi airport reporting conditions severe enough to disrupt flights significantly—88% of departures and over half of arrivals were affected due to fog-like conditions on some days. Video footage and satellite images reveal the extent of the smog’s reach, which extends across northern India and even crosses borders, affecting areas as far as Pakistan.
With each year's return of winter smog, Delhi joins other cities like Lahore, Pakistan, which has also recently faced closure of its schools for similar pollution reasons. The regional problem has sparked outrage and criticism of government measures which critics argue are ineffectual. Expectations remain low among environmentalists and citizens alike about the immediate impact of government actions to curb pollution under the current atmospheric conditions.
Forecasts suggest slight improvements might occur over the weekend as cold winds are anticipated, potentially clearing some of the smog but leaving air quality still within the unhealthy range. Various officials have urged residents to use public transportation to help reduce emissions and minimize personal vehicle use during this pollution crisis.
On the broader health spectrum, increasing awareness concerning the dangers of air pollution has led to calls for urgent action from the Indian government and public health officials. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of India ruled clean air is a fundamental human right, pushing for enhanced measures from state authorities to improve air quality.
A research study published by The Lancet highlighted the graveness of the air pollution situation, attributing approximately 1.67 million premature deaths across India to air quality issues as of 2019. This statistic brings to light the long-term ramifications of Delhi's winter smog crisis on public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, who face potential developmental challenges due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
The impending winter months might promise chilly air but also signal more hazardous smog days if existing practices don’t change. The government previously attempted to implement aerial spraying of water mist to curb pollution, but many viewed it as nothing more than a temporary measure for what is evidently a longstanding issue. This constant battle against pollution now encompasses the broader goal of raising awareness and pushing for comprehensive solutions, promising hope for cleaner air days to come.
Overall, Delhi’s experience reflects the urgent need for more sustainable and legitimate solutions to address air quality, which continue to hinder daily life and public health, particularly for children.
