The severe air pollution crisis gripping South Asia has reached alarm levels, with Delhi residents choking under thick smog and authorities scrambling to counteract its dire impacts. The current situation has left millions gasping, with each breath posing potential health hazards. The relentless haze has not only affected visibility but also raised serious concerns about respiratory health, leading some experts to label it as dire as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delhi is currently experiencing its fourth consecutive day of hazardous air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to troubling heights. At 406 on Saturday morning, the AQI has been far above the 'severe' category, marking conditions extremely harmful to the public. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported this alarming level, which has triggered emergency measures by the Delhi government to safeguard its citizens.
According to reports, areas like Jahangirpuri and Burari Crossing are among the worst affected, with AQI readings sky-high at 445 and 435 respectively. Visibility is reportedly diminished to just 500 meters at Indira Gandhi International Airport, causing significant delays and disruptions to flight schedules. This rapidly declining air quality is largely attributed to stagnant winds, increased humidity trapped near the ground, and prolonged pollutant accumulation.
To combat the crisis, Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi implemented urgent measures, including staggered office timings to alleviate vehicular traffic during peak hours, which traditionally contributes heavily to emissions. Schools across the city have also shifted to online classes to minimize exposure to the polluted air. The government’s intensified actions come as part of the Graded Response Action Plan Stage III (GRAP), which includes bans on older vehicles and halting construction activities, among other restrictions.
Meanwhile, the air quality crisis isn’t confined to India, as neighboring Pakistan faces its own plight. The Punjab province, which includes major cities like Lahore and Multan, has declared a health emergency due to the extreme levels of smog engulfing the region. Particulate matter concentrations have skyrocketed, surpassing AQI readings of 600, effectively marked as hazardous.
The health emergency declaration was made by senior provincial officials who detailed various measures to combat the smog. Schools and restaurants were mandated to close until conditions improve, and construction work has paused to help curb pollution levels. Authorities noted these drastic steps are necessary to alleviate what they deem as tantamount to a national health crisis affecting nearly 2 million inhabitants.
Experts have linked this smog crisis to several factors including high automobile emissions, industrial discharges, and burning of crop waste, particularly prevalent during the winter wheat planting season. Several health professionals have emphasized the need for immediate preventative measures to keep respiratory issues at bay and combat the long-term effects on public health. They view this year's smog as more than just seasonal; it has become, according to Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, more of an emergency than COVID-19 due to widespread respiratory afflictions.
Ironically, as the public clambers for immediate solutions, satellite data reveals both Lahore and Delhi frequently vie for the title of the world's most polluted city. This ranking surfaces at the edges of this smog crisis, with environmental activists calling for more decisive action. Abid Omar, from the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI), criticized the lack of innovative policy to address the recurrences of such environmental disasters. He highlighted the ineffectiveness of past initiatives, urging root solutions based on global best practices.
Despite the grim realities, there remains cautious optimism as weather forecasts indicate potential rain and increased winds may arrive soon, which could provide necessary relief to afflicted cities. Rain is hoped to wash away significant air pollutants, restoring cleaner air to the region.
Reacting to the situation, individuals have been advised to wear masks outdoors, with some health practitioners likening it to smoking multiple cigarettes daily due to the toxicity of the air.
This growing crisis brings to light not only immediate health risks but also the pressing need for structured long-term policies addressing air quality and environmental health across South Asia. The urgency of mobilizing resources and implementing effective regulations cannot be overstated as two of the world’s most densely populated cities remain engulfed by thick, suffocative air. Citizens and officials alike hope for brighter skies and cleaner air soon, applying pressure on governments to reevaluate policies directed at fighting this persistent foe.
