A biting chill gripped Delhi as temperatures plummeted in the past couple of days. The minimum temperature dipped drastically, settling at 7.8 degrees Celsius on Friday, that is a stark four degrees below normal for this time of year. The IMD has issued a stark warning: cold wave conditions would prevail for the next three days with the mercury said to dip further to about 5 degrees Celsius by Sunday.
Dense Fog to Cover Delhi City in Early Morning Hours
There’s some more misery in store for the city. The capital will be covered under the blanket of dense fog till morning hours. Furthermore, IMD has issued yellow alert. Besides, the agency is asking people to drive slowly as visibility will be very bad.
Delhi Air Quality Hits Poor Category
With the fall in temperature, the air quality of Delhi has worsened drastically. Most parts of the city have slipped into the ‘poor’ category on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The prime culprit is PM2.5, the fine particulate matter which can penetrate deep into the lungs and thus poses grave health risks. Stubble burning and unfavorable weather further compound the issue.
Experts have blamed the confluence of factors behind this deteriorating air quality. The major reason is stubble burning in neighboring states, where farmers burn leftover crop residue as part of the agricultural practice. These pollutants are released into the atmosphere in large quantities. Then, unfavorable meteorological conditions like calm winds trap these pollutants and make the air quality crisis worse.
Health Concerns Rise
Poor air quality is a looming health threat to the residents of Delhi. People who are suffering from any respiratory disease, such as asthma and COPD, are at high risk. Elderly people and children are at high risk of contracting the diseases.
Delhi Government Actions and People’s Support
It has taken several steps against air pollution. It includes imposing a ban on construction activities and implementing the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme. Yet, its efforts have proved to have a rather limited impact.
Experts have called for public cooperation in raising the quality of air in the environment. Some of the most crucial steps one would take are to minimize his dependence on private transport and make use of public means, reduce activities that encourage burning of garbage. Other long-term solutions are the need.
We should deal with the crisis in air pollution at Delhi by finding long-term solutions and sustainable alternatives. This must be done through alternative methods for stubble burning, encouraging cleaner fuels, and investing heavily in renewable energy resources.
Call for Action
Recent low temperatures and the rise in levels of air pollution are a timely reminder of the gravity of this situation. Concerted efforts from the governments, industries, and the citizenry are necessary to create an environment that is healthier for all residents of Delhi to live in.
The city faces a serious challenge that calls for a multiple-pronged approach towards sustainable solutions. They must not only address the root causes but also mitigate its immediate adverse impacts on public health. A collective effort by governments, industries, and people is necessary to make sure that Delhi can have an even cleaner and healthier tomorrow.
