Authorities in the Indian capital closed schools, halted construction work, and prevented non-essential trucks from entering the city on Monday, after air pollution rose to its worst levels this season.
Residents of New Delhi woke up to thick toxic smog shrouding the city of about 33 million people as the air quality became increasingly dangerous. The temperature has risen further into the extreme category, according to SAFAR, the country’s main environmental agency, which measures fine particles in the air that can enter deep into the lungs.
The capital’s monuments and high-rise buildings were shrouded in deadly fog, and visibility was so low that airlines warned of delays.
In many areas of the city, pollution levels were more than 50 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Forecasts indicate that poor air quality will continue throughout the week.
Air pollution in northern India rises every year, especially in winter, as farmers burn crop residues in agricultural areas. Combustion coincides with cooler temperatures, trapping smoke in the air. The smoke is then blown into cities, where car emissions add to the pollution.
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Emissions from industries and the burning of coal to produce electricity are also linked to pollution, which has been steadily increasing in recent weeks.
Starting Monday, authorities began implementing the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP 4, based on the severity of air pollution. Previous phases of the plan were already in place, and phase four includes tougher restrictions.
Classes for all classes except 10th and 12th will be held online and trucks will not be allowed into the city except those carrying essential materials. Some old vehicles that consume large amounts of diesel have been banned within the city, and all construction activities have been halted. Authorities also urged children, the elderly, and others with chronic diseases or respiratory problems to avoid going out as much as possible.
Over the weekend, farmers in neighboring Uttar Pradesh state burned their fields, sending up plumes of gray smoke that the winds will likely carry to New Delhi and other nearby areas. Despite the toxic air, many in the capital continued with their usual routines, including a morning walk in the city’s beloved Lodhi Park.
“Everyone has a sore throat,” said Sanjay Goel, a 51-year-old shop owner in New Delhi. “They should ban burning crop residue…it’s just smoke everywhere.”
The deteriorating air quality in the capital also sparked anger among residents on social media. Many complained of headaches and severe coughs, and described the city as “horrific” and a “gas chamber.” Others urged officials to resolve the public health crisis once and for all. Several studies have estimated that more than a million Indians die every year from pollution-related diseases.
Authorities have taken similar measures in the past, sometimes deploying water sprinklers and anti-smog guns in an attempt to control the haze. But critics say there should be a long-term solution that significantly reduces the pollution itself, rather than measures aimed at mitigating the effects after it has already plagued the area.
& Edition 2024 The Canadian Press
