There is an urgent need to address the underlying issues causing air pollution in north India, particularly across its arid regions, in order to protect large populations from serious health conditions, including heart disease
Every winter, dense, poisonous smog blankets vast areas across North India often reaching perilous levels. This dire situation forces authorities to shut down schools and impose restrictions on private vehicle usage, a grim yearly reminder of the grave crisis.
The Air Quality Index, a measure of airborne PM2.5 - minuscule particles that can infiltrate the lungs and trigger life-threatening cancers and heart ailments - escalates to alarming levels, underscoring the pressing need to tackle this health hazard.
By October-end, temperatures and wind speeds start dropping. Alongside, moisture levels increase, creating the ideal climatic conditions for the atmosphere to trap and keep the pollutants in the air for long.
A multitude of intricate factors contribute to the surge in pollution levels in India, spearheaded by dust, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust, according to a Reuters report. However, the local authorities, lacking the necessary resources and authority, struggle to curb illegal industries and enforce emission standards effectively. Delhi alone boasts a staggering 10 million vehicles - more than the combined total of the other three major cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
Most dry regions across north India, including the capital, struggle with dust, a common air pollutant. Environmental experts say New Delhi's topography hinders efforts to prevent the spike in pollution.
Moreover, large-scale mining for rocks and sand used in construction has eroded the Aravalli Mountain range. This natural barrier is crucial in protecting New Delhi from dust storms that originate in the Thar.
Activists are warning that the rapid disappearance of the Aravalli Range could exacerbate New Delhi's pollution problems.
In recent years, the problem has been exacerbated by stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana states, part of the farm belt that borders Delhi. This practice releases large amounts of smoke and pollutants into the air, contributing significantly to the region's air pollution.
In a bid to combat the air pollution crisis, India allocated a substantial amount of $177.61 million for two years in 2018 to provide farmers with subsidies for equipment that can dispose of crop waste without burning it. This initiative, if effectively implemented, could significantly reduce air pollution levels.