What can you do to beat air pollution in Delhi?
Air pollution in Delhi this year has surpassed all past records. If we just consider this century, Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated alarmingly since the year 2000. From what was once a city grappling with manageable air pollution levels to now becoming one of the most polluted cities in the world, Delhi’s air is now unbreathable. Much has been discussed about the factors behind this high air pollution and is now in the public domain to analyze. The primary culprits are unchecked vehicular emissions, rapid urbanization, construction dust and some point source industrial pollution.
Rising number of diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR and the growing reliance on private transportation has compounded the problem. Seasonal burning of stubble in the neighbouring states of Haryana & Punjab are also stated as significant contributors to hazardous particulate matter, especially during winters. There have been many efforts to curb air pollution in Delhi since 2000. Some of the initial efforts include the introduction of CNG-powered public transport in early 2000s, exploring the option of dedicating Bus Rapid Transit lanes to promote surface-level public transport and asking major industries to locate and relocate outside the Delhi NCT. However, Delhi’s air quality has continued to decline under the pressure of burgeoning population and unchecked infrastructural growth.
Efforts to combat pollution in recent years have been extensive but not entirely sufficient. The government introduced measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which outlines emergency measures during periods of severe pollution, and the Odd-Even vehicle rationing scheme to reduce traffic emissions. Moreover, initiatives like switching coal-fired power plants to cleaner energy sources and banning firecrackers during festivals aimed to tackle specific contributors to pollution. Yet, enforcement challenges and lack of systemic change have diluted the effectiveness of these efforts. While these measures have raised awareness, achieving tangible long-term improvements requires a more aggressive, collaborative approach involving policymakers, industries and citizens.
What can you do?
As a citizen of Delhi facing the relentless challenge of air pollution, personal action can serve as a powerful tool to mitigate its impact. You can start by reducing your ecological footprint by following these steps:
1. Reduce and optimize your energy usage. Turn-off switches & appliances when not in use, and turn off your car engines when on red light. Ensure you only use LED lighting.
2. Use public transport as much as you can. If you are living in a society where many people go to closely located work places, carpool.
3. Walk or switch to cycling for short distances whenever possible.
4. Explore the benefits of electric vehicles and make budget for buying these in the future. Switch to CNG.
5. Do not burn waste under any circumstance. This not only causes air pollution, it is also an immediate health hazard and burning plastic can cause many health problems. Segregate your waste at home and ask your waste collector to do the same.
6. Plant indoor and outdoor plants all around your house and work place.
Focus more on broad-leaved plants and clean their leaves regularly with a spray of water. Some of these plants are areca palm, snake plant or aloe vera that have shown some potential in helping improve air quality in their immediate environment. You should aim to create a green wall on your balcony or front yard. Advocacy and community participation can play a vital role and you must start acting on your Constitutional duty to protect the environment. You can also use the Green Delhi App to report any violation of pollution norms in the city.
7. Join or support local initiatives that are working towards sustainable urban solutions, such as tree plantation drives or citizen-led campaigns against illegal felling of trees.
Spread awareness by encouraging friends and family to adopt similar eco-conscious habits. Engage with government officials and policymakers through petitions, forums and social media and other public channels to demand stricter regulations on vehicular emissions control and industrial emissions and better waste management practices. By collectively building a culture of sustainability and taking small, consistent actions, each one of us can create a ripple effect toward a healthier future and beating the air pollution in Delhi.
What about now?
It is no secret that the air in Delhi is beyond unhealthy and the air quality index (AQI) is hazardous on many days. Until the situation improves, it is upon each one of us to take steps to protect our lungs from becoming the dumping ground of all this air pollution. There is need for taking some immediate steps beyond the seven steps listed above, to save ourselves from air pollution.
8. Always wear a mask when outside. In case you don’t have access to a more sophisticated or even a cloth mask, you can visit your nearest chemist and buy the simply medical masks that provide consideration protection.
If nothing is available, you can dip your handkerchief in water and wear around your face, though it runs the danger of catching cold if the water is too cold.
9. To the extent possible, and make it possible for the sake of your lungs, stay indoors. Encourage work-from-home in your work place and take whatever step necessary to remain indoors.
10. Travel!
Leave the city for a cleaner destination if you can afford to do so. This is the least encouraging but most necessary step you can take especially if you or your loved one suffers from pre-existing conditions related to lungs or some other chronic health problem. Air pollution is a serious environmental hazard since it is about the very substance we inhale every second that keeps us alive. Keep the air clean therefore is our primary responsibility, and everyone contribution is required and necessary.
Top image: An AI rendition if air pollution in Delhi.
