India's government has taken decisive action to address the deteriorating air quality in New Delhi, the world's most polluted capital. In response to the worsening pollution levels that have disrupted daily life and obscured iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, new measures have been put in place.
These measures include a ban on non-essential construction activities, urging residents to avoid burning coal for heating, and promoting the use of public transport. Additionally, efforts such as sprinkling water with dust suppressants on roads and mechanized sweeping to settle dust will be implemented to mitigate the impact of pollution.
Delhi's Chief Minister has directed primary schools to shift to online classes to protect children from the harmful effects of the polluted air. The city's air quality index currently stands at a severe level of 424, making it the worst among global capitals.
The pollution in Northern India is exacerbated by a combination of factors, including smog from farm fires, emissions, and dust trapped by cold air. Stubble burning in neighboring states has contributed significantly to the pollution levels in New Delhi, with around 38% of the pollution attributed to this practice.
The impact of the smog is evident in the increased number of hospital visits, particularly among children, experiencing allergies, coughs, and asthma attacks. Flights in and out of Delhi have been affected, with delays and diversions due to poor visibility caused by the smog.
Weather officials predict that the pollution levels in New Delhi will remain in the 'severe' category before improving to 'very poor'. Efforts to address the issue include monitoring and reducing farm fires, which have increased significantly in recent days.
Meanwhile, Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, has also been grappling with hazardous air quality, ranking as the world's most polluted city. Authorities in both countries are working to combat the environmental challenges posed by air pollution.
