The right to clean air, i.e., the right to live in a pollution–free atmosphere, is a fundamental right of every citizen, protected by Article 21 of the Constitution. The WHO guidelines say that exposure to PM 2.5 over 24 hours should be limited to 15 micrograms per cubic metre, but Delhi’s AQI in some parts is 30 times higher than the recommended level, impacting health and visibility.

“According to Lung specialists breathing the Delhi toxic air is akin to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day.” The pollution issue has extended beyond Delhi, affecting cities like Chennai and Mumbai. Residents are experiencing smog and poor air quality. Sunlight penetration to lower temperatures is almost impossible during the day.

AQI-relevant five major air pollutants include ground-level ozone, particle pollution as particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM10, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for communicating about outdoor air quality and health. The AQI concentration of PM 2.5 particulate matter can congest the lungs, and respiration bad air leads to health issues—in the air. Levels from 101 to 200 are moderate, 201 to 300 poor, and 301 to 400 very poor. Readings between 400 and 450 indicate ‘severe’ pollution, and above 450 “severe plus”. According to World Health Organization guidelines, PM 2.5 exposure should to 15 micrograms per cubic meter over 24 hours. In some areas of Delhi, AQI levels reach nearly 30 times this recommended limit.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded humidity at 100 percent. This high humidity and low wind speed have thickened the already dense smog, making it challenging for pollutants to disperse. Surface winds are mainly variable in direction, and low wind speeds contribute to poor dispersion of pollutants. R.K. Jenamani, senior meteorologist at IMD, says fog and smog during the day may reduce daytime temperatures.

A survey by LocalCircles, an online community platform, in Delhi and nearby cities revealed that 81 percent of families reported at least one member suffering from health issues due to pollution in the last three weeks.  The AQI has been very poor since October 30, recorded at 307. Concerns mounted as Diwali celebrations and fireworks compounded the already deteriorating air conditions. Seasonal crop burning from nearby states, a common practice in early winter, has also spoiled air quality.

Despite the Delhi government enforcing firecracker bans during Diwali to combat pollution, compliance has often been ignored. The Supreme Court stated that religious practices do not advocate polluting activities, such as bursting crackers, which is a fundamental right to the health of citizens. Farm fires, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollution aggravate the annual crisis.

Farm fires

Delhi and its neighbouring cities are experiencing pollution levels at least 30-35 times the safe limit the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended. Approximately 35 million tons of crop residues are burned annually in Punjab and Haryana. The released smoke adds to Delhi’s smog. The problem is severe in colder weather, as low temperatures trap pollution near the ground.

The increase in Delhi’s air pollution is mostly attributed to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. It occurs after the paddy crop is harvested in October and November. In several areas across Punjab and Haryana, air quality levels were recorded as ‘poor,’ while Chandigarh experienced very poor air quality. Data revealed that Punjab reported 83 new incidents of farm fires, bringing the total to 7,112. Punjab Pollution Control Board chief Adarsh Pal Vig, says, “Over the past many years, we have continuously been reducing a number of farm fire incidents. But there is no improvement to Delhi’s poor air quality.” 

Several northern states are experiencing toxic air and poor visibility. To-and-fro flights from Delhi have been cancelled due to low visibility. Jagdeep Dhankhar, vice president of India, was to attend the international conference on ‘Transforming Agrifood Systems in the Face of Climate Changes and Energy Transitions’ at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. His plane could not land at the airport because of poor visibility.

Ponder the peril

Each year, Delhi and the northern states battle hazardous air quality from October to January as temperatures drop, smoke and dust accumulate, wind speeds remain low, and vehicle emissions and stubble burning increase. If not impeded, the situation may worsen in the coming days.

Banning activities of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator use for non-emergency service, has not prevented Delhi from experiencing toxic pollution levels. The city faces high pollution due to vehicular emissions and dust.

In such places, staying indoors and using public transport to cut vehicular emissions are measures to protect, but the solution remains. According to a Swiss-based air-quality monitoring group, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world in 2023. India was also ranked as the world’s third-most polluted country after neighbours Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Way to go

The toxic air impacts people’s health. Devastating effects are observed on children, pregnant women, and elderly national players. Air pollution is a blazing issue in many Indian cities. Experts attribute it to rapid industrialisation and slacking enforcement of environmental regulations. Poor industrial regulation means that factories need to follow pollution-control measures. The pace of construction has further contributed to increasing pollution levels in the lower atmosphere, making it hard to breathe.

IQAir launched a dashboard offering free access to real-time air quality data. The dashboard supplies real-time air quality data from over 80,000 worldwide sensors in nearly 10,000 cities. Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, remarks that by making our air quality data available, IQAir is demonstrating its commitment to providing real-time air quality data to the public.

An air quality alert should be issued through visual and print media due to high levels of air pollution associated with seasonal practices and festive activities. The public may install the app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts like weather forecasts. Raising awareness is the best way to understand whether local air quality will be healthy or harmful. This can help people make the most of clean outdoor air by planning activities accordingly, taking precautions, or opting for indoor plans when pollution levels are high.

In conclusion, addressing air pollution requires stronger regulations, public awareness, real-time data access, and a policy framework to handle this menace locally and globally. Awareness can guide people in planning activities and taking precautions to protect their health during high pollution periods.