Delhi suffocates as pollution levels hit record high

Delhi is grappling with its worst air pollution levels of the year. Thick brown smog blankets the city, forcing schools and offices to shut down. Pollution levels in some parts of Delhi have risen to over 30 times the maximum deemed safe. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded Delhi’s 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) at 484 on Monday, classified as “severe plus” – the highest level so far this year. For context, an AQI reading of 0-50 is considered “good.” The alarming figures prompted emergency measures, with schools moving lessons online, construction activities halted, and heavy vehicles banned from entering the city.

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A Yearly Catastrophe

For over 30 million people living in Delhi and its surrounding areas, this toxic air is an annual crisis. Experts warn that prolonged exposure reduces life expectancy in the region by an average of seven years. Each winter, cooler temperatures trap pollutants from vehicles, factories, and construction sites, worsening the situation.

Adding to the problem is stubble burning by farmers in nearby states. Despite being illegal, this practice continues as a quick way to clear fields for new crops. Weather forecasting agency Safar reported that stubble fires contributed up to 40% of Delhi’s pollution in recent days. On Sunday alone, satellites detected 1,334 such fires across six Indian states.

Voices from the Ground

For Delhi’s underprivileged, the toxic air is inescapable. Rajeshwari Kumari, a 36-year-old domestic worker living in a slum in East Delhi, described how the pollution has taken a toll on her family. “We can’t avoid the smog; it’s everywhere,” she said. “My children have been coughing for weeks, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Ravi Pratap Singh, a 68-year-old street vendor in South Delhi, shared his struggles. “The air burns my throat and eyes, but I have to earn a living,” he said. “Staying home is not an option. Every breath feels heavy, but what choice do I have?”

A Divided Reality

While the wealthy can afford to protect themselves, the poor remain exposed. Vandana Sharma, an entrepreneur from Central Delhi, flew to Goa with her family to escape the smog. “It’s impossible to live in this air,” she said. “We can work remotely for now, but I know many people can’t do that.”

Meanwhile, labourers and street workers continue to brave the outdoors. “We see expensive air purifiers in big houses,” said Arun Kumar, a construction worker. “We can’t even dream of affording those. We just have to endure this.”

Blame Game and Call for Action

The crisis has reignited political blame games. Anil Verma, a resident of West Delhi, expressed frustration with the authorities. “Every year, it’s the same story. The government promises action, but nothing changes,” he said.

The Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has pointed fingers at neighbouring states and the central government for failing to address stubble burning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which controls the central government, accused Delhi’s administration of inadequate planning. Both sides have traded accusations, but tangible solutions remain elusive.

Global Attention

At the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, experts highlighted India’s pollution crisis. Ramesh Gupta, an environmental scientist, stressed the urgency of the situation. “India cannot afford to let pollution cripple its cities year after year. This is not just a Delhi problem; it’s a national emergency,” he said.

Delhi continues to gasp under the weight of its toxic air. Without decisive, coordinated action, millions will remain at risk, with clean air becoming an unattainable luxury for many.