Choked Capital: Why Delhi Leads India’s Air Crisis
Nov 21, 2024
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Anubhuti Vishnoi is a Senior Editor at ET, focusing on India’s air quality crisis, while Karthik Ganesan, a Fellow at CEEW, works on energy and environmental solutions. They unpack Delhi's dire pollution levels and the political inaction fueling the crisis. The conversation also reveals the severe health impacts, particularly on children, and discusses innovative practices to tackle crop residue management in Punjab. Listeners gain insights into the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address air quality and agricultural challenges.
Severe air pollution in Delhi is causing alarming health issues, particularly among children, with increasing respiratory problems and chronic diseases.
Political inaction and a lack of coordinated efforts between state and central governments are major obstacles in addressing Delhi's air crisis effectively.
Deep dives
Children's Perspectives on Air Quality
Children in New Delhi express deep concern over the deteriorating air quality in their city, noting reduced visibility and physical discomfort when outdoors. They report symptoms like burning eyes and difficulty breathing, emphasizing their frustration with being unable to play outside and missing activities such as football classes. While they acknowledge the role of adults in contributing to pollution, they hope for a better future with cleaner air. Their experiences highlight a generational shift, where children are acutely aware of environmental issues and their direct impact on daily life.
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
The health implications of severe air pollution in Delhi are striking, with many residents suffering from chronic respiratory issues, including a notable rise in lung cancer and COPD cases among non-smokers. Medical professionals warn that pollution has become so pervasive that children are developing symptoms previously associated with older age groups, including persistent coughs and sleep disturbances. The alarming fact is that the average air quality index has reached hazardous levels, significantly affecting the population's overall health. Experts stress the need for immediate action, as cosmetic solutions cannot replace systemic change in managing air quality.
Ineffectiveness of Current Solutions
Existing measures, such as smog towers and other temporary fixes, are criticized as inadequate for addressing the underlying causes of air pollution. Experts draw parallels between pollution management and cancer treatment, suggesting that superficial solutions will not mitigate the severity of the crisis. A significant part of the problem lies in the increase of private vehicle usage and inefficient waste management practices, demanding a transition to improved public transit and waste reduction strategies. An ongoing debate surrounds the efficacy of government regulations and the need for coordinated efforts between various sectors to implement effective pollution control.
Political and Societal Challenges
Political squabbles among states have hindered the implementation of effective policies to combat pollution, particularly regarding stubble burning, which exacerbates air quality issues. Coordination between state and central governments remains weak, complicating efforts to find lasting solutions to the environmental crisis. Despite some positive changes, such as a reduction in stubble burning due to coordinated efforts, resistance against stricter regulations persists due to fear of backlash from the agricultural community. The need for a unified and proactive approach is essential to address the urgent air quality emergency affecting not just Delhi but multiple urban centers across India.
Delhi’s air has hit a new low—literally. With pollution levels crossing global safety thresholds, the city is gasping for solutions. Crop burning, rapid urbanisation, and political inaction have created a toxic cocktail choking much of India.
In today’s episode of The Morning Brief, Anirban Chowdhury hosts Frank Hammes, Global CEO, IQAir, Dr. Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta, Karthik Ganesan, Fellow & Director, CEEW, and Anubhuti Vishnoi, Senior Editor, ET, to explore the causes, health repercussions, and potential solutions to India’s air quality crisis. Don’t miss this critical conversation on what it will take to clear the air!
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