Soaring Air Pollution in Delhi

One of the most polluted cities, wintertime pollution in Delhi has always posed a threat to the inhabitants of the metropolis. However, the government is largely unprepared for the unprecedented levels of soot in the air that began choking New Delhi residents for the past few weeks.

Last week, levels of particulate matter, known as PM 2.5 have reached 700 micro-grams per cubic meter with some areas of the city recording an all-time high at 1,000. Usually shrugged off as fog, the alarming levels of pollution is more than 16 times the limit of India’s government and 30 times the guideline set by the World Health Organization. To understand the health consequences, health experts said that exposure to such eye-stinging and throat-burning smog is equivalent to smoking more than two packs of cigarettes a day. To mitigate, schools have been cancelled and the workforce has been advised to work from home. The toxic air has left many cowering by air purifiers at home and thousands waiting in line for hours to purchase face masks in in hopes to protect themselves.

While the state has taken emergency steps, the persistent problem is largely attributed to the high volumes of traffic and industrial activities. In order to ease emissions, environmentalists advise that strong political will is required in order to impose lifestyle changes and solve long term consequences.