Air pollution in Indian capital Delhi hits dangerous levels | DW News

Summary

Delhi, India's capital, is facing an air quality crisis, worsened by crop burning, fireworks during Diwali, and cold weather trapping pollutants. Despite a ban on fireworks, illegal sales persist, and the city remains blanketed in toxic smog. Health impacts are severe, with a rise in respiratory issues and hospital visits. Authorities have imposed measures like limiting construction, urging public transport, and encouraging the use of oil lamps instead of firecrackers. However, many residents defy the restrictions, leading to an annual spike in pollution-related deaths, with studies linking over 200,000 deaths between 2008 and 2019.

Takeaways

• 😀 Air quality in Delhi has reached dangerous levels, with pollution mainly caused by crop burning and fireworks.
• 😀 The burning of crops in neighboring states and excessive fireworks use during Diwali have exacerbated pollution in Delhi.
• 😀 Delhi's Supreme Court has declared clean air a fundamental human right and urged authorities to take action.
• 😀 Residents in Delhi are suffering from poor air quality, with many experiencing respiratory problems and irritation in the eyes.
• 😀 Every winter, Delhi struggles with pollution as cold air traps dust, smoke, and fumes from nearby fires.
• 😀 Fireworks remain a major contributor to pollution, despite a ban on their sale and use in Delhi during Diwali.
• 😀 The ban on fireworks in Delhi is not strictly enforced, as they are still being sold in neighboring states and used during Diwali celebrations.
• 😀 A campaign promoting the use of environmentally friendly oil lamps (dias) during Diwali aims to reduce pollution from fireworks.
• 😀 Air quality in Delhi is toxic, with pollution levels exceeding World Health Organization’s recommended safe limits by up to 30 times.
• 😀 Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, limit construction activity, and use public transport to reduce pollution.
• 😀 Studies have shown that toxic pollution in Delhi has been responsible for over 200,000 deaths between 2008 and 2019.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of Delhi's air pollution during the winter months?

The primary causes of Delhi's air pollution during the winter are the burning of crops in neighboring states and the widespread use of fireworks during Diwali.

What did India's Supreme Court rule regarding air quality?

India's Supreme Court ruled that clean air is a fundamental human right and ordered authorities to take action to improve air quality.

How dangerous has the air quality in Delhi become?

The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated to 'severe to extreme' levels, with pollution levels 25-30 times higher than the safe limits recommended by the World Health Organization.

What are the health impacts of the pollution in Delhi?

The pollution has caused significant respiratory problems for residents, leading to a spike in hospitalizations. Studies have linked 212,000 deaths to air pollution in Delhi between 2008 and 2019.

How have authorities tried to curb pollution during Diwali?

Authorities have imposed a ban on the sale and use of fireworks, curbed construction activities, and urged residents to use public transport to reduce emissions. They have also promoted lighting oil lamps (Diaz) instead of fireworks during Diwali.

Why has the ban on fireworks been difficult to enforce in Delhi?

The ban has been difficult to enforce because fireworks are still being sold in neighboring states, and residents continue to defy the restrictions, partly due to the religious and cultural significance of fireworks during Diwali.

What alternative has been promoted to reduce environmental harm during Diwali?

The government and various organizations have promoted lighting oil lamps (Diaz) instead of bursting fireworks as a more environmentally friendly way to celebrate Diwali.

What is the current state of air quality in Delhi as reported by Adil Bat?

Adil Bat reported that the air quality in Delhi has become extremely toxic, with pollution levels so high that residents can smell it and are finding it difficult to breathe.

What specific measures have Delhi authorities taken to tackle pollution beyond fireworks restrictions?

In addition to the fireworks ban, Delhi authorities have curbed construction activity, urged the use of public transport, and banned the use of coal, firewood, and diesel generators for non-emergency services.

What impact has the ongoing pollution had on daily life in Delhi?

The pollution has made daily life challenging, with residents experiencing eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and disrupted sleep due to noise and air pollution. Many people have even considered leaving the city to escape the toxic air.