This picture depicts the exact scenario of today. I have been working in Delhi for more than 5 months, and many have asked me how I am going to survive here. Initially, I was surprised by the question because it is our capital city, one of the most important places in India. But now, I feel the urge to understand that question.
Air quality for the past two weeks has been poor, very poor, and severe, with AQI values between 300 to 400—levels so toxic that they can threaten our lives. I am not just writing this casually; it’s my actual concern, not merely a problem to discuss. Delhi was not like this before; it used to be a great city for everyone who wanted to promote their standards. Now, it has become a city that faces hatred, not just because of pollution but also other critical issues like terror attacks, safety, and more.
One question keeps popping into my mind: "Are we growing with this modern era of technology, or are we vanishing ourselves and our future generations in the midst of technology?" To address this, we need to understand our past and work on our present for a better future.
While reading articles and AI reports, the main concerns identified are:
Vehicular Emissions: Delhi has a high density of vehicles, and exhaust from these vehicles is a major source of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Crop Burning: During October and November, farmers in nearby states like Punjab and Haryana burn leftover crop stubble, and the smoke drifts into Delhi due to prevailing wind patterns, dramatically worsening air quality.
Industrial Activity: Factories and power plants in and around NCR emit particulate matter and toxic gases.
Construction Dust: Unregulated construction activities release large amounts of dust into the air.
Weather Conditions: Temperature inversion in winter traps pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion.
Firecrackers: Diwali celebrations coincide with periods of already high pollution, leading to spikes in poor air quality.
Crop burning is a practice I have rarely seen in Tamil Nadu because most of the paddy stubble is used as a farm product that stimulates growth in dairy farming as well as MSME businesses. To address this, governments in Haryana and Punjab have taken multiple measures to reduce crop burning, but challenges remain due to lack of awareness, high costs, underdeveloped supply chains, and the need for crop rotation.
To solve this issue, I suggest:
College students should take the lead by conducting awareness programs in villages near them about crop burning and alternatives. This could be done as volunteer work or a part of community activities, benefiting both students and farmers. Instead of protests at India Gate, top institutions should take concrete action.
The government should support these awareness programs and promote the use of stubble as a cash product rather than waste (e.g., making ropes, dairy feed, bags), linking them with 'Make in India' startups.
Industries should take a stand by installing air purifier chambers, and the government should provide funding support, especially for solar-powered solutions.
I believe winter in Delhi was once cherished, but now it has lost its charm. Let the lessons from our past shape a better future. It is my heartfelt concern that the basic form of nature should not be ruined for individual or collective purposes. Delhi is not just for Delhiites who need to fight against it; this is a national crisis that involves everyone. Rather than blaming, we need to focus on the issue deeply and work on solutions over the coming months and years. Policies should be inclusive, addressing not only farmers and organizations but everyone.
Let India Breathe!
What's your view, i made this as an article in LinkedIn as well, if you want i will share the link to see the entire post.
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