Delhi Faces Double Trouble: Pollution Coupled with Fog, Yellow Alert Issued

As winter tightens its grip on Delhi, the city finds itself battling a dual menace: the mortality rates related to toxic pollution and the famous fog in this season. The population of the capital is endangered by new challenges associated with air quality: newly emerged air pollution is far lower than history, the reduction in visibility is critical, and the quality of life is diminishing. Authorities have called for a yellow alert to indicate the level of threat and advised people to stay alert.

A City Choking on Pollution

Air quality has been an issue for Delhi through the years particularly during the wintertime. It is the overlapping and combination of weather which is dangerous to human health as well as the number of activities people engage in during the season that enhances pollution. To this list, stubble burning, vehicle emissions, expectation from industries, and construction dust add to the worsening air quality. The Air Quality Index has been healthy in the “severe” bracket which is very alarming not only for PM2.5 but for PM10 as well.

Scientists have expressed deep concern on the effects of such dangerous air, especially when humans are exposed for long periods. Cough, tripping, eye irritation, and heart diseases are getting common with children and elderly people being most affected. Newark hospitals say they are receiving rising admissions of patients having asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses.

As if pollution was not enough, the recent occasion of dense fog has become another factor-layer. Delhi winter fog is natural however when mixed with pollution forms poisonous smog that remains suspended in the air. In many parts of the city, the visibility has reduced to a very serious level thus becoming a major threat to transport and road users.

Basically, due to peculiarities of the weather and visibility, flights and trains are delayed or even canceled. This has also applied to roads, especially in this very foggy weather we are experiencing which has led to many accidents being reported. Delhi was already severely burdened, and now, the essential infrastructure is challenged since daily rhythms are altered.

Yellow Alert: What It Means

     

In the worst conditions, this government has promoted a yellow alert, which is a signal to communities to be careful and take precautions. It has been suggested that schools should reduce time spent outdoors, and people should avoid leaving their homes when the air quality is worst; early morning and late evening.

Delhi has implemented its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the situation The measures that have been employed include; limitation on construction activities, monitoring of emission from industries, and the practice of sprinkling water to suppress dust. Currently the government is also encouraging the use of transport such as carpooling and the use of public transport in a bid to also minimize exhaust emissions from motor vehicles.

Coping Strategies of the Residents

Despite the government’s key steps, it is also important to find out how much people’s activities can help to prevent the consequences of pollution and fog. Here are some steps residents can take:

Use Air Purifiers: There is following statement describing about air pollution in homes and offices and how we can decrease it.

                                          

Wear Masks: Some masks, like N95 or N99, should be used as they are made in such a way so as to allow them to filter out hazardous materials.

                            

Avoid Outdoor Activities: The least preferred activities: exercise during the day and being at outdoors during mid-morning

Monitor Air Quality: Minimize outdoor exposure especially in areas with high AQI reading, or keep abreast with any AQI changes on particular days to enable one to organize him or herself well depending on the activity to be undertaken.

                      

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from the body.

                          

However, this may not be enough; more long-term emission control policies are needed in the light of the current crisis. Shifting green energy, ensuring higher standards of limitation on emission produced by industries, and the policy of encouraging ‘crop residue management’ are important measures.

That the level of public awareness and active community involvement are just as crucial. Any transformative measures including waste management, planting of trees and phasing out single-use plastic require the support of all members of a community.

A Shared Responsibility

The situation in Delhi today is a reminder of how fine or flexible the equilibrium between the executive and ecological stability is. Together, pollution of the environment and fogs pose a major public health threat which needs urgent attention from all the parties involved including the government, industry and the people. The calls and yellow alerts coupled with temporary measures are only a short-term solution to the problem while the sustainable practices as well as strong policies are the only way to come up with a healthier generation in Delhi.

As the city battles these dual challenges, the resilience and proactive steps of its people will play a crucial role in overcoming this crisis. Together, Delhi can aspire to breathe easier, one step at a time.

For more information, visit Double Trouble for Delhi: Pollution and Fog Hit, Yellow Alert Issued.