The residents of New Delhi are grappling with another bout of hazardous air quality as toxic smog envelops the city. On 18 November 2024, authorities announced a switch to online learning for primary schools, reflecting the urgent measures needed to tackle this annual crisis.
Increasing Pollution Levels
According to monitoring firm IQAir, the levels of PM2.5 pollutants reached alarming heights—57 times above the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily maximum on 17 November, with similar dangerous levels persisting into the next day. The situation has prompted the city government to act swiftly, limiting in-person classes to students in Class 10 and 12.
Government Measures Taken
- Primary schools halted in-person lessons on 14 November.
- Online classes introduced on 18 November.
- Restrictions on diesel-powered trucks and construction activities.
- Residents advised, especially children and the elderly, to stay indoors.
Chief Minister Atishi emphasised that these measures aim to “prevent further deterioration” of air quality, as New Delhi struggles with daily life under thick layers of grey smog.
The Roots of the Crisis
The intense pollution is largely attributed to stubble burning in neighbouring states, alongside emissions from vehicles and industries. Cooler temperatures and stagnant winds exacerbate the problem, trapping the toxic air within the city.
The Human Cost
Health experts have sounded alarms over the smog’s detrimental effects, linking it to thousands of premature deaths annually. The city’s citizens, particularly those who cannot afford air purifiers or live in well-sealed homes, bear the brunt of this crisis.
With the Supreme Court declaring clean air a fundamental human right in October, the heat is on for both the central and state governments to devise long-term solutions to this recurring issue…