In Delhi, a blanket of hazardous smog has led to the closure of all primary schools, switching to online education as a safety measure.
According to BBC News, this action follows severe air pollution readings that have soared beyond the World Health Organization's safe limits.
The sharp decline in air quality prompted officials to announce the shutdown. Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi Marlena Singh, expressed concerns on X regarding the thick smog that now covers the city. The enveloping haze has disrupted daily life and compromised health, leading to a switch to virtual classrooms until the air clears.
Air monitoring reports on Thursday disclosed alarming levels of PM 2.5. Measurements showed concentrations more than 50 times above what WHO deems safe, specifically noting an average of 254 PM 2.5 particles per cubic meter. Meanwhile, safe guidelines call for no more than 15 in a similar period.
The presence of particulate matter, specifically PM 10, also spiked to levels categorically unsafe. With an average reading of 495, it far exceeds the WHO’s advised maximum, signaling a severe public health crisis.
Locally, the air pollution has taken a toll on the residents. Reports from Delhi indicate frequent complaints of eye irritation and respiratory difficulties, a direct consequence of the pervasive smog.
Such pollution episodes are not uncommon in Delhi, especially during the winter months. The concoction of smoke, dust particles, and vehicle emissions, combined with agricultural practices like crop stubble burning, exacerbates the situation. The cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds further aid the accumulation of these pollutants.
In response, the Delhi government has undertaken several initiatives to mitigate the effects. Among these, road dust is being controlled by spraying water mixed with dust suppressants, and there is a temporary ban on non-essential construction activities. Furthermore, authorities have urged a halt to coal burning to lower air pollution sources.
Despite these measures, critics argue that the actions taken are insufficient. They point to the extended smog coverage across northern India and even into Pakistan, as illustrated by recent NASA satellite imagery, which suggests that local measures alone may not be adequate to address such a widespread issue.
The air pollution predicament extends beyond Delhi. Neighboring cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Chandigarh are experiencing similar hazardous air quality levels, stressing the regional nature of the crisis.
This widespread pollution is not isolated to India alone. Lahore in Pakistan, another city grappling with severe air quality issues, also had to close down primary schools earlier this month to protect children from the toxic air.
The Lancet published a study recently linking 7.2% of daily deaths in Delhi to particulate matter pollution. It highlighted the broader consequences of such environmental issues on public health, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
PM 2.5 is known for its ability to penetrate deep into lung tissue and circulate through organs. This specific type of pollution is particularly dangerous because it can cause long-term health implications, including developmental delays in children. Acknowledging these dangers, local officials emphasize the urgency of their counter-pollution tactics.
Singh's statement on social media about taking immediate action reflects a significant concern regarding the health implications of prolonged exposure to poor air quality. This public health emergency has prompted both school closures and the aforementioned anti-pollution measures aimed at curtailing the worsening conditions.
While forecasts suggest a slight improvement in air quality, levels are expected to remain unhealthy. The continued hazardous conditions underscore the need for effective and sustained measures to combat this recurring problem.
The measures in place today reflect a city grappling with environmental challenges that are both immediate and complex. As Delhi navigates through this smoggy period, the actions taken could serve as a blueprint for coping with similar situations in other parts of the world.
