Introduction

Pollution of air in Delhi and the region of Delhi-NCR has turned out to be one of the greatest environmental and health public concerns of our era. Especially in the winter season, the area suffers very high pollution levels that not only affect the daily life and visibility but, most significantly, human health as well. The phenomena of thick smog, extremely poor air quality index (AQI) readings, and health advisories have been occurring very frequently and point out the necessity for rapid collaboration and measures to be taken.

The Growing Problem of Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR

Delhi’s air pollution is a result of various factors combined. Dangerous gases and fine particulate matter are released into the air by the emissions from the millions of cars, trucks, and two-wheelers. Constant construction and demolition activities have become a part of the city because of rapid urbanization, and now dust that amounts to a considerable part of the air pollution is being produced constantly. Besides this, there are industrial emissions, coal-based power plants, and the burning of crop residues in the neighboring states which account for the worsening of the air quality. The situation is even more critical during winter months when the combination of low wind speed and temperature inversion which are the weather phenomena trap the pollutants close to the earth making the air extremely unhealthy to be inhaled.

Pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10 which are the most dangerous of all, are very minute particles that get down to the lungs and can even get into the bloodstream. The risk of diseases of the respiratory system, heart, and even the flu will be considerably increased for a person who is a chronic smoker, and this effect is more so in the case of poor lung development in kids. The elderly and those suffering from illness are most at risk from polluted air and it may even lead to their death.

Government Measures to Regulate Air Pollution

The Government of Delhi, by recognizing the issue’s severity, has taken together with central authorities various measures for air pollution control. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is one of the main frameworks that impose restrictions based on the levels of air pollution. Among the measures are the complete halt of construction works, restrictions on the use of older and highly polluting vehicles, encouraging work from home, and even the temporary closure of schools when the air pollution level is extremely high.

Some other measures include tighter regulations for vehicle emissions, incentives for electric vehicle production and purchase, increased investment in public transportation, road cleaning using machines, and smoke-free zones with fines for burning waste. Though the given measures are vital and effective, the matter of air pollution is still a complicated one and cannot be resolved just through government actions.