On Tuesday morning, the air quality index in India’s capital reached a level of 485, nearly five times the threshold for healthy breathing. This figure marked a decline from the previous day's alarming reading of 1,785, although fine particulate matter continued to affect residents' health and comfort.
Vikram Singh, a 58-year-old auto-rickshaw driver in central Delhi, expressed discomfort from the pollution, stating, “My eyes have a burning feeling during these periods of pollution.” He noted a decrease in his earnings, now making $6 per day instead of the usual $8.30.
Each year, as temperatures drop in northern India, the region experiences severe smog, prompting political leaders to implement emergency measures. However, a lack of effective long-term solutions persists, as politicians engage in blame-shifting and legal disputes rather than addressing the public health crisis.
This week, Delhi's chief minister, Atishi, declared the pollution a “medical emergency,” particularly threatening the lives of vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The Supreme Court criticized the national government's slow response, ordering immediate actions, including the suspension of construction work and restrictions on vehicle traffic. Schools were closed indefinitely as a precautionary measure.
For many middle-class residents, the emergency measures evoke memories of Covid-19 lockdowns, with work-from-home mandates and idle children at home becoming commonplace. However, these measures are not accessible to all. Debu Jyoti Dey, a finance director, described using a handkerchief to protect himself while commuting, highlighting that those who work outdoors, such as drivers and street vendors, suffer the most.
Dey pointed out that the government is not addressing the root causes of pollution, as it is not a priority for the poor, who focus on basic needs like electricity and water. He noted that wealthier individuals can often avoid the pollution due to their ability to stay indoors.
Dr. Sundeep Salvi, president of the Indian Chest Society, indicated that staying indoors can provide some health benefits by reducing exposure to pollution levels, albeit marginally. He recommended basic measures like staying hydrated and nasal washing, though these are insufficient compared to industrial-grade air filtration systems.
The autumn smog is primarily attributed to a drop in temperatures, leading to a thermal inversion that traps pollutants. This situation is exacerbated by additional sources of pollution, including cooking fires, Diwali firecracker smoke, and agricultural stubble burning.
Political tensions have risen over the issue, with Atishi accusing the ruling party of neglecting their responsibilities in managing crop waste burning. While some analysis indicates that stubble burning contributes to pollution levels, other studies show that vehicle emissions and other sources remain significant contributors.
Delhi's air quality has consistently ranked among the worst globally, with reports indicating it is nearly five times more polluted than Dhaka, Bangladesh. Opposition leader Shashi Tharoor questioned whether Delhi should continue to serve as the nation’s capital given the severe air quality issues.
Despite the long-standing nature of Delhi's air pollution crisis, there remains a lack of comprehensive research on its health impacts. Dr. Salvi noted the absence of significant longitudinal studies on cardiovascular health related to air pollution, which are costly and time-consuming to conduct.
He expressed concern that the prevalence of heart-related health issues is likely increasing due to the high pollution levels, though definitive studies from India are lacking.