Pollution in Delhi
Rising pollution levels in the country’s capital have certainly put everyone at risk, alarming and harming countless lives. While authorities have failed to come up with a certain answer and the influencing figures have offered both criticism and expressed grief, the harm done is irreversible, and in some dire cases, extremely fatal too.
Under the toxic Blanket
In the first week of November, pollution in Delhi was engulfed in a thick smog sheet, deteriorating the air quality and breaching the emergency levels. It is believed that the main cause of the alarming pollution level in the city was caused by subtle burning in the neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. And as the weather gets colder in the city,the increased moisture levels and slowing wind speeds will force and trap the particulate matter into the lower atmosphere, thus prolonging the relief from the ‘Gas Chamber’.
Reality Check
* Studies suggest that around 1.9 millions premature deaths occur in India due to indoor and outdoor pollution
* Breathing in Delhi smog for a day was/is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes per day
* About 44000 children are at risk of developing lung cancer at some stage in their lives due to breathing in this environment
Measures
Although there hasn’t been any concrete and lasting steps taken by any government or governing body, there are some methods to reduce the effects. People from all walks of life are suggested to step out of their homes wearing a pollution safety mask. Schools and colleges attempted to support the cause by declaring holidays for young children and terminating all outdoor and field activities for the rest. Some governing bodies tried to sprinkle water around the city to help the layer settle down. There are some common steps that everyone can chip in for, contributing in saving the city, and eventually the world. Carpooling should be norm, rather than an option. Afforestation must be a common practice. The pollution level in the city may settle down for now, but we need to leave this world a better place for the generations to come, and we must do that by leaving behind a hospitable and healthy environment.
