Each morning that starts in the Delhi NCR area, we rise to find a sky hidden away behind a thick veil of smog. The air that used to be clean and crisp is no longer so but has a heaviness not merely to the extent of its matter but also to the emotional import it tacitly conveys that of the impending threat of air pollution, which is a reality not merely in the Delhi NCR but a fact across the world.
The question at this point is, what is pollution, and why is it at a point where the alarm bells are ringing? The question that matters, however, is what must be done to stop the progression of pollution. It is high time that we dig deep in this matter.
Understanding Pollution: An International Pandemic
Pollution is essentially the damage that is caused to our surroundings air, water, and earth due to damaging substances and/or energy. Pollution affects natural disturbances, harm to health, and resists the forces that maintain the climate of our planet.
The Air We Breathe
Air pollution is perhaps one of the most visible forms of pollution. In the NCR of the capital, Delhi, the level of air is often classified as "hazardous," which means that concentrations of fine particulate matter in the shape of PM2.5 are above the acceptable limits. Currently, the World Health Organization reports that 99% of the world is violating the acceptable upper limits of airborne pollutants by breathing polluted air.
The sources of air pollution include:
Vehicles: Millions of vehicles and motor bikes emit exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides and carbon oxide.
Industries: The factories produce poisonous chemicals and gases.
Burning of Fossil Fuels: Coal-fired power stations and domestic fossil fuels are major contributors.
Agricultural Practices: Stubble burning from the fields of northern India results in the production of smog during the winter season in Delhi.
Water Pollution and Land Pollution
Air pollution grabs the headlines, whereas the destruction caused by water and land pollution should not be ignored either. Rivers such as the Yamuna in the capital, Delhi, are full of the output of factories and the untreated sewage from various residential areas, thus putting the lives of the aquatic animals as well as the people living in the rivers at stake. On the global level, the oceans are drowning in plastic waste, with eight million tonnes annually entering the oceans.
Landfills are overflowing with non-biodegradable waste, and toxic chemicals find their way to the soil, affecting agricultural fields and groundwater.
The Effects of Pollution
Pollution is harmful to the earth; in addition, it directly affects humanity.
Health Hazards
Respiratory Issues: This could also cause breathing problems such as asthmatic disorders, bronchitis, or even lung cancer.
Heart Diseases: The risk of heart attacks and strokes is found to be increased with higher levels of pollution.
Mental Health: New information emerges regarding links connecting pollution and poor mental abilities, as well as poor cognitive functions in children.
Environmental Consequences
Climate Change: Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are holding heat and therefore increasing the temperature of the Earth.
Loss of Biodiversity: Toxic environments contribute to the extinction of many species.
Degradation of Soil: The degradation of the soil from contaminated land causes the soil to be infertile
Delhi NCR: Case Study on Pollution
The name of the Delhi NCR area has been associated with the phenomenon of smog, especially during the winter months. The onset of the smog season for the capital takes place in October, and it is triggered by the burning of crop residues and firecrackers bursting during festivals because of the absence of wind.
Key statistics to consider:
It was ranked as the most polluted capital city in the year 2023.
The Air Quality Index has generally exceeded 500, but the acceptable level is below 50.
In the year 2022, approximately 54,000 premature deaths due to air pollution were estimated in the Delhi NCR region.
Air Pollution Outside Delhi: The World Emergency
While Delhi often takes the spotlight, cities worldwide are grappling with similar challenges:
Beijing, China: Known for its "airpocalypse," Beijing struggles with industrial emissions and vehicular pollution.
Los Angeles, USA: Smog in LA is a result of its dense traffic and geography that traps pollutants.
London, UK: Despite significant progress, air pollution from vehicles and wood-burning stoves remains a concern.
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Frequently ranks as one of the world’s most polluted cities due to industrial emissions and poor waste management.
What Can Be Done? Solutions for a Cleaner Future
On the positive side is the fact that pollution is an issue that has an available solution. Pollution is not an issue that can be addressed by one person alone. It is an issue that can only be addressed through collaboration.
Government Policies and Regulations
Stricter Emission Norms: Enforcing stringent limits on vehicle and industrial emissions.
Incentivising Green Energy: Subsidising solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
Improved Public Transport: Expanding metro systems and introducing electric buses to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Corporate Responsibility
Sustainable Practices: Companies must adopt cleaner production techniques.
Waste Management: Industries should recycle and dispose of waste responsibly.
Individual Actions
Switch to Green Transport: Walk, cycle, or use public transport whenever possible. Electric vehicles are also a great option.
Reduce Plastic Usage: Carry reusable bags, bottles, and cutlery to minimise plastic waste.
Conserve Energy: Turn off appliances when not in use, and consider installing solar panels.
Participate in Tree Plantations: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, acting as natural air filters.
Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about pollution in your community and push for change.
Global Initiatives And Innovations
The fight against pollution is spreading across the globe: World War on Pollution:
Paris Agreement: The World Accommodation to Counter Climate Change by Reducing the Release of Greenhouse Gases.
Circular Economy: There is a trend to use resources through a mechanism that entails the recycling and reuse of resources to sol
Solution by Technology: From electric automobiles to air purifiers, technological advancements are decreasing pollution emissions.
A Shared Responsibility
It's Pollution is not someone else's problem. It's everyone's problem since “the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on are what bind us all together.” Even if the challenge before us is great, the possibilities are equally great. As individuals, let us move ahead in the right direction. As communities, let us demand good policies and clean technologies. And as citizens of the world, let us make our earth a sustainable home for our children. “Now is the time. Do not wait for the skies to clear. Do not wait for the rivers to flow pure once more.
Your Turn
What steps are you taking to combat pollution in your daily life? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. Together, we can inspire change!
