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Writer's pictureAmit Verma
Nov 255 min read

Delhi's Air Quality: From Hazardous Levels to Gradual Improvement – Challenges and Measures Ahead


Delhi, often grappling with hazardous air quality, has recently seen a slight improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI). However, the capital remains engulfed by a persistent layer of smog, with many areas still classified under "very poor" or "poor" categories.

Delhi, often grappling with hazardous air quality, has recently seen a slight improvement in its Air Quality Index (AQI). However, the capital remains engulfed by a persistent layer of smog, with many areas still classified under "very poor" or "poor" categories. This blog explores the latest updates on Delhi's air pollution crisis, its primary contributors, health impacts, measures taken, and how individuals can protect themselves.


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The Current Scenario: Air Quality Snapshot

As of November 25, 2024, Delhi's AQI improved to 281, moving from "hazardous" to "unhealthy" levels. Key locations reported mixed results:

  • Anand Vihar: AQI 333 (Very Poor)

  • Shadipur: AQI 349 (Very Poor)

  • Chandni Chowk: AQI 250 (Poor)

While these figures are better compared to the peak AQI of 515 post-Diwali, they remain significantly above the safe levels of 0–50.


Key Factors Contributing to Delhi’s Air Pollution


1. Stubble Burning

Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop residue to prepare their fields for the next crop cycle, releasing immense amounts of particulate matter and greenhouse gases.


2. Vehicular Emissions

With over 10 million registered vehicles, Delhi’s roads contribute heavily to the city’s pollution. Diesel engines and older vehicles that do not meet emission norms are significant culprits.


3. Industrial and Construction Dust

Industrial zones in and around Delhi, combined with ongoing construction projects, produce large quantities of dust and pollutants.


4. Winter Inversion

During winters, cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, forming a thick layer of smog that blankets the city.


5. Firecrackers

Despite bans, firecracker use during festivals adds to pollution levels, further worsening air quality.


Impact on Health and Daily Life

Delhi’s poor air quality affects its residents in numerous ways:


  • Respiratory Illnesses: Increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung diseases.

  • Heart Diseases: Long-term exposure can lead to cardiovascular complications.

  • Reduced Productivity: People face fatigue, headaches, and irritation due to pollution.

  • Impact on Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk.


Health Impacts with Statistical Evidence

  • Mortality Rates: Air pollution accounts for 11.5% of annual deaths in Delhi, translating to 12,000 deaths per year.

  • Global Comparison: India recorded 2.3 million premature deaths due to air pollution in 2021, the highest globally.

  • Children Affected: A study found that children in Delhi have reduced lung capacity by up to 25% compared to children in rural areas.


Government Measures and Their Impact


1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

  • Implementation: Measures include halting construction activities, banning diesel trucks, and promoting water sprinklers during AQI spikes.

  • Effectiveness: GRAP helped reduce PM2.5 levels by 20% in the first year of its implementation.


2. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

  • Growth: EV registrations increased by 60% in Delhi in 2023 due to government subsidies.

  • Target: The Delhi government aims for 25% of all vehicles to be EVs by 2025.


3. Pollution Certificate Price Hike

  • Revised Rates: Prices for vehicle pollution certificates increased by 40–60% in 2024 to improve compliance​.


Global Context

  • Ranking: India is the third most polluted country globally, with only 7 countries meeting WHO’s annual PM2.5 guideline.

  • International Benchmarks: Safe air quality levels globally are set at 12 μg/m³ for PM2.5, whereas Delhi averages 92.7 μg/m³​.


Protective Measures for Individuals

  1. Use Air Purifiers: Improve indoor air quality by filtering out PM2.5 and PM10 particles.

  2. Wear N95 Masks: Protect yourself from harmful pollutants during outdoor activities.

  3. Monitor AQI Levels: Plan outdoor activities when AQI is at its lowest.

  4. Limit Outdoor Exercise: Avoid high-intensity activities during peak pollution hours.

  5. Adopt Eco-Friendly Habits: Carpool, use public transport, and reduce energy consumption.


Measures Taken to Combat Pollution

  1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) GRAP introduces measures based on AQI severity, such as halting construction, restricting vehicle entry, and limiting industrial activities.

  2. Water Sprinkling and Anti-Smog Guns Authorities have deployed water sprinklers and smog guns to reduce dust particles in high-risk areas.

  3. Traffic Management Delhi has implemented the Odd-Even scheme and stricter vehicle checks to curb emissions.

  4. Cleaner Fuels Transition to BS-VI vehicles and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) are key steps.

  5. Stubble Management Alternatives Subsidies for machinery like Happy Seeders are provided to discourage stubble burning.


Respiratory Equipment That Can Help

At Healthy Jeena Sikho, we offer a range of respiratory care equipment to help individuals cope with poor air quality:


  • Oxygen Concentrators: Portable and stationary oxygen concentrators like the Philips SimplyGo Mini can help individuals with respiratory issues breathe easier.

  • Air Purifiers: High-grade air purifiers for homes and offices to reduce indoor air pollution.

  • Nebulizers: Devices to administer medication directly to the lungs for people with asthma or COPD.

  • Anti-Pollution Masks: N95 and higher-grade masks to filter out harmful particles during outdoor activities.


The Way Forward

While immediate measures like GRAP offer temporary relief, the long-term solution lies in a multi-pronged approach:


  • Regional Collaboration: Neighboring states need to collaborate on issues like stubble burning.

  • Public Participation: Citizens must adopt sustainable practices like reducing vehicular usage and conserving energy.

  • Technological Innovation: Investment in clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced industrial processes.

  • Policy Reform: Stronger implementation of policies and better urban planning.


Conclusion

Delhi’s battle against air pollution requires consistent effort, strict policy implementation, and community participation. While recent improvements in air quality are a step forward, addressing the root causes is vital for sustained progress. With collaborative efforts and the right resources, a cleaner, healthier Delhi is achievable.


If you or your loved ones are affected by the air quality, explore Healthy Jeena Sikho's range of respiratory care equipment. Together, let’s breathe easier and work towards a pollution-free future.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How is AQI calculated?

Ans. AQI is calculated based on the concentration of pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide in the air. The higher the AQI, the poorer the air quality.


Q2. What is GRAP, and how does it work?

Ans. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented based on AQI levels. For example, Stage IV restrictions include halting construction, banning diesel vehicles, and using water sprinklers.


Q3. How does stubble burning contribute to Delhi’s pollution?

Ans. Stubble burning releases fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and greenhouse gases that travel to Delhi, significantly deteriorating air quality.


Q4. What steps can individuals take to protect themselves from air pollution?

  • Use air purifiers indoors.

  • Wear N95 masks when outdoors.

  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.

  • Use public transportation or carpool to reduce emissions.


Q5. How effective are air purifiers in combating pollution?

. Air purifiers can significantly improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants like dust, allergens, and PM2.5 particles, providing relief to individuals with respiratory issues.


Q6. Is it safe to exercise outdoors in Delhi?

Ans. Avoid outdoor exercise when AQI is in the "poor" or "very poor" category. Opt for indoor workouts or low-impact exercises during such times.


For more insights and information, feel free to explore our other blogs- Check out our related Articles


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