New Delhi experiences extreme pollution peaks mainly due to the burning of rice straw in neighboring states, vehicle emissions, and industry, combined with unfavorable weather conditions that trap pollutants in the air. Furthermore, the intensive use of coal for energy production and dust from construction sites exacerbate this pollution problem.
In New Delhi, a large portion of air pollution comes from road traffic. The city is filled with vehicles, many of which run on diesel, particularly harmful, and emit fine particles and toxic gases like nitrogen oxides. Then, there are power plants and industries, often fueled by coal, that release smoke laden with pollutants. Another major issue is the habit of burning waste in the open air, a common practice that releases large quantities of chemicals into the atmosphere. We must also not forget the fine dust from construction sites scattered throughout the city, which exacerbates the situation. Finally, a significant seasonal headache is linked to agricultural burning in the surrounding regions: every year, around October-November, farmers burn the surplus crops after harvest, which brings a toxic cloud to Delhi, causing extreme spikes.
New Delhi has a rather unfavorable geography for the natural dispersion of pollutants. Located in a plain, surrounded notably by the Himalayan mountain range to the north, it experiences a phenomenon of pollutant stagnation, especially in winter with weak winds that fail to adequately disperse suspended particles. During cold periods, a layer of thermal inversion often forms: the cold air remains close to the ground, trapping pollution near the residents. The lack of wind, combined with the dry and dusty climate, further intensifies the concentration of fine particles in the air. Local atmospheric conditions sometimes create a thick layer of smog visible to the naked eye, making breathing difficult and significantly worsening health problems.
New Delhi has transformed at a rapid pace, with thousands of people arriving each month in search of jobs and a better life. This mass influx of population forces the city to expand at an incredibly fast rate, often without clear rules, creating entire neighborhoods without proper infrastructure. As a result, traffic intensifies, with far too many vehicles on congested roads producing even more exhaust fumes. With housing in short supply, informal settlements emerge, often using polluting materials for cooking or heating. In short, the population explosion means there are too many people, too many cars, too much smoke, in a limited space.
New Delhi often launches ambitious initiatives to combat pollution, but their effectiveness remains mixed. Despite the implementation of the odd-even scheme, the reduction in vehicles is still insufficient in the long term. The recent ban on firecrackers during Diwali shows a temporary but limited reduction. Enforcement of industrial emission controls is difficult to implement effectively, with inadequate monitoring and widespread corruption. In short, despite good intentions, the concrete implementation of policies remains largely insufficient to sustainably reduce extreme pollution spikes in the city.
Every year, especially in winter, New Delhi suffocates under thick pollution fogs called smogs. The cold traps the pollution near the ground due to a layer of warm air above, a phenomenon known as thermal inversion. In autumn, agricultural fires from neighboring regions – primarily the burning of fields in the states of Punjab and Haryana – suddenly release enormous amounts of smoke and particles that drift towards the capital. Celebrations like Diwali, marked by intense fireworks, drastically increase pollution levels by releasing tons of harmful chemicals in just a few hours. During the summers, the city suffers less from smog as stronger winds and higher temperatures disperse pollutants more effectively. All these seasonal variations explain why New Delhi regularly experiences extreme pollution episodes.
According to a study conducted in 2020, breathing the air in New Delhi on a peak pollution day is equivalent to smoking about 20 cigarettes in terms of impact on lung health.
The fine particles (called PM 2.5) present in the air of New Delhi are so small that they can penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing serious respiratory diseases and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Each year, the agricultural practice of stubble burning in the autumn in the neighboring regions of Punjab and Haryana significantly exacerbates air pollution peaks in New Delhi.
Extreme air pollution in New Delhi regularly results in temporary school closures and restrictions on vehicle traffic to protect the health of residents.
The most severe pollution peaks in New Delhi generally occur between October and February. This period corresponds to winter, during which weather conditions favor a prolonged accumulation of pollutants. The burning of agricultural residues in the surrounding areas during October and November further exacerbates this situation.
It is advisable to avoid intense physical activities outdoors, especially early in the morning or late in the evening when pollution levels are generally higher. Use air purifiers at home, wear an N95 or higher filtering mask when going outside, and limit your outings as much as possible during extreme episodes.
Air pollution in New Delhi is linked to high risks of chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, and may also increase the risk of lung cancers. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory disorders are particularly vulnerable.
Although local pollution is dominant, agricultural practices in the neighboring regions of Haryana and Punjab, particularly the seasonal burning of agricultural stubble, greatly influence the air quality of the Indian capital. However, neighboring countries such as Pakistan have only a marginal impact compared to the immediate surrounding areas.
Yes, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles would significantly help reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter emitted by diesel and gasoline vehicles. However, for a sustainable impact, it is essential that the source of electricity used to power these vehicles comes primarily from renewable or low-polluting sources.
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