Tanvi Mehta | Reuters
India and Pakistan are currently engulfed in an unprecedented environmental crisis, as toxic smog blankets eastern Pakistan and northern India to such an extent that it is even visible from space. This severe atmospheric condition has reached record-breaking levels, prompting widespread school closures and posing significant risks to public health.
The toxic smog enveloped much of northern India on Monday, with pollution readings in New Delhi soaring to their highest levels for this pre-winter season, following a night of dense fog. Visibility in the capital plummeted to approximately 300 feet, leading to at least eleven flights being diverted from their intended routes. While airport and railway station operations persisted, they were marred by significant delays, according to officials.
Delhi’s chief minister, Atishi, who is known by a single name, described the dire situation in northern India as “a medical emergency.” In response, economist Kaushik Basu articulated his concerns on the social media platform X, asserting that “for any responsible government in India, the top priority should be pollution control in cities like Delhi.”
Atishi’s administration has swiftly ordered all schools to transition to online classes while implementing stringent restrictions on construction activities and vehicular traffic. However, despite the hazardous air conditions, numerous residents in Delhi have chosen to carry on with their regular routines. Akshay Pathak, a local resident, expressed the discomfort felt during his morning walk, stating, “Morning walk usually feels good, but now the air is polluted and we’re forced to wear a mask … There is a burning sensation in the eyes and slight difficulty in breathing,” when speaking to the ANI news agency.
This annual winter phenomenon occurs as a blanket of smoke and fog descends upon the region, with cold air trapping dust, emissions, and smoke emanating from illegal agricultural burning, where stubble remains post-harvest is set ablaze to clear fields in neighboring states. Kaushik Basu warned that “in addition to diminishing the quality of life, this kind of pollution, left unchecked, can bring India’s growth story to an end.”
India’s Supreme Court, currently engaged in hearing various cases pertinent to this environmental dilemma, has directed all states within the Delhi region to make immediate decisions regarding the suspension of offline classes for students up to grade 12, as reported by the legal news site Livelaw.
According to India’s pollution control authority, the 24-hour air quality index (AQI) in Delhi reached a staggering 491, categorized as “severe plus,” marking the highest AQI reading for this season. By afternoon, the AQI at four monitoring stations in Delhi spiked to 500, with several others ranging between 490 and 500. Similarly grave conditions are forecasted for Tuesday by India’s weather department.
The Central Pollution Control Board in India classifies AQI readings from 0 to 50 as “good,” and any figure exceeding 401 as “severe,” indicating serious risks for both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. Swiss air quality organization IQAir has ranked New Delhi as the world’s most polluted city, with air quality declining to a hazardous 1,081.
The concentration of PM2.5, which pertains to particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter, was recorded at a staggering 130.9 times the levels recommended by the World Health Organization, exposing the population to increased risks of severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases.
It’s important to note that variations in AQI scores can arise from different methodologies employed by various countries to translate pollutant concentrations into AQI metrics, meaning that identical quantities of pollutants may correspond to dissimilar AQI classifications across nations.
(Reporting by Tanvi Mehta, Editing by Kate Mayberry, YP Rajesh and Alexander Smith)
How can communities effectively participate in reducing air pollution and mitigating the impacts of the smog crisis?
**Interview with Dr. Meera Singh, Environmental Scientist, on the Current Smog Crisis in Northern India and Pakistan**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Singh. To start, can you explain the main factors contributing to the unprecedented levels of smog currently affecting northern India and eastern Pakistan?
**Dr. Singh:** Thank you for having me. The current smog crisis is primarily due to a combination of seasonal weather patterns and human activity. During the winter months, a cold air mass traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to an accumulation of smoke, dust, and emissions. Specifically, stubble burning, which is common after harvest time in neighboring states, significantly worsens air quality. When coupled with vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants, we see an alarming spike in pollution levels.
**Editor:** Delhi’s chief minister has termed this situation a “medical emergency.” What are the immediate health risks posed by such high levels of air pollution?
**Dr. Singh:** The health impacts are severe and immediate. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and aggravate pre-existing health conditions. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms like eye irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath, similar to what resident Akshay Pathak described. Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are especially at risk. Long-term exposure could have even more dire consequences, including reduced lung function and an increase in chronic illnesses.
**Editor:** It seems the government has implemented measures like switching schools to online learning and restricting construction. How effective do you think these measures will be in mitigating the crisis?
**Dr. Singh:** These steps are crucial and necessary under the current circumstances. Transitioning schools to online formats helps protect children from exposure, while reducing construction activities limits further emissions. However, these measures alone may not be enough if we don’t address the root causes of pollution, such as stubble burning and vehicular emissions. Comprehensive long-term policies and public awareness campaigns are essential to achieve lasting improvements in air quality.
**Editor:** Economist Kaushik Basu highlighted the economic implications of unchecked pollution. Can you expand on that?
**Dr. Singh:** Absolutely. High levels of pollution can deter foreign investment, affect tourism, and result in increased healthcare costs, which can strain government resources. Poor air quality can reduce workforce productivity due to health-related absentees. Thus, pollution control should not just be viewed from an environmental perspective but also as a crucial part of economic policy in ensuring sustainable growth.
**Editor:** Lastly, with this being an annual occurrence, what steps can communities and governments take to prevent further environmental crises in the future?
**Dr. Singh:** It requires a multi-pronged approach. Governments must enforce stricter laws against stubble burning and promote alternative agricultural practices. Increasing green cover can also help improve air quality. On a community level, raising awareness about pollution and encouraging the use of public transport, carpooling, and sustainable practices can also make a significant difference. Ultimately, collaboration between government, industry, and communities is key to tackling these pressing environmental challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Singh, for your valuable insights into this pressing issue.
**Dr. Singh:** Thank you for having me. The plight of our environment demands urgent attention, and discussions like this are critical for raising awareness.
