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Delhi Faces Another Air Quality Crisis Amidst Political Inaction
Delhi Faces Another Air Quality Crisis Amidst Political Inaction
The capital struggles with catastrophic pollution levels as emergency measures fail to bring relief.
In New Delhi on Tuesday, the air quality index alarmingly peaked at 485, although this was a slight reprieve from the previous day's catastrophic reading of 1,785. As microscopic particles suffocated the city, residents welcomed the fleeting sunlight yet were reminded of the continuous haziness that marks winter's arrival. Vikram Singh, a 58-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, lamented the burning in his eyes and the toll on his earnings, which dipped from $8.30 to $6 daily.
This annual smog disaster coincides ominously with the onset of colder temperatures in northern India, triggering a predictable routine of emergency responses by political leaders who seem trapped in blame games and legal disputes. The haze was so intense that Delhi’s chief minister, Atishi, categorized the situation as a “medical emergency,” prompting the Supreme Court to reprimand the national government for slow action. Measures included halting construction and restricting vehicle access, alongside school closures to safeguard children.
For Delhi's middle class, the emergency echoes experiences reminiscent of Covid-19 lockdowns, as work-from-home policies are reimplemented and children remain indoors. However, many residents lack the resources to cope. Debu Jyoti Dey, a finance director, resorted to using a handkerchief as a makeshift mask while navigating the polluted streets, expressing relief only to reach the indoors. The dire situation unveils a stark contrast between affluent and marginalized communities, raising urgent questions about effective solutions to this ongoing public health crisis.
This annual smog disaster coincides ominously with the onset of colder temperatures in northern India, triggering a predictable routine of emergency responses by political leaders who seem trapped in blame games and legal disputes. The haze was so intense that Delhi’s chief minister, Atishi, categorized the situation as a “medical emergency,” prompting the Supreme Court to reprimand the national government for slow action. Measures included halting construction and restricting vehicle access, alongside school closures to safeguard children.
For Delhi's middle class, the emergency echoes experiences reminiscent of Covid-19 lockdowns, as work-from-home policies are reimplemented and children remain indoors. However, many residents lack the resources to cope. Debu Jyoti Dey, a finance director, resorted to using a handkerchief as a makeshift mask while navigating the polluted streets, expressing relief only to reach the indoors. The dire situation unveils a stark contrast between affluent and marginalized communities, raising urgent questions about effective solutions to this ongoing public health crisis.
