Delhi struggles: World’s most polluted city.
Delhi, the world’s most polluted city, is grappling with a severe public health crisis as hazardous air pollution blankets the Indian capital. Deepak Rajak, a 64-year-old asthma patient, is among the many struggling to breathe in the toxic air.
The clinic, established last year, is a response to the growing number of residents suffering from pollution-induced health issues. Each winter, Delhi’s air quality deteriorates sharply, enveloping the city in a throat-searing blanket of toxic smog. This year has been particularly dire. The smog has turned day into night, disrupted flights, obscured visibility, and endangered millions of lives. Global air quality monitors have identified Delhi’s air as the most hazardous on the planet in recent weeks.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi, who goes by one name, recently declared a “medical emergency” in response to the crisis. Authorities have shut schools and urged residents to stay indoors.
Rajak’s asthma has already resulted in one hospitalization this year due to the worsening pollution. The financial strain on his family has been immense, with the cost of inhalers and diagnostic tests adding up. Kajal fears her father will need to be readmitted if the smog persists. Even getting him to the clinic was a perilous journey.
The toxic air in Delhi has far-reaching consequences for the health of its residents. Experts have long warned that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and reduced life expectancy. For individuals like Rajak, who already suffer from respiratory issues, the air quality crisis is a matter of survival.
The smog in Delhi is exacerbated by seasonal factors, including the burning of crop stubble in neighboring states, vehicle emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollutants. During the winter months, lower temperatures and stagnant air trap pollutants close to the ground, creating a toxic haze that lingers for weeks.
Despite efforts to combat pollution, the crisis shows no signs of abating. Emergency measures like shutting schools, halting construction, and restricting vehicle use have provided limited relief. Environmental experts argue that these steps are temporary fixes and call for long-term solutions. These include transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving public transportation, and stricter enforcement of air quality regulations.
The impact of the pollution crisis is not only health-related but also economic. Many businesses suffer from reduced productivity, as workers fall ill or struggle to commute in hazardous conditions. Additionally, the burden of medical expenses on families like the Rajaks highlights the socioeconomic toll of Delhi’s air pollution.
While authorities continue to address the immediate crisis, the situation underscores the need for coordinated action between state and central governments. Without significant policy changes and public cooperation, Delhi’s air pollution is likely to remain a recurring and worsening challenge.
For residents like Rajak, the struggle is personal and urgent. As he navigates the city’s hazardous air to provide for his family, his health continues to deteriorate. His story is a stark reminder of the human cost of environmental neglect and the pressing need for sustainable solutions to ensure breathable air for all.