Delhi pollution at its peak

Air pollution constitutes the world’s biggest environmental health hazard and people who all are living in Delhi are getting used to it

Madhvi Jha . Delhi mobile#7835952321 @MadhviJha22

A recent report by Swiss organizations, IQ Air in the form of ‘World Air Quality’ Report, 2020’ states that 22 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities in India, with Delhi being ranked the most polluted capital city globally. Top 10 cities facing extreme Environmental risks. 1st Jakarta, Indonesia, and on 2nd its Delhi, India.

World Environment Day is on 5 June. The theme of World Environment Day 2021 is ‘Ecosystem Restoration. Ecosystem restoration can also be promoted by conserving the ecosystem that is still intact. Every year this day is celebrated by planting thousands of plants and trees. After that have you ever thought about what we do to save our environment from pollution? No, because who cares even our government doesn’t care, because they are busy in their politics by blaming each other.

Air pollution, resulting from hazardous PM 2.5 fine particulate matter, claimed around 54,000 deaths in Delhi in 2020. Around 2.2 million children in Delhi have irreversible lung damage due to the poor quality of the air.

This is happening because neither there is a river nor a forest. There is one river Yamuna, but how clean it is we all know that. A thin layer of toxic foam always floats in the Yamuna. The two pollution committees The Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi Pollution Control Committee work and take action against pollution. In 2015 National Green Tribunal (NGT) said anyone found polluting the Yamuna by throwing in material, including religious items, will face a fine of ₹ 5,000 and the fine will rise to ₹ 50,000 for those dumping construction waste into the river.

On Monday, 24th May 2021, the Air quality deteriorates in Delhi, due to low temperature, dusty winds from Rajasthan. On Monday, the AQI (Air Quality Index) was recorded at 205 in Dwarka, 189 in Punjabi Bagh, 158 in Grennpark respectively. As per government agencies, an AQI within the range of 101-200 is ‘moderate', 201-300 is ‘poor', and 401-500 is considered ‘severe’.

In recent interviews, Manish Sisodia quoted- “As we are approaching a century of our independence we would all like to put an end to environmental pollution under the leadership of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

While presenting the Delhi budget 2021-2022, Delhi Finance Minister Manish Sisodia said the government has set aside ₹ 124.8 crores to tackle land, air pollution in Delhi.

If we talk about steps taken are-

• A tree plantation drive was launched last year to maintain green cover in Delhi.

• Two smog towers are in the final stages of installation.

• Delhi government is working on switching at least 25% of vehicles to e-vehicles.

• Delhi is the first state to have shut down those power plants which emit harmful gases.

Air pollution constitutes the world’s biggest environmental health hazard and people who all are living in Delhi are getting used to it.

I still remember, when I used to visit my hometown Bihar, the best part about Bihar was there was no pollution and if there was anything that was only fresh air. For people like me who stay here in Delhi and when we visit other states, it’s heaven for us, as we are so used to pollution.

Two years back I went to Darjeeling, West Bengal, one of the best places in India. Trees, mountains, and air were so pure and fresh. The climate of the city is always calm and chilled. It is filled with beautiful and enchanting monasteries. The lush green beauty of the tea garden mesmerizes the whole Darjeeling along with the dense pine forests and very foggy weather. It is one of the most beautiful places, I’ve ever been to.

It’s high time now we should wake up and take strong action against pollution as Delhi is experiencing a high level of air pollution. It is our responsibility to make sure this once life goes back to usual when the sky used to be blue and clean to the tweeting birds in our balconies. We can make a difference at an individual level by refusing to use plastic bags, plastic cutlery, plastic cups, and plates. We are not apart from nature. We must ensure we build back a world that coexists with all other species, protect natural habitats and seek solutions that are nature-based.

Every personal action counts!

Every personal action counts!. •