New Delhi has been grappling with a serious health crisis as toxic smog levels reach staggering heights—60 times above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits.
Recent readings show PM2.5 pollutant levels exceeding 806 micrograms per cubic meter.
This alarming statistic highlights a dire situation faced by the city’s over 30 million residents who are now suffocating under hazardous air quality.
The smog enveloping the capital can be attributed to multiple sources, including stubble burning in nearby states, emissions from factories, and heavy vehicular pollution.
Moreover, cooler temperatures and stagnant winds are trapping these pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating the already critical situation.
Each winter, the respiratory health of millions is compromised as harmful particles invade their daily lives and routines.
Despite the alarming smog conditions, critics have tagged government efforts such as water spraying and the deployment of drones as “band-aid solutions” that do little to address the underlying issues.
Many argue that these strategies fall short of the comprehensive actions needed to combat the pollution crisis effectively.
The ongoing health risks are linked to thousands of premature deaths each year, raising urgent calls for systemic changes and long-term solutions.
