Air pollution
A very personal editor’s picks from Anshul Sharma
Growing up in Delhi, I have vivid memories of winters characterised by a crisp chill in the air, clear blue skies, and the warmth of community gatherings. Unfortunately, those days seem like a distant dream. Today, Delhi’s winters are marked by dense smog, toxic air and a persistent sense of unease about the long-term health consequences of the city’s worsening air quality.
Having lived abroad for several years, I was shocked upon one of my return trips to Delhi in 2016 to find the air heavy with pollutants. Stepping out of the airport terminal, I felt an immediate burning sensation in my eyes – a stark reminder of the challenges the city now faces. This alarming trend has only worsened over the years, with temporary measures unable to provide the lasting relief Delhi desperately needs.
This winter, Delhi’s air quality has again reached hazardous levels. Throughout most of December 2024 the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was over 400 – far exceeding the World Health Organisation’s acceptable AQI - prompting the implementation of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Even as I write this article at the beginning of 2025, the AQI in Delhi is well above 350. GRAP measures include bans on construction activities, industrial closures, and vehicle restrictions to curb pollution levels. Schools have adopted hybrid learning models to minimise children’s exposure to the toxic air.
Despite these efforts, the underlying problem remains unresolved. The steps taken are reactive rather than preventive, leading to a repetitive cycle of crisis management each year.
For families like mine, the deteriorating air quality has forced significant lifestyle adjustments. My parents, both over the age of 65, are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of prolonged exposure to pollution. We installed air purifiers at home, but these measures feel insufficient against a problem of this magnitude.
Last week, I came across a news story highlighting Delhi’s cleanest air since December 2015, when the AQI system was introduced. The headline initially caught me by surprise, but as I delved into the article, I was perplexed to learn that the average AQI for December 2024 was 294. An AQI of 294 signifies very poor air quality, posing a significant risk of respiratory illnesses with prolonged exposure. It is both concerning and astonishing that residents of Delhi have started finding solace in counting the number of days the AQI remains below 400.
This crisis is no longer an isolated environmental issue; it is a public health emergency affecting millions. Delhi residents report respiratory problems, reduced immunity, and even mental health challenges stemming from living in such conditions.
The root causes of Delhi's smog crisis are complex. Agricultural stubble burning in neighbouring states contributes up to 30% of the city’s pollution during the winter season. Despite subsidies and initiatives to encourage alternative practices, the practice remains widespread.
Vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants add further layers to the problem. Although schemes like the odd-even vehicle policy and the introduction of electric buses aim to reduce emissions, inconsistent enforcement and limited adoption dilute their effectiveness.
Delhi’s air pollution has significant economic ramifications. A study by The Lancet estimates that air pollution costs India around $36 billion annually due to increased healthcare expenses and productivity losses. Moreover, Delhi’s reputation as a global hub for business and tourism is at stake, with many international visitors citing air quality as a deterrent.
To address this growing crisis, Delhi needs bold, sustained interventions that go beyond seasonal emergency measures. These could include:
Strengthening crop management practices
Incentivising farmers to adopt sustainable methods of crop residue disposal, such as mechanised alternatives to stubble burning
Promoting public transportation
Expanding the metro network and increasing the adoption of electric and shared mobility solutions
Strict industrial regulation
Enforcing stringent emission norms and supporting industries in transitioning to cleaner technologies
Citizen engagement
Launching large-scale public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on reducing personal contributions to pollution, such as carpooling and energy-efficient practices
Urban afforestation
Increasing Delhi’s green cover to act as a natural air filter and improve overall urban aesthetics
As the Programme Manager for the Oxford Saïd-Burjeel Holdings Climate Change Challenge, I believe the involvement of young minds is critical. Through initiatives aimed at fostering awareness and leadership among students and educators, we can empower the next generation to be catalysts for change. The innovative solutions presented by young participants in our programme showcase their potential to address challenges like air pollution with creativity and determination.
Delhi’s smog crisis is a harsh reminder of the complexity of environmental challenges and the urgent need for collective action. Governments, businesses, educators and individuals all have a role to play in building a sustainable future.
My call to action for 2025 - while the path to cleaner air may be arduous it is a journey worth undertaking. The time to act is now - not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
Banner image courtesy Anushree Fadnavis, Reuters / TPX Images of the Day
