Delhi’s Recurring Smog Crisis: A Dystopian Reality

Delhi’s winter season has arrived, bringing with it a recurring feeling of despair. The sky is overcast, obscured by a dense, discernible layer of smog. Spending more than a few minutes outside can lead to a sensation of tasting ash. Engaging in activities like running or even walking quickly in the smog can cause breathlessness within minutes. News publications are once again featuring terms such as “toxic,” “deadly,” and “poisonous” in their primary headlines. The majority of schools have closed, and residents have received recommendations to remain indoors; however, individuals whose income relies on outdoor employment are unable to follow this advice. On Monday and Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality index registered between 1,200 and 1,500, as reported by various monitoring organizations. The permissible threshold is below 100. These measurements quantify the concentration of particulate matter, specifically PM 2.5 and PM10, present in the atmosphere. These minute particles are capable of entering the lungs and triggering numerous health conditions. Social media platforms have become a venue for individuals to voice their shock, disappointment, and distress over the recurrence of this situation. Alongside the pervasive gloom, there is a distinct feeling of déjà vu, suggesting a familiarity with these events over the last 15 years. The author documented a video of their commute to the office in 2017, at which time smog diminished visibility to under 2m. On Tuesday, the same commute appeared to be even more severe. This narrative has been extensively covered over the past two decades, detailing every development. Reports have highlighted how pollution contributes to illness and diminishes life expectancy. Coverage has included India’s Supreme Court issuing annual directives to the government to implement immediate measures for pollution control. The court has reiterated these directives this year. Information has been provided on the disproportionate impact of pollution on children. Additionally, articles have addressed the yearly practice of politicians attributing blame to one another for the issue. The fundamental causes of the problem have been examined. Furthermore, various solutions have been discussed, encompassing those that yielded minimal success and those that proved entirely ineffective. Reports have also detailed how pollution predominantly impacts the most disadvantaged populations, many of whom are compelled to work outdoors amidst the smog. The experience of covering this ongoing situation is akin to observing (and participating in) the same dystopian narrative annually, complete with identical characters, storyline, and script. The result consistently remains unchanged, with no discernible progress. Public parks are once again deserted, as individuals, especially children and the elderly, have received instructions to remain inside. Essential workers, including daily-wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, and delivery riders, continue their outdoor work despite experiencing coughs. Medical facilities are observing a growing influx of patients presenting with respiratory ailments. In light of these circumstances, the persistent question resurfaces: why does the situation not improve? The straightforward explanation is that addressing Delhi’s air quality issue demands substantial effort and synchronized action. The issue stems from multiple origins. A significant contributor is the agricultural practice of farmers burning crop residue to rapidly clear fields for subsequent planting. This activity primarily takes place in the adjacent states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The resulting smoke from these farm fires envelops Delhi each winter, lingering close to the ground as wind velocities decrease during the colder months. However, farmers cannot be held solely responsible, as this method represents the most economical approach to field clearance. While various administrations have discussed offering machinery and monetary incentives to halt crop burning, minimal implementation has occurred at the practical level. Delhi itself generates a substantial portion of the pollution, originating from vehicle emissions, construction activities, and industrial factories. Annually during the winter period, public frustration mounts, journalists publish reports, political figures engage in mutual blame, and judicial bodies express strong disapproval, only for the cycle to recommence the following year. A public health crisis of this magnitude would typically incite widespread protests in the majority of democratic nations. Nevertheless, the discontent in Delhi largely remains confined to social media platforms. According to activists, the underlying reason is that pollution does not typically manifest immediate health issues for most individuals. The inhalation of elevated levels of PM2.5 gradually impairs health. A study published in The Lancet indicated that pollution was responsible for over 2.3 million premature fatalities in India during 2019. Furthermore, a socioeconomic disparity exists. Those with the financial means temporarily relocate from the city, others purchase air purifiers, and some express their grievances on social media. The remaining population, lacking these alternatives, simply proceed with their daily routines. The shared frustration has not yet culminated in a large-scale protest, and as the Supreme Court previously noted, politicians tend to “pass the buck” and await the conclusion of the season. Experts contend that both federal and state governments must transcend partisan politics and collaborate to resolve this issue. A focus on enduring solutions is imperative. Moreover, citizens are urged to hold politicians accountable, and courts should issue definitive rulings several months prior to the exacerbation of pollution levels. This year, the peak of the season has arrived once more, and interim measures, such as a prohibition on construction activities, have been declared. However, the question remains whether these actions can restore Delhi’s sought-after clear skies. Data from recent years provides limited optimism.