Delhi continues to battle a severe air pollution crisis in November 2024, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) firmly entrenched in the “very poor” category. PM 2.5 levels have consistently exceeded 300, posing significant health risks for residents. The annual recurrence of hazardous air pollution during the winter months has sparked fresh debates on the effectiveness of current mitigation measures.

Contributors to 2024’s Pollution Spike

Several recurring and new factors have aggravated Delhi’s air quality in November 2024:

1. Stubble Burning: Despite measures to discourage crop residue burning, farmers in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana continue the practice, contributing to massive smoke influx into Delhi.
2. Winter Conditions: Low wind speeds and cooler temperatures trap pollutants closer to the ground, creating a thick smog layer across the city.
3. Vehicular Emissions: With a population that continues to rely heavily on private transportation, vehicular exhaust remains a major contributor to air pollution.
4. Construction Activities: Ongoing infrastructure projects in and around the city add dust and particulate matter to the atmosphere.

Health and Lifestyle Impact

Residents are reporting significant health challenges, including:

• Respiratory Issues: Increased cases of asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation.
• Disrupted Daily Life: Schools have been forced to reduce outdoor activities, and people are avoiding early morning or evening outings due to smog.

A recent survey by a health agency indicated that over 70% of Delhi residents experience mild to severe health effects during the peak pollution months.

Government’s 2024 Measures

To combat this year’s pollution crisis, the Delhi government has initiated the advanced Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including:

1. Vehicle Restrictions: Odd-even vehicle schemes have been reintroduced to reduce traffic emissions.
2. Enhanced Public Transport: Increased metro and electric bus frequency to encourage the use of public transport.
3. Construction Ban: A temporary halt on construction activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) to curb dust pollution.
4. Air Quality Monitoring: Deployment of real-time sensors at key pollution hotspots for rapid interventions.

Additionally, the central government has coordinated with Punjab and Haryana authorities to use advanced equipment for stubble management. However, the slow rollout of alternatives like bio-decomposers remains a challenge.

Public Awareness and Lifestyle Adaptations

To mitigate personal health risks, citizens are increasingly turning to:

• Air Purifiers: A surge in air purifier sales across urban households.
• Masks: Many residents rely on N95 masks during outdoor activities.
• Work-from-Home Options: Businesses are offering flexible remote working policies to minimize commuting.

Experts Warn of Long-Term Challenges

Environmentalists have raised concerns about the worsening trends despite years of interventions. Experts warn that without a systematic overhaul addressing root causes such as:

• Sustainable Agriculture Practices
• Transition to Electric Mobility
• Urban Greening Projects

Delhi may continue to suffer debilitating air pollution each winter.

Conclusion

In November 2024, Delhi remains a city under siege from its annual pollution crisis. While government measures have temporarily alleviated some issues, the city requires robust, long-term solutions that prioritize sustainability over short-term relief. For the 30 million residents of the National Capital Region, the fight for cleaner air is far from over.