Smog Cripples Normal life in Delhi

The capital of our Country New Delhi is ailing with respiratory problems because of the pollution. The pollution problem is not new to the city and the pollution levels drastically increase in winter because the pollutants mix with smoke and smog is formed which affects the air quality.

There are many causes to this problem such as usage of old diesel and petrol vehicles, burning of agriculture waste in the fields of adjacent states such as Haryana and Punjab has also resulted in the increased levels of pollution. The smoke and the cold winds together affect not only air quality but also the visibility of vehicles and this leads to accidents on the roads often.

The Indian Medical Association has declared a public health emergency and the schools were declared holidays and the government is taking steps to address this issue. The Government in 2015 introduced the
odd-even scheme under which the vehicle traffic was restricted .However, the step yielded some results but many people found it uncomfortable.

Currently the dust errupted due to building construction also causes pollution .so the government has decided to use the Dust removing machines so that the pollution can be minimised.

Recently the Supreme Court has also put a restriction on the sale of crackers during Diwali but it has also a limited effect on air quality.

Finally, its high time that all stakeholders must plan a comprehensive long term policy measures to reduce the pollution in the capital rather than abrupt decisions but short-term measures may also be needed to tackle the pollution.