Delhi, India, is choking under an annual air pollution crisis, with air quality levels soaring to dangerous heights. On Tuesday, the capital reported an alarming air quality index of 485, a significant drop from the previous day’s record high of 1,785, symbolizing an ongoing public health emergency.
Residents, like Vikram Singh, an auto-rickshaw driver, are feeling the physical toll as pollution impacts breathing and overall well-being. Singh shared, “My eyes have a burning feeling during these periods of pollution... I don’t know what else is happening to my body, on the inside.” The financial strain is equally serious—he's lost income due to the health crisis.
The suffocating smog that descends with winter is accompanied by reactive but ineffective government measures. The political scene is filled with finger-pointing as allegations fly regarding the welfare of Delhi’s citizens. Atishi, the city’s chief minister, has declared a “medical emergency,” emphasizing the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.
In response, the Supreme Court has ordered swift actions including halting construction, restricting vehicle circulation, and closing schools for the foreseeable future. This situation draws unsettling parallels to the COVID-19 lockdowns, pushing many middle-class families back into isolation.
However, many, like Debu Jyoti Dey, can only afford rudimentary precautions against pollution. He described using a handkerchief as a makeshift mask while commuting, feeling relieved to reach the safety of indoor spaces. As pollution continues to worsen, the urgent need for systemic change in policy and public health remains clearer than ever.
