Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight. Details with Delano D’Souza.
#India #smog #pollution
Just look at the twitter handle of the Environment Minister of India. You will get to know their seriousness towards pollution in India. He is a minister to retweet Narendra Modi’s tweets. Mark my words, You will surely see a drama of distributing masks in Delhi by BJP tomorrow.
Horrible state of affairs in Delhi NCR. Can curbing pollution become a priority for our governments. We’re loosing 21.8 lakh people because of pollution in India annually. 😓 pic.twitter.com/BRlpaJU16r
— Dr Ritesh Malik (@drriteshmalik) November 17, 2024
- New Delhi of India Suffocates Under Toxic Smog!! #pollutioncontrol Air pollution exceeds WHO’s safe limit by 60 times. PM2.5 levels reach 806 micrograms per cubic meter. Stubble burning, factories, and vehicles blamed. Government measures criticized as ineffective. Health risks include respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Source: Yahoo/ Local media
More from all over on India’s smog and pollution problem
- Severe Air Quality Levels: New Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached “severe” levels, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 50 times the World Health Organization’s safe limit. AP News
- Health Impacts: Exposure to high pollution levels can cause immediate health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Times of India
- Primary Pollution Sources: Major contributors include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and the burning of crop residues in neighboring states.
- Seasonal Aggravation: During winter, cooler temperatures and low wind speeds trap pollutants, leading to dense smog and reduced visibility. Reuters
- Government Measures: Authorities have implemented emergency actions such as closing schools, banning non-essential trucks, and halting construction to mitigate pollution levels.
- Economic Consequences: Air pollution in India has resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at $36.8 billion in 2019. Boston College
- Life Expectancy Reduction: Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens the average Indian’s life expectancy by 5.3 years. Aqli
- Global Pollution Ranking: India consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted countries, with several cities featuring high PM2.5 levels. Statista
- Public Health Crisis: Studies estimate that over a million Indians die each year from pollution-related diseases.
- Calls for Long-Term Solutions: Experts advocate for sustainable measures, including stricter emission controls, promotion of cleaner energy sources, and improved public transportation to address the root causes of pollution.