Thick, toxic smog has once again blanketed northern India and eastern Pakistan just days before the commencement of Diwali, a Hindu festival traditionally celebrated with fireworks, exacerbating air quality concerns in the region.
The air quality index in Delhi, the Indian capital, reached approximately 250 on Monday morning, falling within the 'very unhealthy' category above 200. Meanwhile, in Lahore, Pakistan, air quality levels soared to a 'hazardous' 500 on Monday, surpassing the World Health Organization's guidelines by almost 65 times, earning the city the unenviable title of the most polluted in the world at the time.
As the winter smog season approaches, characterized by a yellow haze caused by factors such as agricultural waste burning, coal-fired power plants, vehicular emissions, and stagnant winter weather conditions, experts anticipate a further deterioration in air quality across the region.
Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is scheduled to commence on Thursday, with festivities including family gatherings, feasting, and firecracker displays, despite local bans in some areas, contributing to the worsening air pollution levels.
The recurring scenes of orange haze and obscured buildings during the smog season have raised concerns among health professionals, who warn of the increased risk of respiratory illnesses and reduced life expectancy due to the severe air pollution. Experts have even suggested that the smog could potentially shorten the lives of millions of people in India.
Efforts to address the air quality crisis have been met with challenges, as authorities struggle to enforce bans on firecrackers and crack down on illegal stubble burning, a common agricultural practice. The Indian government launched the Clean Air Programme in 2019, aiming to reduce particulate matter concentration by 40% by 2026 through various measures such as regulating power plants and implementing air quality monitoring systems.
Despite some improvements in air quality in certain cities, progress has been slow, with data showing minimal changes in pollution levels over recent years. Experts have questioned the political commitment to combatting pollution, highlighting the need for a unified effort across party lines to address the critical issue.
While short-term solutions like water sprinkling and artificial rainfall have been implemented to mitigate air pollution, experts emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes to achieve lasting improvements in air quality.
