Delhi’s winters bring more than just a chill – they mark the onset of a deadly smog season, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels reaching hazardous highs. In this video, we delve into the causes of this alarming pollution spike, from temperature inversion to stubble burning, and assess the government’s countermeasures like the GRAP and Odd-Even scheme. Most importantly, we share practical dos and don’ts to help you stay safe during this toxic season. Watch the full video to understand the crisis and safeguard your health.
#delhiairpollution #airqualityindex #delhiairquality index
#delhiairpollution #airqualityindex #delhiairquality index
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Delhi, the heart of India, is not only famous for its rich cultural, political and economic
00:09significance, but also for its infamous pollution crisis. Every winter, the city transforms
00:16into a gas chamber, blanketed by the toxic smog. The Air Quality Index, or in short,
00:22the AQI, becomes our primary indicator of how hazardous the air has become. As of October
00:292024, the AQI hovers between 350 and 385 with PM 2.5 concentration, exceeding the World
00:38Health Organization's safety limit by seven times. This pollution is driven by factors
00:44like stagnant weather, vehicular emission, stubble burning and industrial activities.
00:50The government stage 2 of GRAP is now active to curb these pollutants, but the question
00:56is, how effective are these measures? We will get into that and we will also discuss
01:02the crucial do's and don'ts that will help you stay safe during this smog season. So
01:07without wasting any more time, let's get into this video.
01:11Delhi enters the smog season. Delhi's winter's pollution, also known as the smog season,
01:18is driven by multiple factors. For example, temperature inversion that traps cooler air
01:24near the ground, preventing the pollutants from dispersing. Next, vehicular emission,
01:29especially from diesel vehicles, contributes significantly by releasing harmful PM 2.5
01:35particles. Additionally, industrial activities in surrounding states add pollutants like
01:41sulphur dioxide, while construction dust further degrades air quality. Stubble burning in Punjab
01:47and Haryana releases smoke into Delhi, accounting for up to 40% of particulate pollutions during
01:54peak months. Finally, Diwali firecracker leads to sudden spikes in AQI levels, compounding
02:01the hazards of winter air in the city.
02:05Government measures, are they enough? In response, the government has launched initiatives such
02:10as the Green War Room, which monitors air quality in real time, and the Yudh Pradushin
02:16Ke Virudh campaign, which deploys anti-smog guns and water sprinklers. The Poosa decomposer
02:23is distributed to farmers to address stubble burning, while the Electric Vehicle Policy
02:28aims to reduce vehicular emission through initiatives. However, despite these measures,
02:34AQI level during winter remains dangerously high due to the persistent sores like construction
02:39dust and industrial emission.
02:42GRAP and the Odd-Even Scheme
02:44The Graded Response Action Plan, or in short GRAP, implemented in year 2017, enforces strict
02:50measures based on AQI levels, including banning garbage burning and construction, and the
02:56Odd-Even Scheme limits vehicle movement based on license plate. However, these interventions
03:02have provided only temporary relief.
03:06AQI over the last 5 years
03:10As evident in AQI trends from the last 5 years, where levels fluctuated between 300 and 450,
03:17there were some improvements during the COVID-19 lockdown in year 2020. This pattern underscores
03:23the need for a sustainable solution to address the root cause of pollution.
03:29Now let's talk about the do's and don'ts in this weather condition
03:32Wear a mask, be it N95 or be it N99 mask. These can prevent and filter out PM2.5 particles,
03:43protecting your respiratory system.
03:46Stay indoors. I myself don't like saying this, but limit your outdoor activities, especially
03:51during peak pollution hours, which is early mornings and the late evenings.
03:56Next, use air purifiers. Install air purifiers in your homes and offices to maintain better
04:03indoor air quality.
04:05Drink water. When I say this, it's very important. Stay hydrated. Drink as much water as possible,
04:11as it helps your body to flush out the toxins.
04:16Ventilate very carefully. Ventilate your houses only when the pollution levels are lower,
04:20typically in the early afternoon.
04:23And finally, monitor the AQI. Keep a track of the AQI using apps or websites and plan
04:29your outdoor activities accordingly.
04:32Now let's talk about the don'ts during this weather condition.
04:36First, avoid outdoor exercises. Exercising in the polluted air increases inhalation of
04:41toxins. So avoid jogging or cycling outdoors during this season.
04:47Second, don't burn waste. Open burning of leaves, garbage or plastic adds to the pollution
04:53load.
04:54Third, don't smoke. Smoking not only harms the smokers, but it also contributes to the
05:01indoor pollution.
05:02And finally, don't use diesel generators. Diesel generators emit high levels of nitrogen
05:07oxide and particulate matters, contributing to the local air pollution.
05:12Delhi's pollution problem is not just a local issue. It reflects larger challenges of urbanization,
05:18industrialization and regional agricultural practices.
05:22With the AQI levels climbing towards the hazardous level, it's time for citizens to rethink their
05:28everyday habits and lifestyle.
05:30Despite numerous government efforts like GRAP, ODEVEN and the EV PUSH, the capital still
05:35struggles with toxic air.
05:37So while we wait for systematic changes, taking personal precautions can make a significant
05:43difference in protecting our health.
05:45Stay safe and make sure to follow these tips during the smoke season.
05:50This is your host Rhea and you are watching OneIndia.