Delhi’s worsening air quality has become an alarming urban crisis, threatening millions with severe health risks. Recent data indicates that the city’s pollution levels remain dangerously high, largely due to human activities, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, and the seasonal burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently remains in the “very poor” to “severe” category during winter, highlighting a persistent failure in mitigation efforts.
The economic cost of this crisis is staggering. A report by the Lancet Commission revealed that air pollution caused over 1.6 million deaths in India in 2021, with Delhi bearing a significant portion of the burden. Beyond health, productivity losses and rising healthcare costs exacerbate the strain on the urban economy. Comparatively, cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, though grappling with pollution, report comparatively better air quality levels, reflecting the need for Delhi to adopt stringent control measures.
From a civic perspective, unplanned urbanisation and weak enforcement of regulations have compounded the issue. Construction sites continue to operate without proper dust control measures, and public transport improvements lag behind the growing population’s needs. Experts argue that a decentralised approach involving local governments and stricter penalties for non-compliance could mitigate these challenges. Civic protests demanding cleaner air have also increased, urging authorities to prioritise human health over unchecked industrial and infrastructural growth.
