In 2023, New Delhi was ranked as the world’s most polluted capital city, underscoring the severe air quality crisis that affects all its residents, regardless of economic status.
The World Air Quality Report 2023, released in March, revealed that the air in Delhi is contaminated at levels approximately 20 times higher than international safety standards. An additional report on the Air Quality Life Index, published in August last year by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, highlighted the alarming impact of air pollution on life expectancy in Delhi. According to this report, air pollution is reducing the average lifespan of Delhiites by 11.9 years, making Delhi the most polluted city globally. A decade-long analysis of data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals persistently high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in Delhi, far exceeding both national ambient air quality standards and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) safe limits for these pollutants. Although there has been a gradual but steady decline in annual PM2.5 levels since the peak period of 2015-17, this downward trend was disrupted last year, according to a January analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
This reversal in progress is particularly concerning given the significant health implications associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution. PM2.5 particles, which are fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres, pose severe health risks as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream. Chronic exposure to such pollutants is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including lung cancer and heart attacks, exacerbating public health issues across all socio-economic groups in Delhi. The data indicates that despite various measures implemented to combat air pollution, including vehicular restrictions, industrial regulations, and the promotion of cleaner technologies, the overall air quality in Delhi remains hazardous. Factors contributing to this persistent pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, and seasonal agricultural burning in neighbouring states.
The recurring spikes in pollution levels necessitate a multi-faceted approach to air quality management. Experts advocate for stricter enforcement of emission standards, enhancement of public transportation systems, and the adoption of green infrastructure to mitigate the adverse effects of pollution. Additionally, increasing public awareness and community involvement in air quality monitoring and pollution reduction initiatives are crucial steps towards sustainable improvement. The plight of Delhi’s air quality highlights a broader issue of environmental governance and public health management in rapidly urbanising regions. It calls for urgent, coordinated action from governmental bodies, private sectors, and civil society to address the root causes of pollution and safeguard the health and well-being of all residents.
As Delhi continues to grapple with its air quality challenges, it stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive environmental policies and proactive measures to combat pollution. The health of millions of citizens depends on the effectiveness of these interventions and the collective commitment to cleaner air. By emphasising the critical nature of this issue, it is hoped that sustained efforts and innovations will eventually lead to a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality, ensuring a healthier future for its inhabitants.
