India: Smog In Delhi And Its Air Quality Is Getting Worst For The Citizens

Defining Somg

Smog is a type of air pollution, a mix of smoke and fog, primarily formed by the interaction of sunlight with pollutants like vehicle emissions, industrial fumes, and chemicals. This forms a thick, often harmful haze that reduces visibility and negatively impacts health, especially in urban areas. Smog is more common in areas with high traffic, heavy industries, and certain weather conditions, such as low wind or high humidity.

The Real Issue

In India's capital, New Delhi, winter hasn't arrived yet, but the smog is already causing problems for the city's residents. On Saturday, the air quality in New Delhi reached "dangerous" levels, making it hard for people to breathe and causing irritation in their eyes.

Various parts of the city were covered in smog. Some residents mentioned that as winter approaches, the pollution is getting worse. They believe the government needs to take action.

According to air quality monitoring agency IQAir, the pollution levels in Delhi on Saturday were dangerously high.

One reason for the poor air quality is the burning of crop stubble. According to Reuters, farmers in nearby states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are burning crop waste, which is worsening the air pollution in the city.

Harms From Smog

Smog poses serious health and environmental risks. Inhaling smog can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic lung diseases. It irritates the eyes, throat, and nasal passages, and long-term exposure can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. Smog particularly affects vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Environmentally, smog reduces visibility, damages plant life, and disrupts ecosystems. It also affects the climate by trapping heat and contributing to global warming. Overall, smog significantly impacts public health, quality of life, and environmental stability.

Smog is very dangerous, and we should be taking some measures to protect ourselves and this environment from this rising pollution in the air.

Prevention From Smog 

Following are some ways which can reduce smog and improve the living conditions in the environment:

Limit Car Use

Control Industrial Emissions

Plant Trees

Reduce Household Energy Use

Avoid Burning Waste

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Image Courtesy: EngineeringCivil.org