What caused Delhi's air quality to improve during lockdowns?

During lockdowns, a significant decrease in traffic, construction, and industrial activity directly led to a 40-60% drop in PM2.5 and PM10 levels.

Why is Delhi's air pollution considered self-inflicted?

The city's pollution is deemed self-inflicted due to a refusal to adopt inconvenient but effective measures, prioritizing daily comfort over long-term air quality.

What solutions has Delhi ignored for air pollution?

Delhi has overlooked proven global interventions such as congestion pricing, seasonal diesel restrictions, real-time emissions monitoring, and enhanced public transport.

Home / Environment / Delhi's Choice: Comfort or Clean Air?

Delhi's Choice: Comfort or Clean Air?

25 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Delhi's air quality dramatically improved during lockdowns when activity ceased.
Proven solutions like odd-even and diesel restrictions have been previously implemented.
Prioritizing daily convenience over necessary action leads to worsening air pollution.

Delhi is facing a self-inflicted air pollution crisis, with its residents prioritizing daily comfort over the need for clean air. This mindset, described as the 'real pollutant,' prevents the implementation of effective solutions.

Evidence from past lockdowns shows a significant reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels when traffic, construction, and industrial activities were halted. Similarly, measures like the odd-even rule and diesel restrictions have shown positive impacts, though their early relaxation leads to pollution spikes.

The author, a CEO of an autotech company, argues for courageous actions like congestion pricing, seasonal diesel bans, and stringent enforcement on construction sites. He stresses that public anger over inconvenience is preferable to long-term health consequences for children and parents, urging for discipline over awareness.