Home / Environment / Delhi Chokes: Winter Pollution Plan Unleashed
Delhi Chokes: Winter Pollution Plan Unleashed
22 Oct
Summary
- Delhi initiates annual measures to combat severe winter air pollution.
- Restrictions include rubbish burning bans and coal/firewood use limits.
- Previous measures failed, with PM2.5 levels often exceeding limits.
India has commenced its yearly efforts to mitigate the severe air pollution affecting New Delhi, a sprawling metropolis of 30 million residents. Air quality typically worsens during the winter months due to meteorological conditions trapping pollutants near the ground.
This year's action plan, initiated on Thursday, includes immediate prohibitions on open burning of rubbish and the use of coal or firewood by food vendors. However, past interventions have proven insufficient, with pollution peaking between November and January, often reaching levels over 20 times the World Health Organization's safe limit for PM2.5.
Further restrictions will be implemented starting November 1, featuring doubled parking fees and remote work mandates for government staff to reduce traffic. Construction and demolition activities will face tighter regulations, with a complete halt from December 10 to January 20.
Studies have highlighted the dire health consequences, with one estimating 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 linked to excessive pollution. The UN children's agency also warns of heightened risks to children from respiratory infections due to contaminated air.
