Air pollution in New Delhi: schools closed due to record level
The Indian capital, New Delhi, is once again facing a major problem: air pollution. Authorities recently announced the closure of schools for two days due to dangerous levels of pollution. This decision was taken following an alarming increase in fine particles, the most harmful to health. According to the WHO, the current level is 35 times higher than the recommended limit.
The culprit of this pollution? A combination of factors, such as agricultural burning, industrial emissions and road traffic. Every year around this time, agricultural burning in northern India contributes massively to the worsening situation. In addition, industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust gases add to this atmospheric suffocation.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the authorities to limit this pollution, the results are slow to come. Plans to reduce pollution were put in place, including suspending construction work, but they failed to sustainably resolve the problem.
This situation has disastrous consequences on the health of the population. A study published in The Lancet found that in 2020, more than 1.6 million deaths in India were attributable to air pollution, including nearly 17,500 in the capital alone. There is an urgent need to act to protect the health of New Delhi’s residents and find lasting solutions to this pollution.
India, which relies heavily on coal for its energy production, also needs to review its energy policy and invest more in clean and renewable energy sources. The transition to less polluting fossil fuels is essential to reduce the impact of pollution on the environment and health.
In conclusion, the closure of schools in New Delhi due to dangerous levels of air pollution is an alarming reminder of the urgency of action on this major problem. Authorities must step up efforts to reduce pollution and protect people’s health. It is also time to rethink our energy model and favor clean and sustainable energy sources. The health and well-being of all depends on our ability to take concrete action to combat air pollution.