These days air pollution levels are very high in Delhi and the neighbouring regions, 10 times the safety level, and the media is full of this alarming news.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution_in_Delhi
Schools and colleges have been closed, work from home orders issued for offices, work on construction projects stopped, and non essential truck traffic banned
A major cause of air pollution is crop stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and western UP
Polluting vehicles is said to be another cause of air pollution
The Indian Supreme Court has expressed its displeasure at this state of affairs, but what more could it do ? For it to direct stopping air pollution would be like King Canute telling the waves to go back.
I am afraid this problem cannot be solved in the near future, and will get worse.
There are three reasons for this :
(1) The central and state governments are not seriously interested in solving it, since their focus is only on winning elections. When most people in India go to vote they forget poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, lack of healthcare or air or water pollution, and only have caste and religion of the candidate ( or the caste/religion which his party claims to represent ) in their minds. The political leaders know this, so air pollution is very low in their priorities.
(2) Stubble burning is a low cost, less time consuming, method for farmers to dispose off their stubble. So they will not resort to costly alternatives ( as mentioned below ) :
(3) People will not give up using polluting vehicles, and measures to stop this ( like the odd-even scheme ) will only be another source of corruption in the police, and a vote loser in elections.
This is why I am pessimistic.
Conclusion:
Immediate Impact:Schools, colleges, and construction projects paralyzed, highlighting the immediate repercussions of the soaring air pollution.
Root Causes:Stubble burning in neighboring states and vehicular emissions identified as major contributors, underscoring the complexity of the crisis.
Judicial Concern:The Supreme Court expresses displeasure, indicating the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent action.
Political Apathy:Political leaders’ low prioritization of air pollution due to electoral focus emerges as a significant hurdle.
Farmer Practices:Cost-effective stubble burning persists as an attractive option for farmers, impeding the adoption of sustainable alternatives.
Public Resistance:Measures like the odd-even scheme face challenges due to resistance from the public, adding another layer of complexity.
Pessimistic Outlook:A grim assessment of the future, as the interplay of factors suggests a prolonged and worsening air pollution crisis.
