As soon the last months of the year in Delhi roll in, we begin to choke—quite literally. Every year, the same story repeats itself. The skies darken with a thick layer of smog, and we find ourselves scrambling for air purifiers, masks, and other desperate measures to survive.
The city's air quality dips to hazardous levels, with AQI (Air Quality Index) readings consistently breaching 300-400 or worse. School children are sent home, and hospitals witness a surge in patients struggling with respiratory problems. And every year, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) swings into action—vehicles are restricted, construction halts, and industries shut down.
But let's be real for a second. We all know this is a band-aid solution for a much deeper wound. Shouldn't we, as a city, have learned by now that this knee-jerk, reactionary approach isn't enough? The pollution problem doesn't start in October, and it certainly doesn't end in March.
The time has come to face a hard truth: We need a year-round strategy to tackle Delhi's pollution crisis. Short-term, reactive measures, no matter how well-intentioned, aren't enough. And let's be honest, they can make life difficult for the average citizen.
So, how do we balance the urgent need for cleaner air without placing undue hardship on the general public? It's not impossible, but it requires a pragmatic, long-term plan beyond just putting out seasonal fires. Let's put some numbers on it. According to a 2020 study by IQAir, Delhi ranked.