New Delhi, India's capital city, is taking urgent measures to combat its alarming air pollution crisis. Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the problem, the air quality in the city has remained dangerously unhealthy for the third consecutive day. As a thick smog envelops the city, authorities have decided to restrict the use of vehicles starting next week in an attempt to alleviate the situation.
New Delhi consistently ranks as one of the most polluted cities globally, particularly before the onset of winter. During this time, calm winds and low temperatures trap a mix of pollutants from various sources, including vehicles, industrial emissions, construction dust, and crop residue burning in the surrounding fields. The dire state of the air quality has prompted public outrage and forced the city to extend the closure of primary schools until November 10 to protect the health of young students.
In response to the worsening air quality, the local government has announced the implementation of the "odd-even" vehicle rule from November 13 to November 20. This measure is expected to help mitigate pollution levels that are anticipated to surge after the Hindu festival of Diwali on November 12, which traditionally involves the use of firecrackers despite a ban.
Under the "odd-even" rule, vehicles with odd registration numbers will be allowed on the road on odd dates, while those with even registration numbers will be permitted to operate on alternate days. This measure has been introduced on multiple occasions since 2016, with some variations, but its effectiveness in reducing pollution levels has been a subject of debate among environmental experts.
Gopal Rai, the local environment minister, emphasized the necessity of implementing the "odd-even" rule, stating that it is vital in the face of rising pollution levels. A meeting with the police and transport department will be held on November 7 to discuss the practicalities of enforcing the restriction.
On November 6, the air quality in New Delhi was classified as "severe" for the third consecutive day, ranking the city as the second most polluted in the world, surpassed only by Lahore in Pakistan, as per a real-time compilation by Swiss group IQAir.
Despite the adverse conditions, a cricket World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh went ahead in the city. Organizers took precautions by installing air purifiers in the players' dressing rooms and using water sprinklers to reduce pollutants in the air.
The vehicle restrictions are just one part of a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution. Other measures include a ban on construction work for public projects in the national capital region and limitations on the entry of trucks and heavy vehicles in Delhi, imposed by a federal pollution control watchdog on November 5.
Recent research published by Down To Earth magazine highlighted the serious health consequences of poor air quality. The analysis of 25 research studies revealed links between deteriorating air quality and issues such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, stillbirth, developmental delays, restricted growth in children, and even mortality. This alarming data underscores the urgent need for action to tackle the air pollution crisis in New Delhi and protect the health and well-being of its residents.
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