Air pollution in Delhi

2021-09-02T17:01:06Z

148.59.58.169:

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{short description|Overview of the air pollution in the Indian city of Delhi}}
{{Use Indian English| url=https://webnuocgaiycvqy.archive.org/web/20171108013324/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/07/world/asia/delhi-pollution-gas-chamber.html |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live |date=February 2020}}
[[File:Poulluted killer fog in Delhi.jpg|thumb|A dense toxic smog in New Delhi blocks out the sun. Photo November 8, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/07/world/asia/delhi-pollution-gas-chamber.html |title=Delhi, Blanketed in Toxic Haze, 'Has Become a Gas Chamber' |work=The New York Times |access-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108013324/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/07/world/asia/delhi-pollution-gas-chamber.html |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]
[[File:PIA21100 Severe Air Pollution in New Delhi View by NASA's MISR.jpg|thumb|[[MISR]] measurement, Nov. 5, 2016: The optical depth of the thick haze was too much for calculation, "because the haze is so thick that the algorithm has classified the area as cloud." (less than 37 percent of sunlight, AQI=751).]]
The [[air quality]] in [[Delhi]], the capital territory of India, according to a [[World Health Organization|WHO]] survey of 1,650 world cities, is the worst of any major city in the world. It also affects the districts around Delhi.<ref name="pollution in cities database 2014">{{cite web|title=Ambient (outdoor) air pollution in cities database 2014|url=https://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/cities/en/ |website=who.int |publisher=[[WHO]] |access-date=31 May 2015|date=2014}}</ref><ref name="GARDINER HARRIS, 14/2">{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Gardiner|title=Delhi Wakes Up to an Air Pollution Problem It Cannot Ignore|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/world/asia/delhi-wakes-up-to-an-air-pollution-problem-it-cannot-ignore.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=30 May 2015|date=14 February 2015}}</ref> [[Air pollution]] in India is estimated to kill about 2 million people every year; it is the fifth largest killer in India. India has the world's highest death rate from [[respiratory diseases|chronic respiratory diseases]] and [[asthma]], according to the WHO. In Delhi, poor quality air irreversibly damages the lungs of 2.2 million or 50 percent of all children.

On 25 November 2019, the [[Supreme Court of India]] made statements on the pollution in Delhi saying "Delhi has become worse than ''[[Naraka (Hinduism)|narak]]'' (hell)".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/get-15-explosives-kill-people-at-one-go-sc-rebukes-centre-states-on-pollution/story-zv7hFJDndV2rlrfwvXz3rK.html|title='Delhi worse than hell': Supreme Court rebukes Centre, states on air pollution|date=25 November 2019|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=26 November 2019}}</ref> Supreme Court Justice [[Arun Kumar Mishra|Arun Mishra]] said that it is better to get explosives and kill everyone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/top-court-slams-centre-states-over-pollution-delhi-worse-than-nark-2138346|title="Better To Get Explosives, Kill Everyone": Supreme Court On Delhi Pollution|website=NDTV.com|access-date=26 November 2019}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India]], The water quality of the [[Yamuna]] and [[Ganges]] river basins have improved as industries are closed due to the lockdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lockdown-makes-ganga-water-significantly-cleaner-11586022134242.html|title=Lockdown makes Ganga water significantly cleaner|date=4 April 2020|publisher=LiveMint|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/anxiety-more-time-to-study-for-40k-students-stranded-in-kota/story-LgCluBkrFEITG9qyX16IEI.html|title=Lockdown does what decades of schemes couldn't: Clean Ganga|first1=Haider|last1=Naqvi|first2=Sudhir|last2=Kumar|date=4 April 2020|publisher=HT Digital Streams Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/coronavirus-lockdown-india-fresh-air-clean-rivers-1669726-2020-04-22|title=India's coronavirus lockdown reveals fresh air, cleaner rivers|date=22 April 2020|publisher=Living Media India Ltd.|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/yamuna-cleaner-due-to-lockdown/article31342401.ece|title=Yamuna cleaner due to lockdown|first1=Nikhil|last1=Babu|date=14 April 2020|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref> The air quality has also significantly improved during the lockdown.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-silver-lining-air-pollution-dips-amid-the-lockdown-1671422-2020-04-26|title=The silver lining: air pollution dips amid the lockdown|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref>

India's [[Ministry of Earth Sciences]] published a research paper in October 2018 attributing almost 41% to vehicular emissions, 21.5% to dust and 18% to industries.<ref name="MoES5">{{cite news|title=Usual suspects: Vehicles, industrial emissions behind foul play|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/usual-suspects-vehicles-industrial-emissions-behind-foul-play-all-year/articleshow/66228517.cms|access-date=18 December 2018|work=Times of India}}</ref> The director of [[Centre for Science and Environment]] (CSE) alleged that the [[Automotive industry in India|Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers]] (SIAM) is lobbying "against the report" because it is "inconvenient" to the automobile industry.<ref name="CSE">{{cite news|title=UA vicious nexus|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/air/a-vicious-nexus-62475|access-date=18 December 2018|work=Down to Earth}}</ref>

[[Air quality index]] of Delhi is generally Moderate (101–200) level between January to September, and then it drastically deteriorates to Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401–500) or Hazardous (500+) levels during October to December due to various factors including stubble burning,
road dust, vehicle pollution and cold weather.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iit-kanpur-study-says-trucks-and-road-dust-are-bigger-pollutants-than-cars-in-delhi/articleshow/50115310.cms |title=IIT-Kanpur study says trucks and road dust are bigger pollutants than cars in Delhi|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=10 December 2015|last1=Vishnoi|first1=Anubhuti}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-breathed-easier-from-january-to-april/articleshow/59011204.cms|title=Delhi breathed easier from January to April}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/air-pollution-delhi-enjoys-cleanest-february-in-three-years/story-SANlmslHev8ifFgZbh3WXI.html|title=Air pollution: Delhi enjoys cleanest February in three years|date=27 February 2018}}</ref> In November 2017, in an event known as the Great Smog of Delhi, the air pollution spiked far beyond acceptable levels. Levels of PM2.5 and PM 10 particulate matter hit 999 micrograms per cubic meter, while the safe limits for those pollutants are 60 and 100 respectively.<ref name="PTI_PWPMSD">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/post-diwali-pm-shoots-up-10-times-more-than-the-safe-limit-3730200/ |title=Diwali effect: Pollution worsens, particulate matter soars in Delhi |work=[[Indian Express]] |author=Express Web Desk |date=1 November 2016}}</ref>

Delhi's pollution problem is also caused by the factor of animal agriculture, as smog and other harmful particles are produced by farmers [[stubble burning|burning their crops]] in other states since 2002. About 80 per cent of agriculturally used land is used for animal agriculture, so animal agriculture can also be attributed as a factor in Delhi's air pollution problem.<ref>[https://www.globalagriculture.org/report-topics/meat-and-animal-feed.html farming pollution]</ref> Initiatives such as a 1,600 km long and 5 km wide [[Aravalli Range|The Great Green Wall of Aravalli]] green ecological corridor along Aravalli range from Gujarat to Delhi which will also connect to [[Sivalik Hills|Shivalik]] hill range is being considered with planting of 1.35 billion (135 crores) new native trees over 10 years to combat the pollution.<ref name=wall1>[https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/want-govt-to-build-1600-km-green-wall-along-aravalli-says-activist-vijaypal-baghel-6182069/ Want govt to build 1600 km green wall along Aravalli], Indian Express, 24 December 2019.</ref> In December 2019, [[Indian Institute of Technology Bombay|IIT Bombay]], in partnership with the [[McKelvey School of Engineering]] of [[Washington University in St. Louis]], launched the Aerosol and Air Quality Research Facility to study air pollution in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://source.wustl.edu/2019/12/new-partnership-brings-together-mckelvey-iit-bombay-to-study-air-pollution/|title=McKelvey Engineering, IIT Bombay partner to study air pollution {{!}} The Source {{!}} Washington University in St. Louis|date=2019-12-04|website=The Source|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-14}}</ref>

== Particulate matter levels in Delhi==
Air quality or ambient/outdoor air pollution is represented by the annual mean concentration of [[particulate matter]] PM10 (particles smaller than 10 [[microns]]) and PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns, about 25 to 100 times thinner than a human hair).<ref name="Ambient (outdoor) air pollution database">{{cite web|title=Ambient (outdoor) air pollution database, by country and city|url=https://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/cities/en/|publisher=WHO|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref>

The world's average PM10 levels, for the period 2008 and 2013, based on data of 1600 cities in 91 countries, range from 26 to 208 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3), with the world average being 71 μg/m3.<ref name="pollution in cities database 2014"/> 13 of the 25 cities worldwide with the highest levels of PM are in India.<ref name=Gizmodo>{{cite web|last1=Alissa Walker|first1=Alissa|title=India's Air Pollution Is So Bad It's Causing Lung Damage in Kids|url=https://gizmodo.com/indias-air-pollution-is-so-bad-its-causing-lung-damage-1707775668|publisher=[[gizmodo]]|access-date=30 May 2015|date=29 May 2015}}</ref>

In 2010, the year of the WHO survey, the average PM10 level in Delhi was 286 μg/m3. In 2013, the PM2.5 level was 153 μg/m3. These levels are considered very unhealthy. In Gwalior, the city with the worst air quality in India, the PM10 and PM2.5 levels were 329 μg/m3 and 144 μg/m3 respectively. For comparison, the PM10 and PM2.5 levels in London were 22 μg/m3 and 16 μg/m3 respectively. The PM levels in Delhi have become worse since the WHO survey. In December–January 2015, in Delhi, an average PM2.5 level of 226 μg/m3 was noted by US embassy monitors in Delhi. The average in Beijing for the same period was 95.<ref>Air Pollution in India: Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map, http://aqicn.org/map/india/</ref> Delhi's air is twice as bad as Beijing's air.<ref name="Gizmodo"/> As of October 2017, experts in several monitoring stations have reportedly measured an air quality index (AQI) of 999. According to said experts this is the equivalent of smoking 45 to 50 cigarettes a day. This has led to some government officials, such as [[Arvind Kejriwal]] calling the nation's capital a "gas chamber".<ref name="D+C">{{cite news |title=10% of the disease burden|url=https://www.dandc.eu/en/article/india-needs-determined-action-fight-air-pollution|author=Roli Mahajan|work=D+C, development and cooperation |date=15 March 2018 |access-date=7 May 2018}}</ref>

Safe levels for PM according to the WHO's air quality guidelines are 20 μg/m3 (annual mean) for PM10 and 10 μg/m3 (annual mean) for PM2.5.<ref name="Summary of risk assessment">{{cite web|title=WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide Global update 2005 Summary of risk assessment|url=http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf|publisher=WHO|access-date=31 May 2015|date=2005}}</ref>

==Causes of poor air quality==

* Lack of active monitoring and reaction by authorities.
* Lack of political priority.
* [[Motor vehicle emissions]] are one of the causes of poor air quality.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Stewart|first=Gareth J.|last2=Nelson|first2=Beth S.|last3=Drysdale|first3=Will S.|last4=Acton|first4=W. Joe F.|last5=Vaughan|first5=Adam R.|last6=Hopkins|first6=James R.|last7=Dunmore|first7=Rachel E.|last8=Hewitt|first8=C. Nicholas|last9=Nemitz|first9=Eiko|last10=Mullinger|first10=Neil|last11=Langford|first11=Ben|date=2020-08-13|title=Sources of non-methane hydrocarbons in surface air in Delhi, India|url=https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/fd/d0fd00087f|journal=Faraday Discussions|language=en|doi=10.1039/D0FD00087F|issn=1364-5498|doi-access=free}}</ref> Other causes include wood-burning fires,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Stewart|first=Gareth J.|last2=Acton|first2=W. Joe F.|last3=Nelson|first3=Beth S.|last4=Vaughan|first4=Adam R.|last5=Hopkins|first5=James R.|last6=Arya|first6=Rahul|last7=Mondal|first7=Arnab|last8=Jangirh|first8=Ritu|last9=Ahlawat|first9=Sakshi|last10=Yadav|first10=Lokesh|last11=Sharma|first11=Sudhir K.|date=2021-02-18|title=Emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds from combustion of domestic fuels in Delhi, India|url=https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/21/2383/2021/|journal=Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics|language=English|volume=21|issue=4|pages=2383–2406|doi=10.5194/acp-21-2383-2021|issn=1680-7316|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Stewart|first=Gareth J.|last2=Nelson|first2=Beth S.|last3=Acton|first3=W. Joe F.|last4=Vaughan|first4=Adam R.|last5=Farren|first5=Naomi J.|last6=Hopkins|first6=James R.|last7=Ward|first7=Martyn W.|last8=Swift|first8=Stefan J.|last9=Arya|first9=Rahul|last10=Mondal|first10=Arnab|last11=Jangirh|first11=Ritu|date=2021-02-18|title=Emissions of intermediate-volatility and semi-volatile organic compounds from domestic fuels used in Delhi, India|url=https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/21/2407/2021/|journal=Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics|language=English|volume=21|issue=4|pages=2407–2426|doi=10.5194/acp-21-2407-2021|issn=1680-7316|doi-access=free}}</ref> cow dung cake combustion,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Stewart|first=Gareth J.|last2=Nelson|first2=Beth S.|last3=Acton|first3=W. Joe F.|last4=Vaughan|first4=Adam R.|last5=Hopkins|first5=James R.|last6=Yunus|first6=Siti S. M.|last7=Hewitt|first7=C. Nicholas|last8=Nemitz|first8=Eiko|last9=Mandal|first9=Tuhin K.|last10=Gadi|first10=Ranu|last11=Sahu|first11=Lokesh K.|date=2021-02-25|title=Comprehensive organic emission profiles, secondary organic aerosol production potential, and OH reactivity of domestic fuel combustion in Delhi, India|url=https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/ea/d0ea00009d|journal=Environmental Science: Atmospheres|language=en|volume=1|issue=2|pages=104–117|doi=10.1039/D0EA00009D|issn=2634-3606|doi-access=free}}</ref> fires on agricultural land, exhaust from diesel generators, dust from construction sites, burning garbage<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-india-pollution-new-delhi-cars-20160104-story.html | title=To fight the world's worst air pollution, New Delhi forces cars off the roads | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | access-date=7 December 2017 | author=Bengali, Shashank | date=4 January 2016 | pages=4 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/a-history-of-delhi-s-air-pollution-can-road-rationing-even-the-odds/story-XNnrXjRY2I4bwzgSuYlJZK.html | title=A history of Delhi's air pollution: Can road rationing even the odds? | work=Hindustan Times | date=4 January 2016 | access-date=7 December 2017 | author=HT Correspondent}}</ref> and illegal industrial activities in Delhi. Although pollution is at its worst from November to February, Delhi's air misses clean-air standards by a wide margin for much of the year. It is a noxious mix of emissions from its 9 million vehicles, construction dust and burning of waste. On the worst days, the air quality index, a benchmark ranging from zero (good) to 500 (hazardous), exceeds 400.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/doctors-warn-pollutions-impact-health-new-delhi|title=Doctors Warn of Pollution's Impact on Health in New Delhi|website=Voice of America|language=en|access-date=7 November 2019}}</ref>
* The [[Badarpur Thermal Power Station]], a coal-fired power plant built in 1973, was another major source of air pollution in Delhi. Despite producing less than 8% of the city's electric power, it produced 80 to 90% of the [[particulate matter]] pollution from the electric power sector in Delhi.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Badarpur Plant's effect on Air Pollution and why it needs to be shut down|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/the-badarpur-plants-effect-on-air-pollution-and-why-it-needs-to-be-shut-down/articleshow/53669369.cms|access-date=25 November 2016|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=12 August 2016}}</ref> During the [[Great smog of Delhi]] in November 2017, the Badarpur Power Plant was temporarily shut down to alleviate the acute air pollution but was allowed to restart on 1 February 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Badarpur thermal power plant to remain shut till Jan 31 2018|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/badarpur-thermal-power-plant-to-remain-shut-till-jan-31-2017-4380987/|access-date=25 November 2016|work=[[Indian Express]]|date=17 November 2016}}</ref> In view of the detrimental effect to the environment, the power plant has been permanently shut down since 15 October 2018 <ref>{{cite news|title=Badarpur thermal plant, Delhi's biggest power generator, to shut down from October 15|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/Delhi-news/badarpur-thermal-plant-delhi-s-biggest-power-generator-to-shut-down-from-october-15/story-6r1DhoDjb7G0yr48iv8IqI.html}}</ref>
*The drift/mist emissions from the wet [[cooling tower]]s are also a source of particulate matter as they are widely used in industry and other sectors for dissipating heat in cooling systems.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wet cooling towers: guide to reporting |url= https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/national-pollutant-release-inventory/report/sector-specific-tools-calculate-emissions/wet-cooling-tower-particulate-guide.html |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref>
* Although Delhi is kerosene free and 90% of the households use [[Liquefied petroleum gas|LPG]] for cooking, the remaining 10% uses wood, crop residue, [[cow dung]], and coal for cooking. (Census-India, 2011)
* Fire in [[Bhalswa Jahangir Pur|Bhalswa]] landfill is a major reason for airborne particles in [[Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/bhalswa-landfill-site-major-factor-of-air-pollution-jain-116110501132_1.html|title=Bhalswa landfill site major factor of air pollution: Jain|agency=[[Press Trust of India]]|date=5 November 2016|work=[[Business Standard India]]|access-date=7 December 2017}}</ref>
* Heavy metal-rich fire-crackers
* Agricultural [[stubble burning]] also affects Delhi's air quality since 2002 when crops are being harvested.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/stubble-burning-begins-hold-your-breath-delhiites-that-deadly-smog-is-coming/story-ahzIniEIeYF12iBDHtGHpO.html|title=Stubble burning begins: Hold your breath Delhiites, that deadly smog is coming|date=9 October 2017}}</ref>

== Effects of poor air quality==
[[File:Delhi panorama 1857.jpg|thumb|A view from Old Delhi (year 1857) to mountains of [[Himalaya range]]]]

=== Effects on children ===
2.2 million children in Delhi have irreversible lung damage due to the poor quality of the air. In addition, research shows that pollution can lower children's [[immune system]] and increase the risks of [[cancer]], [[epilepsy]], [[diabetes]] and even adult-onset diseases like [[multiple sclerosis]]. Children are more vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution as they are growing and developing which means that they breathe a higher rate of air per kilogram of their body weight. They also spend more time outside and are thus more exposed to it.<ref name="Harris, MAY 29, 2015">{{Cite news|last1=HARRIS|first1=GARDINER|title=Holding Your Breath in India|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/opinion/sunday/holding-your-breath-in-india.html?_r=0|work=SundayReview, New York Times|access-date=30 May 2015|date=29 May 2015}}</ref>

===Effects on adults===
Poor air quality is a cause of reduced lung capacity, headaches, sore throats, coughs, fatigue, lung cancer, and early death.<ref name="Summary of risk assessment"/><ref name="Harris, MAY 29, 2015"/> During the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]], in case the [[particulate matter]] (≤ pp10) is not controlled, the aerosols would work as virus carriers/host in the rapid spread of the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lockdown in India has Halved Smog and Increased Solar Power|url=https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=27558 |access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref>

== Smog in Delhi ==
{{Infobox event
|title=Smog in Delhi
|image=Low visibility due to Smog at New Delhi Railway station 31st Dec 2017 after 9AM DSCN8829 1.jpg
|caption=Low visibility due to [[:en:Smog|Smog]] at [[:en:New Delhi railway station|New Delhi railway station]] 31 December 2017. Railway building is not visible.
|time=
|place=[[Delhi]], India
|coordinates =
|cause =
|casualties1=
|casualties2=
}}

'''Smog in Delhi''' is an ongoing severe air-pollution event in [[New Delhi]] and adjoining areas in the [[National Capital Territory]] of [[India]].<ref name="HT_DWSYWUG">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-sees-season-s-worst-air-quality-kejriwal-announces-emergency-steps/story-J11rGcyCdk2wn6T4jqxG2O.html |title=Delhi's worst smog yet wakes up govt, emergency measures announced |work=Hindustan Times|author=Sweta Goswami |date=7 November 2017}}</ref> [[Air pollution in India|Air pollution]] in 2017 peaked on both PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels.<ref name="PTI_DWUTHPL">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-wakes-up-to-hazardous-pollution-levels-low-visibility-due-to-smog-3733302/ |title=Delhi wakes up to hazardous pollution levels, reduced visibility due to smog |work=Indian Express|author=Express Web Desk |date=2 November 2017}}</ref> It has been reported as one of the worst levels of air quality in Delhi since 1999.<ref name="PT_DPGIHAASCC">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/delhi-pollution-government-issues-health-advisory-as-smog-chokes-city/story-byUVNCraAWGH5CQ3usVsaN.html |title=Delhi pollution: Government issues health advisory as smog chokes city |work=Hindustan Times|author=PTI |date=8 November 2017}}</ref>

Low visibility has resulted in accidents across the city, notably a 24 vehicle pile-up on the [[Yamuna Expressway]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhis-toxic-smog-leads-to-24-car-accident-on-yamuna-expressway-1772758|title=Blinding Smog Causes 24-Vehicle Pile-Up on Expressway Near Delhi|work=NDTV.com|access-date=9 November 2017}}</ref>

"The Great Smog" also led to cancellation and delay of public transport, primarily trains and flights, causing many hindrances to the people.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesnownews.com/india/video/delhi-smog-delhi-pollution-latest-updates-delhi-weather-updates-new-delhi-ncr-chandigarh-air/120194|title=Delhi wakes up to dense smog; train services suspended due to low visibility |agency=Times Now Bureau |date=6 November 2017
|work=timesnownews.com|access-date=9 November 2017}}</ref>

===Background===

; Source of pollution

The current majority of analysis sources are hinting towards colder weather, stagnant winds trapping the various sources of smoke. The primary sources of smoke are [[stubble burning]], lit garbage, road dust, power plants, factories, and vehicles.

Air quality can be measured by the amount of PM 2.5 and PM 10 [[particulates]] suspended in the air. On 7 November 2016 the PM 2.5 levels in Delhi shot up to a high 999, much above the recommended 60 micrograms. At the same time, PM 10 shot to 999 (the maximum level for the monitors), instead of the recommended limit of 100.<ref name="PTI_PWPMSD"/>

Again on 8 November 2016 the PM 2.5 levels shot up to 449. At the same time PM 10 shot to 663.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theindependent.in/delhi-and-band-aid-efforts-to-patch-it/|title=Delhi Smog and band aid efforts to patch it |publisher=theindependent.in|date=8 November 2017}}</ref>

; Weather

The temperature in New Delhi during this period was from 15 to 29 °C (~66 °F).

=== Incident ===
During the second day of the third test of [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2017-18]] at [[Delhi]], smog forced Sri Lanka cricketers to stop playing and wear anti-pollution masks. Cricketer [[Lahiru Gamage]] reported to have [[shortness of breath]].<ref>{{Cite news| title= Pollution stops play at Delhi test match as bowlers struggle to breathe|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/03/pollution-stops-play-at-delhi-test-match-as-bowlers-struggle-to-breathe}}</ref> [[Nic Pothas]], coach of Sri Lankan cricket team, reported that cricketer [[Suranga Lakmal]] had vomited regularly due to severe pollution effect on the Delhi ground. There was a halt of play between 12:32 pm to 12:49 pm which caused Indian coach [[Ravi Shastri]] to come out aggressively and have a talk with the field umpire [[David Boon]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://amp.sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017-18/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-angry-ravi-shastri-marched-on-to-the-field-twitter-trolled-him-1783278?akamai-rum=off | title=India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd Test: 'Angry' Ravi Shastri Marched on to the Field. Twitter Trolled Him | Cricket News | access-date=31 October 2018 | archive-date=31 October 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031175252/https://amp.sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017-18/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-test-angry-ravi-shastri-marched-on-to-the-field-twitter-trolled-him-1783278?akamai-rum=off | url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== State reaction ===
A Health Emergency was declared in the capital by the Central Government of India to cope with the extrusive amount of polluted air. The day was declared as a holiday for schools, offices and other government centres.

===Effects===

; Health effects

The government of Delhi has declared a health advisory.<ref name="PT_DPGIHAASCC"/>
* Breathlessness
* Chest constriction
* Irritation in eyes
* Asthma
* Allergy

===Control measures===
In 2016, the Chief Minister of Delhi, [[Arvind Kejriwal]], proposed these measures to reduce air pollution. The efficacy of any individual step has been a matter of public debate.<ref name="TNN_DSSBCW">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Air-pollution-Delhi-shuts-schools-bans-construction-work/articleshow/55273297.cms |title=Air pollution: Delhi shuts schools, bans construction work |work=Times of India|author=TNN |date=6 November 2016}}</ref>

* All Delhi schools will remain shut for the next few days.
* For the next five days, no construction and demolition work will take place in Delhi.
* All [[diesel generator]] sets have been banned for the next ten days, except at hospitals and in emergencies.
* The Delhi government will supply power to unauthorized colonies which use diesel generators.
* The coal-based [[Badarpur Thermal Power Station|Badarpur power plant]] will be shut down for ten days. There will be no-fly ash transportation from the power plant.
* The Environment Department will launch an app to monitor the burning of leaves.
* Vacuum cleaning of roads will start on 10 November.
* Water sprinkling will start on all roads from the next following days.
* People should stay at home as much as they can and they should try working from home.
* As per Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India scheme it is expected by 2030 all vehicles will be [[Battery electric vehicle|Battery electric]] and [[Hybrid electric vehicle|Hybrid]]
* All combustion engined vehicles will be upgraded to BS6 emission standards
* Any vehicle older than 10-15 years or below BS6 emissions will be banned
* By 2021, the entire [[Delhi Metro]] is expected to be 100% powered by solar energy

In October 2020, Delhi authorities established a 10-member air pollution control team working in a dedicated conference room. They examine complaints received through the "Green Delhi" mobile app. As of 2020, they also regulate construction dust and ban diesel generators. Air pollution is an issue of special concern during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]] because the virus can damage people's lungs and make them less able to cope with pollution.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Press Trust of India|date=8 October 2020|title=Delhi Gets "Green War Room" To Bring Down Pollution Levels This Winter|url=https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-gets-green-war-room-to-bring-down-pollution-levels-this-winter-2307162|access-date=2020-10-21|website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Yeung|first1=Jessie|last2=Mitra|first2=Esha|last3=Sud|first3=Vedika|date=21 October 2020|title=India's pollution season could serve a double blow during Covid-19|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/21/asia/india-pollution-covid-intl-hnk-scn-wellness/index.html|access-date=2020-10-21|website=CNN}}</ref>

===Longer term measures===
On 25 November 2017, the [[Supreme Court of India]] banned the sale of [[firecracker]]s in Delhi to alleviate pollution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Supreme Court bans sale of firecrackers in Delhi, NCR |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/SC-bans-sale-of-fire-crackers-in-Delhi-NCR/articleshow/55617850.cms? |access-date=25 November 2016|work=[[Times of India]]}}</ref>

In another measure, the extremely polluting [[Badarpur power plant]] was permanently shut down on 15 October 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/badarpur-thermal-plant-delhi-s-biggest-power-generator-to-shut-down-from-october-15/story-6r1DhoDjb7G0yr48iv8IqI.html|title=Badarpur thermal plant,Delhi's biggest power generator, to shut down from October 15|last=Goswami|first=Sweta|date=5 October 2018|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/badarpur-power-plant-shut-action-plan-to-tackle-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-comes-into-force/story-Exu4ZryrjCEYZN2Wzpgs9H.html|title=Badarpur power plant shut, action plan to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR comes into force|last=Shrangi|first=Vatsala|date=16 October 2018|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref>Recently in October, 2020 union environment ministry has formed a commission for Air Quality Management in National capital region and Adjoining Area Ordinance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nihar|date=27 October 2020|title=Air pollution: Centre issues ordinance to form new commission to replace EPCA|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-issues-ordinance-to-form-new-commission-to-replace-sc-mandated-epca/story-nWagkwXA33KzD42FbWsTFN.html|access-date=2020-10-29|website=hindustantimes.com|language=en}}</ref>

==Air quality monitoring stations==
[[File:2018 Air Pollution in NewDelhi (PM2.5 AQI).svg|thumb|Days with healthy (= green) or unhealthy conditions with air pollution in year 2018. [[PM 2.5]], [[Air quality index#India|Air quality index]] (AQI).]]
The [[Indian Meteorological Department|Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)]] has air quality monitoring stations in [[Mathura Road]], IMD Delhi (Jor Bagh area), [[IGI Airport]], IITM Delhi, Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital ([[Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh|Ghaziabad]] area), Dhirpur, [[Delhi Technological University]], [[Pitampura]], Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (Rohini), Aya Nagar ([[Gurgaon]]), and [[Noida]].<ref name="Monitoring Stations">{{cite web|title=Monitoring Stations|url=http://safar.tropmet.res.in/|website=System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research, [[Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology]], Pune|publisher=[[Ministry of Earth Sciences]], Govt.of India|access-date=2 June 2015|date=2015}}</ref> The air pollution monitor of the [[U.S. Embassy in New Delhi]] covers the area of [[Chanakyapuri]].<ref name="Air Quality Data, US">{{cite web|last1=US Embassy|title=Air Quality Data|url=http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/airqualitydata.html|publisher=usembassy|access-date=30 May 2015|location=New Delhi, India|date=30 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611125821/http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/airqualitydata.html|archive-date=11 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Response of expatriates==
To contend with the poor air quality, embassies and international businesses in Delhi are considering reducing staff tenures, advising staff to reconsider bringing their children to Delhi, providing high-end [[air purifiers]], and installing expensive air purifiers in their offices.<ref name="GARDINER HARRIS, 14/2"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://air8.tech/air-purifier-for-offices/ |title=Air Cleaning Technology: Air Purifier for Offices |work=Air Eight |access-date=18 March 2019 }}</ref>

== Major incidents ==
In December 2017 during [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2017–18#3rd Test|a test match]] between [[Sri Lanka cricket team|Sri Lankan]] and [[Indian cricket team|Indian]] cricket teams in New Delhi, Sri Lanka players began to feel breathing problems and several players vomited both in the restrooms and in the field and had to use face masks until the match was stopped.<ref name="Safi">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/03/pollution-stops-play-at-delhi-test-match-as-bowlers-struggle-to-breathe|title=Pollution stops play at Delhi Test match as bowlers struggle to breathe|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=3 December 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 December 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> However Indian side was unsympathetic to the Sri Lankan team, Hindi commentators joked on air that Sri Lankan players were using masks to hide their faces after having taken the beating of their lives while prominent people lauded Indian cricket team's nationalism on Twitter claiming that they sacrificed their health to entertain the crowd that had turned up, while [[Virender Sehwag]] called it an act to stop [[Virat Kohli]] from scoring a triple century.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Sehwag-slams-SL-players-for-complaining-about-smog-141559.html|title=Sehwag slams SL players for complaining about smog|work=[[Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka]]|access-date=5 December 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref name="Safi"/> However, after the resumption of the match Indian player [[Mohammed Shami|Mohammad Shami]] also vomited. Before Shami had said that while pollution levels are a concern, Indian players are used to such conditions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-vs-sri-lanka-2017/mohammed-shami-vomiting-tests-in-sri-lanka-camp-add-to-pollution-debate-in-delhi/story-zAGP4qf4o0dAPHmUe8EoCO.html|title=Mohammed Shami vomiting, tests in Sri Lanka camp add to pollution debate in Delhi|date=5 December 2017|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=5 December 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-smog-strikes-virat-kohlis-men-mohammed-shami-pukes-at-feroz-shah-kotla-4969049/|title=India vs Sri Lanka: Mohammed Shami pukes at Feroz Shah Kotla|date=5 December 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=5 December 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> In the opinion of the [[Indian Medical Association]] president the match should never have taken place and the [[International Cricket Council|ICC]] should have a policy on pollution.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Hartman|first1=F. C.|last2=LaMuraglia|first2=G. M.|last3=Tomozawa|first3=Y.|last4=Wolfenden|first4=R.|date=1975-12-02|title=The influence of pH on the interaction of inhibitors with triosephosphate isomerase and determination of the pKa of the active-site carboxyl group|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/47|journal=Biochemistry|volume=14|issue=24|pages=5274–5279|doi=10.1021/bi00695a007|issn=0006-2960|pmid=47}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Global warming|Environment}}
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[Criteria air pollutants]]
* [[Air pollutant concentrations]]
* [[Emission standard]]
* [[Environmental issues in Delhi]]
*[[List of most polluted cities by particulate matter concentration]]
*[[Air quality index]]
*[[Haze]]
*[[Cooling tower|Wet cooling tower]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Cherni, Judith A. ''Economic Growth versus the Environment: The Politics of Wealth, Health and Air Pollution'' (2002) [https://www.questia.com/library/102251606/economic-growth-versus-the-environment-the-politics online]
* Currie, Donya. "WHO: Air Pollution a Continuing Health Threat in World's Cities," ''The Nation's Health'' (February 2012) 42#1 [https://www.questia.com/article/1G1-280406027/who-air-pollution-a-continuing-health-threat-in-world-s online]
* Amann, M., Purohit, P., Bertok, I., Bhandarkar, A.D., Borken‐Kleefeld, J., Cofala, J., Harshvardhan, B., Heyes, C., Kiesewetter, G., Klimont, Z., Jun, L., Majumdar, D., Ngyuen, B., Rafaj, P., Rao., P.S., Sander, R., Schöpp, W., Shrivastava, A. 2017. Managing future air quality in megacities: A case study for Delhi. Atmospheric Environment, 161: 99–111. [http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231017302856]
* Bhandarkar, A.D., Purohit, P., Rafaj, P., Amann, M. et al. 2018. Managing future air quality in megacities: Co-benefit assessment for Delhi, Atmospheric Environment, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.05.026

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.cpcb.gov.in/cpcbpa/index.aspx?state=delhi/Delhi Air Quality Public Advisory ]
* [http://aqicn.org/map/world/ Global real-time air quality index map]
* [http://www.urbanairquality.org/ International Conference on Urban Air Quality] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216144156/http://www.urbanairquality.org/ |date=16 December 2008 }}.
* [https://www.who.int/phe/health_topics/outdoorair/databases/en/index.html Database: outdoor air pollution in cities] from the [[World Health Organization]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160104165807/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/ World Health Organization Fact Sheet on Air quality and health]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035825/http://www.iom-world.org/pubs/IOM_TM0301.pdf Impact assessment of the mortality effects of longer-term exposure to air pollution: exploring cause-specific mortality and susceptibility] by BG Miller. [[Institute of Occupational Medicine]] Research Report TM/03/01
*[http://www.youngbhartiya.com/article/the-city-that-can-t-breathe-inflating-air-pollution-in-delhi-1 Inflating Air Pollution in Delhi]
* [https://opentalk.to/listen/dr.-as-soin-on-delhi-air-emergency.-pd-96c72c2fbae521bf Dr AS Soin on Delhi Air Emergency Opentalk] [[Arvinder Singh Soin]] Opentalk with [[Sumit Jain]]
*[https://www.indiacontent.in/search-topic/delhi-air Delhi Air Quality Image Collections]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Health in India}}
[[Category:Social issues in India]]
[[Category:Air pollution in India]]
[[Category:New Delhi| ]]
[[Category:Environment of Delhi| ]]

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Air pollution in Delhi