DELHIITES GASPING FOR BREATH!

New Delhi ranks among the world's top polluted cities every year ahead of the onset of winter, when calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants from sources including vehicles, industries,m construction dust, and crop residue burning in nearby fields. A thick smog has shrouded the capital and lowered visibility in many parts, as public outrage over hazardous air quality grew. The government has extended closure of primary schools until Nov. 10. India's Delhi city will restrict use of vehicles next week to curb rising pollution as air quality in the capital remained dangerously unsafe for a third consecutive day despite mitigation efforts. The local government said that it will impose the "odd-even" vehicle rule from Nov. 13-20 to mitigate pollution levels that are expected to rise after the Hindu festival of Diwali on Nov. 12, when firecrackers are often set despite a ban. Curbs on vehicles are in addition to a ban on construction work for public projects in the national capital region, and restrictions on entry of trucks and heavy vehicles in Delhi have been imposed.

Dwarka City talked to few doctors and residents about rising level of pollution and suggestions to tackle it -

For searching solutions to unbearable pollution in Delhi, we should do soul searching with introspection about the environment in all its dimensions to be considered as a human resource development (HRD) activity in Dwarka. We have to enhance the quality of life with needo-consumption as judicious (mindful) consumption and utilize the natural resources efficiently by keeping the environment clean to protect Delhi from behavioral pollution. There is a need for policy implication-oriented research and not only t-value significance at a 95 percent level of significance with many disconnections between environment, climate change, and economic development. To ensure public participation in environmental protection, we need to become street-smart (simple, moral, action-oriented, responsive, and transparent consumers with smartphones. The future requirement in Delhi based on ‘Needonomics’ (economics of needs) deserves priority over and above ‘greedonomics’ (economics of greed) for protecting the environment by imbibing the lessons from Gita and Anu-Gita. We need to treat the dynamics of an environment as water to search for its own profit to ensure inter- generation equity in Delhi.

Prof M. M. Goel, Prabha Apartments

Pollution levels worsen in Delhi due to a surge in farm fires along with expected drop in temperatures and air speed. It is likely to go up with the kind of smog and Diwali celebration beginning soon. Dwarka residents continue to grapple with deteriorating air quality. I will advise Dwarka residents to combat this menace. Try to stay indoors and use exhaust fans. Use public transport like the metro and buses. Use a face mask and stay hydrated. Good ventilation is essential at home. Keep indoor plants to freshen the air. If possible use an air-purifier.

Some natural remedies to save yourself are-

* Mustard oil, as it boosts the stimulation of gastric and bile juices. * Turmeric juice has a lot of antibacterial properties and helps the body to fight infection. * Herbal tea can help treat sore throat. * Jaggery boosts the hemoglobin levels in blood and helps fight the negative effects of air pollution. * Beta - carotene found in spinach, fenugreek, coriander and lettuce help control inflammation. *Avoid bursting fire crackers.

Mrs. Rama Tiwari, Shakuntalam Apartments, Sector-10

Steps to reduce pollution in the environment is the responsibility of authorities. Meantime residents can take precautions to reduce the impact of pollution. One should intake immunity boosting supplements to maintain fighting power of the body from infections. Pollution with change in the weather + lack of sunlight + reduction in outdoor exercise/ walking combined reduces the immunity level of a person. Other measures can be of use: air purifier, chimneys in kitchen, exhaust in bathrooms, steam inhalation, consumption of jaggery, vitamin C, sunlight, etc. One may get advice through WhatsApp contrary to one another. Instead of listening to that advice, it will be better to maintain self-discipline according to one's own body condition(s).

P. Menon, Ashirwad Apartments

We all know that pollution level in Delhi is very critical these days so we the residents of Dwarka must be very careful to avoid the dangerous effects of pollution. Especially senior citizens, children and persons with chronic diseases must be more careful. 

Tips to follow -

1. Inhale steam (water mixed with ajwain).

2. Mix a few Tulsi leaves in water stored for drinking. 

3. Eat vegetarian and healthy food, fresh fruits salads 

4. Drink more water to avoid dehydration.

5. To increase immunity drink kahra mixed

with Ginger, cardamom and cinnamon, tulsi leaves.

6.Apply mustard oil in nostrils and naval.

AVOID -

1. Going outside in the morning

2. Exercises such as deep breathing which give you strain/ stress

3. Deep fried and junk food because it is full of carbon dioxide

4. Going to sleep late at night and getting up very late.

Subhash Chugh, President 

SCWA ,Rosewood Apartments, Dwarka Along with the excitement of the festival season in the Delhi air, there is also a concerning hazard which we are breathing every second, the severe AQI of Delhi’s sky. Amid the alarming situation of the high levels of air pollution, it is very important to stay indoors as much as possible and use good masks on going out. Eat enough healthy foods and maintain good hydration. Maintain a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables beans, nuts, olive oil, flaxseed avocado, carrots etc. Certain foods which are rich in vitamin C, and E can help to clean your system, particularly your airways, as these foods are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory qualities Keep doors and windows closed. Indoor plants and air purifiers can be of some help. Elderly people and those with a history of illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma, COPD, should take their medicines regularly and preferably get their vaccine shots. Use of saline nasal sprays to avoid nasal irritation. And last but not the least let us all enjoy a smoke free Diwali.

Dr. Anupama Khanna

According to an estimate 65% of the deaths in Asia and 25% deaths in India are due to air pollution. Delhi is often ranked among the world’s most polluted cities. By November 5, most locations in Delhi were recording an AQI above 500 – the highest level on the scale. There has been no significant improvement in Delhi's winter air quality since 2019. In winter 2022, air quality was in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category on about 75% of days. The number of ‘Severe’ plus ‘Very poor’ air quality days during the winter has not decreased in the last three years. With every passing winter, the need to address the escalating pollution levels in our beloved city of Delhi grows more urgent. Even though we are only in the second week of November 2023, the month is already witnessing a distressing level of pollution, leaving us all grappling with its adverse effects on our health and environment. In these circumstances, moving around Delhi for three hours is akin to smoking five cigarettes. To comprehend the reasons behind Delhi's current pollution crisis, we need to address various contributing factors. A mix of factors like vehicular and industrial emissions, crop burning in neighboring states, dust and weather patterns make Delhi the world's most polluted capital. And fireworks during the festival of Diwali, which happens at the same time, only worsen the air quality. This toxic concoction not only blankets our city with a thick layer of smog but also compromises the air we breathe, putting our respiratory health at risk. To regain normal air quality levels, it is imperative on every resident of Delhi to commit to prioritizing sustainable commuting options. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and wherever possible opt for public transportation, cycling, or carpooling, which will all add to significantly curb vehicular emissions. Two wheelers constitute 80% of the total vehicle sales in the country and pose a dilemma. These affordable, fuel and space efficient vehicles of the masses contribute enormously to pollution. Inspite of these challenges, what is in our control is more critical to the cause, including encouraging local authorities to implement strict regulations on industrial pollution and waste management. By promoting sustainable practices at our workplaces, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of our environment. I would call upon my dear residents of Dwarka to actively participate in raising awareness about the importance of clean air. Organizing community events, campaigns, and workshops can educate our fellow citizens about the detrimental consequences of pollution and empower them to take necessary actions. Embracing renewable sources of energy, such as solar power, can also help combat pollution on an individual level. By adopting sustainable commuting practices, advocating for stricter regulations, and spreading awareness, we can collectively combat this menace and contribute to restoring Delhi's air quality to normal. Let us not forget the importance of our actions in safeguarding our own health, the well-being of future generations, and the beauty of our city. Together, we can make a lasting change. Let us spread the word Go Green - “be a part of the Solution, not the Pollution”.

Ms. Sadhika Sumodh, Grade-9

Maxfort School Dwarka

Pollution and Cancer risk- We all know the immediate effects of pollution like cough, asthma, allergy etc which settles in due course but we often forget more long-term and life- threatening effects like cancer. 92 percent of global population (mostly Asian) lives in areas having PM 2.5 concentrations exceeding the WHO guideline. There is evidence of a link between air pollution and cancer of lung, breast, kidney, bladder etc. Nearly half of lung cancer cases in non-smokers are related to air pollution. As per reports, there is 9-14 % increase in lung cancer risk with each 10 µg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 concentrations. Lung cancer is highly fatal, with an overall 5-year survival rate of only about 20%. The pollutants act as carcinogens causing inflammation, oxidation, mutation finally leading to frank cancer. The genetic mutations have the potential to affect our future generations too. Thus, to save our present and future generations we have to collectively avoid smoking and pollution exposure at all cost and the key is simple, organic, sustainable & minimalistic living with lesser dependence on fire, fuel and fashion.

Dr. Kuldeep Sharma, MBBS

MD, DNB (Radiation Oncology)

Dip. Pall Med (Cardiff, UK), PGDHHM,  Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology Venkateshwar Hospitals, Dwarka. Delhi has a history of being surrounded by smog after Diwali, in fact in the span of the last five years, 2022 had the cleanest air during the festive season thanks to the lockdown during the pandemic. But this year we have surpassed it all. Diwali hasn't even arrived yet but our air quality index has touched a whopping 500. Primary schools have shut down, the government has advised people to stay indoors and people are wearing their masks. But is this new to us? NO! Our history proves otherwise but that's not the worst part, the worst part is that we haven't learnt whatsoever. Ask anyone what they think of this smog and its cause and one would come across so many allegations. Some people are blaming the construction for it, some people think it’s from vehicles, some choose not to blame but to accept it as a ‘by product’ of firecrackers while some are blaming the smoke from crop stubble burning in neighboring states. But why the blame? Blame never solves a problem be it political or environmental yet when we talk of any across the board matter, there are going to be more blames than solutions. The pollutants in air don't affect lungs by choices, they affect all of us equally and so we must stop with the blame and the complaining and look for the solution, work for it. Why not try carpooling to work for a few days? Or check out if your vehicle’s pollution is checked? If banning firecrackers does not stop their usage, surely we can nudge others to reduce it. These solutions might not be big enough but they are better than blames. After all, we are familiar with the proverb ‘drop by drop we make the sea’.

Gursimar Kaur

N.K. Bagrodia Public School, Dwarka, Sector-4

My earliest memories of winters in Delhi are clouded with the fog rolling in, the scent of shiuli in the air and crisp fresh air. But now, there is just grey haze, the scent of burnt plastic and a general sense of unease that emanates from inhaling this toxic air. In my opinion it’s the wildfire of stubble burning that’s the prominent cause of this toxicity and harsh steps need to be taken to curb this menace. We can plant more and more trees at ourneighbourhood. 

Ms. Seema Bhalla, President, Hello Moms

All citizens should avoid going out if it is not required. We should give water to all plants and spray as much as we can. Older people and children should be taken care of as they are the most vulnerable. As a citizen we should also demand to all authorities and political establishments to do their best by putting smog guns and spray work all around. People should be educated about the consequences of ignorance about the environment.

Sushil Kumar

God has given us a beautiful world to live but man to satisfy his lust for more and more comforts and wealth enjoyments have turned Delhi into a poisonous gas chamber. The air which gives us life has become the cause of our choking breaths. Young children with less immunity and senior citizens with dwindling resistance are at the risk of many diseases. No play for children and no walks for old people Government put only restrictions. Blame game is going on. There is no solution for this menace because they don't know the reason behind this. Only people have to suffer. Let the Government take its own time and till the restrictions are on let us keep ourselves fit by doing exercises indoors, reading books, engaging ourselves in brain games. We can sort out our old pending papers. In this way we can keep ourselves emotionally and physically intact till we are again allowed to move outside. But at the same time we must introspect: are we also part of this menace?

Usha Zalpuri, S 'N'S

It has become like a perennial affair for Delhi to be engulfed in a layer of pollution year after year...an invisible demon -for living creatures. Reasons known or unknown it has become a challenge to tackle its level for any government. The level at which we are breathing is detrimental not only for healthy adults but for the unborn lives also. People suffering with respiratory ailments like Asthma and COPD etc. it works like a gas chamber for them. The incidence of worsening of symptoms and hospital admission increases manyfold. We at individual and society level as well can help fight this menace by a few simple steps. 1. Proper disposal of waste especially plastics .complete stoppage of single use plastic . 2. Increase plantation. Some indoor plants like snake plants are good air purifiers . 3. Using a mask while going out 4. Keep yourself well hydrated 5. Those who are having health issues should avoid outdoor /strenuous activities as it increases the risk of having untoward effects like heart attack etc . So stay safe and do take care of your environment/nature . Nature will surely take care of us

Dr. Bharti Seth

President, IMA, Dwarka.

We see a sudden increase in Pollution in Delhi-NCR. We all wonder as to why the huge SMOG has covered the city. I feel, nobody can say or know the actual reason for this increased pollution/ smog. The Pollution Problems did not surface suddenly, in my view, it’s a problem, accumulated over long years. 

Reasons for this pollution can be summarised as under:

1. Parali Burning. 2. CNG Fuel used in vehicles. Carbon particles released in air. 3. Industries. 4. No systematic waste disposal. 5. Massive Cutting of trees. 6. Uncontrolled migration in the city. 7. Cutting green areas. 8. Increase in buildings/ constructions. 9. Weather Suggestions- Hard decisions are to be taken, Some of these are- Ban Parali burning, alternate arrangements by State Government at concessional charges. Secondly, strict rules on how to stop cutting off trees- no more cutting of trees. Thirdly, rules for banning construction in the city, particularly for big buildings. Fourthly there should be tplanned waste disposal in the city. Movement of garbage on trucks be controlled. Moreover, migration into the city may be restricted/ reduced. Indian Govt. should chalk out long term plan for this. Lastly, regular maintenance of green areas, trees, parks, farms etc should be done.

RB Trivedi, Advocate, (Ex-Judge)

President, Joy Apartment, Sector-2

Though Dwarka is a less polluted area compared to other parts of Delhi, still we need to take part incontrolling pollu tion. 

We can control pollution to some extent by using following methods:

1. Water sprinkling in societies at least once a day. 2. Disallowing of diesel vehicles into society which delivers milk and other goods etc. 3. Public must use public transport as much as possible. 4. Use masks to avoid respiratory issues 5. Avoid vehicles to nearby markets and better to go by foot. 6. Elders must avoid morning walks since AQI reached 471 on Monday 6th November morning. 7. It is advised to postpone renovation / construction works. 8. Maintains existing plantations etc.

Yadgiri 

Executive Member, Saheta CGHS Ltd, Sector- 4