India’s Smog Crisis: Closed Schools, Halted Work, and Vehicle Restrictions
Published on: November 8, 2023.
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Closed schools, halted work, restricted use of vehicles: India engulfed in smog
Every autumn, the capital of India, Delhi, becomes engulfed in smog. This hazardous smog is caused by a combination of factors, including crop stubble burning in neighboring states. To prepare for the next season, farmers need to clear crop residue from their fields, and burning the residue is the cheapest and most convenient method for many. However, this practice, coupled with cooler temperatures and pollution, worsens Delhi’s smog problem every year. As a result, authorities are forced to take action by shutting schools, banning construction, and restricting traffic.
As Delhi prepares for the upcoming Diwali celebrations, residents are also contributing to the issue by setting off firecrackers, further worsening the already difficult situation.
Unfortunately, Pakistan is also experiencing toxic smog. In Lahore, the air quality has reached hazardous levels, prompting authorities to take measures. Students have been asked to wear masks to school, and the police are cracking down on smoke-emitting vehicles and the practice of rice stubble burning. Last week, Lahore was ranked the second most polluted city after Delhi by the Swiss group IQAir.
It is crucial for both India and Pakistan to address the issue of smog and take effective measures to mitigate its effects. This includes finding alternative methods for crop residue disposal and reducing pollution levels. Only by working together can these countries ensure a healthier and cleaner environment for their citizens.
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