India: 8 Flights Diverted Due to Severe Air Pollution

New Delhi, the capital of India, is grappling with one of its most severe air pollution episodes this year. In recent days, the city’s air quality index has reached “severe” levels, according to IQAir, significantly impacting the lives of residents and disrupting economic and social activities.

Specifically, on November 13, New Delhi officially surpassed Lahore (Pakistan) to become the world’s most polluted city. The air quality index (AQI) soared to an alarming 418 within a 24-hour period. This figure is categorized as “severe” by India’s Central Pollution Control Board, posing significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

On November 13, India’s capital New Delhi officially surpassed Lahore (Pakistan) to become the most polluted city in the world. (Photo: CNN)

Due to the severe air pollution, numerous flights were diverted from Indira Gandhi International Airport as visibility dropped to zero in some areas. At least eight flights were affected, highlighting how the pollution not only impacts public health but also disrupts aviation and public transportation.

Air pollution in India is not a new problem. Several factors contribute to this crisis:

• Agricultural Burning: During the autumn and early winter, farmers in the regions surrounding New Delhi burn crop residue to clear fields for the next crop. The smoke from these fires not only pollutes the air but also spreads widely, exacerbating air quality in New Delhi.
• Congestion: New Delhi is one of the most congested cities in the world. The high volume of vehicles, combined with the use of fossil fuels, releases significant amounts of pollutants like NOx and CO2 into the atmosphere.
• Industrialization: The region surrounding New Delhi is home to numerous large industrial plants, many of which do not comply with emissions regulations. This adds to the overall pollution load, especially during winter months when atmospheric conditions are less conducive to dispersion.
• Construction and Dust: Unregulated construction and heavy traffic contribute significantly to dust pollution in New Delhi. These activities generate large amounts of fine particulate matter, severely deteriorating air quality.

Air pollution in New Delhi and other Indian cities is an urgent issue that requires concerted efforts from the government, communities, and individuals. Everyone can contribute by:

• Using public transportation instead of private vehicles.
• Conserving energy and transitioning to renewable energy sources where possible.
• Planting trees at home and in the community to enhance carbon dioxide absorption and improve air quality.

It’s time for us to recognize the individual responsibility we have towards the environment. This is not only to protect our own health but also to ensure a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper