Beyond Delhi: The Widespread Smog Crisis in Northern India

Pollution in northern India, particularly cities like Chandigarh and Meerut, has reached alarming levels, with health repercussions for millions. While Delhi garners significant media attention, the smog crisis is widespread, underscoring a need for comprehensive action and acknowledgment of the issue beyond just the capital.

When stepping out into the brisk air of winter, many residents in Northern India are met with a harsh reality that feels akin to inhaling smoke. Residents in cities like Chandigarh, located 240km from Delhi, have reported alarming pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended limits by over 15 times for over a month. Imran Ahmed Ali, a 31-year-old lawyer from Chandigarh, shared his experience of suffering from respiratory issues, originally dismissed as a cold but later determined to be a consequence of toxic air.

The Indo-Gangetic plains, home to over 540 million people across a significant portion of Northern India, are marked as one of the most polluted regions globally. While the media spotlight often shines on Delhi, recent reports reveal that cities like Chandigarh and Meerut are equally affected by pollution, a fact that environmental experts argue is overlooked. According to Partha Basu from the Environmental Defense Fund, despite Delhi's severe pollution crisis and corresponding government action plans, many other cities lack similar urgency and recognition.

The factors contributing to widespread pollution include industrial emissions, construction activities, vehicle exhaust, and seasonal crop burning—challenges exacerbated during winter months due to stagnant air trapping pollutants near the ground. Meteorologist Mahesh Palawat explains that the geographical setting of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, being landlocked and surrounded by mountains, complicates matters, resulting in persistent low air quality.

Health challenges abound, as doctors in cities like Greater Noida report an uptick in respiratory issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Aditi Garg, a resident of Meerut, lamented the loss of her outdoor mornings due to hazardous air. Similarly, Mohammad Salim Siddiqui, an automobile vendor in Kanpur, highlighted the dire situation faced by families grappling with pollution-related health issues while working outdoors.

In response to this lingering crisis, the Indian government introduced the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, targeting a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter by 2026. However, experts point out that substantial governmental dialogue and actions are imperative to drive actual change on the ground. Residents like Garg and Ali voice their frustration at how discussions on air quality surge during peak seasons yet fade into silence during the rest of the year.

The persistent air quality crisis in Northern India demonstrates an urgent need for comprehensive solutions that transcend the capital's narrative, emphasizing the necessity for collective action across all affected regions.