New Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution despite government efforts to tackle the issue.
The impact of the toxic smog is disproportionately felt by the city's poorest residents who cannot afford personal mitigation measures.
New Delhi, known as the world's most polluted megacity, continues to grapple with the severe issue of toxic smog. The city's air pollution problem persists despite the government's efforts to promote electric vehicles and implement real-time monitoring stations. The harmful effects of this pollution, including strokes, heart attacks, and cognitive decline, are not immediately noticeable, which poses a significant challenge to the development and enforcement of effective policies.
However, the impact of this toxic air pollution is not felt equally among the city's residents. There is a stark divide between the rich and the poor in terms of their ability to mitigate the effects of the pollution. The city's poorest residents, such as rickshaw drivers, are forced to work in these hazardous conditions due to economic necessity. In contrast, wealthier residents can afford personal mitigation measures such as air purifiers.
This disparity underscores the need for comprehensive and coordinated action to reduce emissions and protect the health of all residents, regardless of their economic status. The impact of air pollution is felt most by those least responsible for it and least able to cope, highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
The government is promoting electric vehicles and implementing real-time monitoring stations to tackle pollution.
The severe harm caused by air pollution, such as strokes, heart attacks, and cognitive decline, is not immediately noticeable, making it challenging to develop and enforce effective policies.
The poorest residents, like rickshaw driver Rizwan, are forced to work in the hazardous conditions due to economic necessity, while wealthier residents, like cinematographer Madhav Mathur, can afford personal mitigation measures such as air purifiers.