The Delhi air pollution crisis is now becoming an annual reality. It comes every winter affecting millions. While the fast-paced city was once identified with rich culture and vibrancy, it has in recent times achieved the title of the most polluted city in the world. 

As smog episodes become very common here, especially during winter months, people living in Delhi consciously or unconsciously have learned to live their daily lives surrounding this. The effects of this pollution are deeply embedded and touch every aspect-from health to lifestyle choices and even how businesses function in the city.

The price we pay for the air we breathe

According to a WHO report, Delhi has always been ranked among the most polluted cities globally, with PM2.5 levels way more than safe limits. Long-term exposure to such high pollution levels can cause respiratory illness or heart disease or worsen asthma. People residing in this city, especially children and the elderly, face an increased risk of lung cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.

During recent years, every hospital has observed a major increase in the number of patients suffering from breathing problems, with many cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It happens when the lungs or airways get damaged, causing inflammation and blocking airflow. This can make it difficult to get enough air in and out of the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. 

Air purifiers, which used to be considered an expensive luxury, now adorn the homes of most people, and face masks have again become a part and parcel of one's daily accessories if one has to go out in the open. However, for the city’s economically disadvantaged residents, such measures remain out of reach, leaving them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pollution. This has become an annual thing for the residents of the nation’s capital, it is now a constant fight for health and well-being.

It is a change of life, staying in Delhi has become a very different experience. Driving to work through this city was the pleasure of the commuters but now it is a nightmare without proper visibility and safety during smog-heavy days. Air quality Index frequently reaches hazardous levels during such periods prompting the government to take measures like the odd-even car rationing scheme. Public transport usage has increased in recent years as people are being forced to seek cleaner alternatives, but overcrowding and increasing pollution within buses and metros add to the daily stress.

Similarly, remote work models are advancing with people avoiding the hazardous commute. Most businesses have adjusted by encouraging work from home to safeguard employee health. Fitness and outdoor activities are also at a loss as parks and outdoor spaces often become uninviting during peak pollution seasons. 

How pollution is changing our social life

Beyond individual health and daily routines, social life in the city feels the strain of pollution, too. A major portion of its cultural events lies outdoors, now tackled with logistical problems due to the health risks of smog. Festivals, marathons, and public gatherings are either postponed or shifted indoors, and social life becomes more confined to indoor spaces with air filtration systems, limiting spontaneous outdoor interactions.

Winter is a magical time, especially for children in their growing years, when outdoor play is both enjoyable and essential for their growth. Activities like badminton, a winter favorite among kids, offer a lot of fun and development. But it is very unfortunate that many children miss out on these joys due to the poor air quality that comes every year around this time.

Air quality and economy

The economic cost is not something that can be ignored. In 2019, the Centre for Science and Environment estimated that air pollution costs India about 5% of its GDP every year, an important portion of which is attributed to the capital. All the increased costs for healthcare and damages to productivity and public services are part of the mounting burden.

Tourism, too, has taken a hit, with travelers opting for cleaner destinations. The tourism industry in Delhi has seen a decline, especially during the peak winter months when the pollution is at its worst. The allure of Delhi’s historical monuments, bustling markets, and vibrant culture is increasingly overshadowed by the haze that engulfs the city.

The effects of Delhi's pollution are unquestionably devastating, yet hope still lingers for a change. However, the government has rolled out initiatives such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and holds off on construction during peak periods of pollution, which remains a serious challenge. And yet, the common residents of Delhi are increasingly taking to managing the mess on their own-including planting saplings, and even cutting their carbon footprint because they can't just wait and watch the air quality worsen.

But for all the ruckus, some citizens continue to add to the crisis even as Delhi's Air Quality Index frequently touches the "severe" category. Even weeks after Diwali, when pollution is sky-high, people can still be seen bursting crackers, not caring for the poisonous air they already breathe. Meanwhile, the Yamuna is shrouded with toxic smoke and foam but then some people have been spotted washing their hair with the contaminated water, as if it were shampoo. This gap between awareness and actions showcases the complicated issue Delhi faces in battling the pollution struggle that requires collective work, responsibility, and more profound systemic change.

Hopefully, the growing awareness and stricter regulations will slowly help reverse the damage done in the city. It will take nothing less than a war between all sectors: the government, businesses, and people themselves reclaiming the air and restoring a healthy, sustainable place to live in Delhi.

The air pollution crisis is not about the air quality alone; it talks about how we live, work, and deal with our environment. The changes will be made today to change the future of the city, but fighting for clean air is one fight no one can afford to miss.