A study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) had revealed that Delhi has a high concentration of metals in its air. For this reason, the air is becoming toxic and the residents especially children are facing several kind of health issues. Children are mostly facing respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
The study showed pollution level had increased from 2019 to 2020. The metals present in air are extremely toxic for human body and can lead to severe health problems. Like, Cadmium and Arsenic in air can lead to Cancer and Diabetes.
Metal in Delhi’s PM2.5 (NG/M3)
| ZINC | LEAD | MOLYBDENUM | CADMIUM | MANGANESE | ARSENIC | NICKEL | SELENIUM | MERCURY | |
| 2019 | 379 | 233 | 123 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0.6 | 0 |
| 2020 | 615 | 406 | 278 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 0.2 |
Source – Hindustan Times October 14, 2021
The sources of these toxic substances in air are vehicular emissions. It’s mainly due to burning of fossil fuels. Industrial operations in Delhi and surrounding states also contribute in this pollution.
Scientists had studied health condition of 413 children, between age from 14 to 17 years. They found children face several health issues due to pollution. Manganese and lead are known as neurotoxins, they can damage brain permanently. It can affect IQ and memory of children.
Source – Hindustan Times October 14, 2021
A thick layer of smog engulfed the Delhi and NCR region on Friday mainly for bursting of firecrackers on Diwali. Delhi Government had completely banned firecrackers up to January 1, 2022. They had started an aggressive campaign against the sale and use of firecrackers.
Government have to intervene and should make strict policy to save our environment. Electric vehicles and cars should be promoted.
Delhi government have taken five key strategies to check this pollution level.
1. To stop stubble burning Delhi government is providing PUSA Bio-decomposer. They had spread this solution in 4000 acres of rice field.
2. Launched Green Delhi app. People can complain directly to government authorities for any kind of pollution through this app. It is a big step to monitor pollution.
3. Green War Room to take strict action against pollution.
4. Transformed the thermal power plants to run on piped natural gas instead of coal. PNG is much safer than coal.
5. Setting up of electronic waste park. The park will recycle electronic waste generated by Delhi every year.
