New Delhi, India is currently engulfed in a deadly smog crisis that has left its residents struggling to breathe. As the Air Quality Index soared to dangerous levels, many like Gola Noor and her husband Shahbaz are forced to work in hazardous conditions to make ends meet. The toxic smog, filled with hazardous PM2.5 particles, has led to a medical emergency, with schools closed, visibility severely reduced, and people suffering from respiratory illnesses.
The impact of the pollution is vastly inequitable, with poorer households bearing a disproportionate burden of the health effects. While richer individuals can cope with the pollution by rolling up car windows, the vulnerable population faces the brunt of the exposure. Despite various measures rolled out by the government to address the pollution, the root causes remain unaddressed, leading to worsening conditions every winter.
Environmentalists like Bhavreen Khandari are advocating for cleaner air for the next generation, highlighting the devastating impact of pollution on children’s health and well-being. The lack of political will and structural overhaul in government policies have left residents like Sheikh Ali dreaming of a life away from the toxic air of New Delhi. As the city grapples with the ongoing smog crisis, the voices of those impacted continue to call for urgent action to protect the health and future of all residents.
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