Delhi is known as one of the world's most polluted cities (if not the most polluted), it is known as the country's Chikungunya capital, and it has poor infrastructure with inadequate drainage, terrible traffic snarls on a regular basis and no real solution in sight. With winter on its way, the national capital will again be in the news for alarming pollution levels. So is Delhi really that hazardous to live in? Why is this so?
This is the latest: According to recent reports the Delhi Zoo has been shut down because 10 water birds died here over the past week or so. At least some of these birds died because of bird flu. Not only is there renewed apprehension of an Avian Flu outbreak, there is the likelihood that hundreds of migratory birds will be culled and the city’s poultry industry is worried as well.
While about 7,400 cases of Chikungunya have been registered, about 3000 cases of dengue were reported in the national capital until 15th October.
Typically pollution levels decline around monsoon time, but in Delhi they have remained high. The rain water makes dust settle which lowers pollution in other cities, but in Delhi it is smoke and toxic fumes that cause pollution; on which rain has little beneficial impact.
Allergic reactions, respiratory problems and other diseases linked to high pollution levels and toxic air quality are common. The symptoms people suffer from worsen during winter and around Diwali time.
Delhi also has the unfortunate problem of its geographical location. Surrounded by agricultural states and industrial zones, one study estimated that about 60% of Delhi's pollution is due to neighbouring states.
Every year around this time, farmers surrounding the NCR burn the stubble of their paddy crop in spite of there being laws against this. This continues unabated and thick smog descends on the capital city.
The landfills that look like mini-mountains at many locations in and around Delhi are a terrible health hazard. As if rotting garbage, the stench, proliferation of mosquitoes and scavenging birds was not enough of a problem, the ongoing incinerations here add to the city's polluted air. Landfills at Ghazipur, Bhalaswa and Oklha are literally overflowing.
As temperatures drop, the smoke will settle and air quality will drop further. Diwali is just around the corner. Fire crackers will add to the problem. The issue is that Delhi is everyone’s baby. And that is why it is no one's baby. Though it is in name a state, it continues to function like a Union Territory in many ways. Municipalities and other government agencies continue to pass the buck and a concerted, coordinated effort to curb pollution continues to remain out of reach.
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