The coal fired utilities around the city were very much in function as seen on January 1, 2020 despite threats and warnings from the government authorities to shut these down by the end of the year unless they lay down instalments or machineries that bring down their level of emissions of harmful gases like sulphur dioxide. Only a handful of these utilities have abided by the rules and are quipped to bring down the level of emissions.
These noxious gases are a great cause for lung diseases, poor eyesight and various other air borne ailments. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has taken the matter at hand with more seriousness and threatened to shut down these utilities for disobedience and flouting rules causing harm to the public at large.
Pollution has hit new levels in Delhi causing detriment to the air quality and subsequently causing diseases to the residing population. The pollution crisis has escalated to alarming rates creating a major cause for concern. It has reached a stage of public health emergency causing vehicular restrictions and closure of schools and colleges. Flights are being diverted and trains are lagging behind due to poor or zero visibility.
The air quality index which essentially measures particulate matter in the air was above 900 which reflects a shocking state of affairs. The main cause of this problem lies from not one but many sources like from farmers burning their stubble to industrial pollution amounting to the city becoming a gas chamber.
Author: Smriti Arvind
