Delhi's appalling air pollution problem might not have prompted the government to take stringent action, but it surely has set the alarm bells ringing amongst its expat community. Penning a piece on the toll it has taken on the life of his own son, The New York Times's South Asia correspondent Gardiner Harris writes how breathing in the city's polluted air aggravated his son's lung function, forcing him to leave the city eventually.
Harris writes that his son's asthma deteriorated during their stay, and is now dependent on steroids for his survival. His lung is partially functioning, exposing him to a host of diseases. A doctor he consulted advised him to leave the city if he can, so that the children can be healthy. Harris also writes that these concerns are forcing several expat families to leave the city.
The escalation of pollution levels over the past few years has given Delhi the dubious tag of the world's most polluted city, even surpassing Beijing that is infamous for its ashen skies. The capital's high vehicular population of 75 lakh, higher than Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata put together, is one of the biggest sources of pollution that people in the city, especially children, are exposed to constantly.
Some of Harris' peers also echoed his thoughts. Jason Burke, the South Asia correspondent of the Guardian and the Observer, who has spent the last two decades in the Indian sub-continent, said, "This year there is a massive outflow of expats from India who prefer cities like Bangkok and Dubai. There are many expats who are requesting their companies to move them outside," who is a father of two young children. His children do not live in the city, but he continues to do so.
"This is a very serious health issue, and like a lot of people from the expat community, I am anxious about the long-term effects, too," he said. dna tried to elicit a response from the American Embassy School and the British Embassy School, but they remained unavailable for comment due to summer break.
Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment said that Delhi's pollution levels have certainly worsened over a period of time. "There is a reversal of the gains made after adoption of CNG across the capital. The rise in pollution levels has a direct impact on public health and especially children who have lower immunity levels. Now, the government has to take second generation measures that involves real action to reduce vehicular pollution and promote cleaner and greener ways of transportation."
While acknowledging the pollution crisis, Adam Roberts, South Asia correspondent of the Economist, felt that the story is slightly exaggerated. "There is a definitely a lot of anxiety; and everyone is talking about it. But, we cannot miss the over-the-top and exaggerated tone of the piece. Harris also left India only when his tenure ended, he was planning to leave anyway. Of course, there is a problem in Delhi, but, the real question is, how bad is it," said Roberts.
Although Delhi has gained ignominy on the global stage for its toxic air, even first world cities such as Paris and Los Angeles are facing serious pollution issues, Roy Chowdhury said. "The nature of problems is different in these cities. Paris, despite taking action against diesel vehicles, has a smog problem while Los Angeles has high levels of nitrogen dioxide." She went on to add, "In 2014, the European court of justice issued a directive to United Kingdom for not meeting safe levels of nitrogen dioxide."
Nicola Smith, the South Asia correspondent of The Sunday Times, who has been living in the city for six years said that for the last two years, there is a growing concern. "I would have a lot more to worry if I had children growing up in the city. I enjoy living here, but I would reconsider if I want to stay here for a longer period because of the long term health effects," says Smith. She is now considering installing air purifiers at her home and work place. "A few of my friends who have it installed say that they felt different when they woke up."
Heat wave adds to pollution
The intense heat wave too has aggravated pollution levels, meteorologists said. "During summer, there is an extended period of dry air that increases concentration of particulate matter and pollutants emitted from vehicles. This helps build up of ozone that is very harmful. Besides, several dust storms increase particulate matter pollution in the capital," said GP Sharma, vice-president, meteorology, Skymet weather services.
High vehicular population
The escalation of pollution levels over the past few years has given Delhi the dubious tag of the world's most polluted city, even surpassing Beijing that is infamous for its ashen skies. The capital's high vehicular population of 75 lakh, higher than Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata put together, is one of the biggest sources of pollution that people in the city, especially children, are exposed to constantly.
"There is a reversal of the gains made after adoption of CNG across the capital. The rise in pollution levels has a direct impact on public health and especially children who have lower immunity levels. Now, the government has to take second generation measures that involves real action to reduce vehicular pollution and promote cleaner and greener ways of transportation."
