00:00Delhi, the heart of India, is not only famous for its rich cultural, political and economic
00:09significance, but also for its infamous pollution crisis. Every winter, the city transforms
00:16into a gas chamber, blanketed by the toxic smog. The Air Quality Index, or in short,
00:22the AQI, becomes our primary indicator of how hazardous the air has become. As of October
00:292024, the AQI hovers between 350 and 385 with PM 2.5 concentration, exceeding the World
00:38Health Organization's safety limit by seven times. This pollution is driven by factors
00:44like stagnant weather, vehicular emission, stubble burning and industrial activities.
00:50The government stage 2 of GRAP is now active to curb these pollutants, but the question
00:56is, how effective are these measures? We will get into that and we will also discuss
01:02the crucial do's and don'ts that will help you stay safe during this smog season. So
01:07without wasting any more time, let's get into this video.
01:11Delhi enters the smog season. Delhi's winter's pollution, also known as the smog season,
01:18is driven by multiple factors. For example, temperature inversion that traps cooler air
01:24near the ground, preventing the pollutants from dispersing. Next, vehicular emission,
01:29especially from diesel vehicles, contributes significantly by releasing harmful PM 2.5
01:35particles. Additionally, industrial activities in surrounding states add pollutants like
01:41sulphur dioxide, while construction dust further degrades air quality. Stubble burning in Punjab
01:47and Haryana releases smoke into Delhi, accounting for up to 40% of particulate pollutions during
01:54peak months. Finally, Diwali firecracker leads to sudden spikes in AQI levels, compounding
02:01the hazards of winter air in the city.
02:05Government measures, are they enough? In response, the government has launched initiatives such
02:10as the Green War Room, which monitors air quality in real time, and the Yudh Pradushin
02:16Ke Virudh campaign, which deploys anti-smog guns and water sprinklers. The Poosa decomposer
02:23is distributed to farmers to address stubble burning, while the Electric Vehicle Policy
02:28aims to reduce vehicular emission through initiatives. However, despite these measures,
02:34AQI level during winter remains dangerously high due to the persistent sores like construction
02:39dust and industrial emission.
02:42GRAP and the Odd-Even Scheme
02:44The Graded Response Action Plan, or in short GRAP, implemented in year 2017, enforces strict
02:50measures based on AQI levels, including banning garbage burning and construction, and the
02:56Odd-Even Scheme limits vehicle movement based on license plate. However, these interventions
03:02have provided only temporary relief.
03:06AQI over the last 5 years
03:10As evident in AQI trends from the last 5 years, where levels fluctuated between 300 and 450,
03:17there were some improvements during the COVID-19 lockdown in year 2020. This pattern underscores
03:23the need for a sustainable solution to address the root cause of pollution.
03:29Now let's talk about the do's and don'ts in this weather condition
03:32Wear a mask, be it N95 or be it N99 mask. These can prevent and filter out PM2.5 particles,
03:43protecting your respiratory system.
03:46Stay indoors. I myself don't like saying this, but limit your outdoor activities, especially
03:51during peak pollution hours, which is early mornings and the late evenings.
03:56Next, use air purifiers. Install air purifiers in your homes and offices to maintain better
04:03indoor air quality.
04:05Drink water. When I say this, it's very important. Stay hydrated. Drink as much water as possible,
04:11as it helps your body to flush out the toxins.
04:16Ventilate very carefully. Ventilate your houses only when the pollution levels are lower,
04:20typically in the early afternoon.
04:23And finally, monitor the AQI. Keep a track of the AQI using apps or websites and plan
04:29your outdoor activities accordingly.
04:32Now let's talk about the don'ts during this weather condition.
04:36First, avoid outdoor exercises. Exercising in the polluted air increases inhalation of
04:41toxins. So avoid jogging or cycling outdoors during this season.
04:47Second, don't burn waste. Open burning of leaves, garbage or plastic adds to the pollution
04:53load.
04:54Third, don't smoke. Smoking not only harms the smokers, but it also contributes to the
05:01indoor pollution.
05:02And finally, don't use diesel generators. Diesel generators emit high levels of nitrogen
05:07oxide and particulate matters, contributing to the local air pollution.
05:12Delhi's pollution problem is not just a local issue. It reflects larger challenges of urbanization,
05:18industrialization and regional agricultural practices.
05:22With the AQI levels climbing towards the hazardous level, it's time for citizens to rethink their
05:28everyday habits and lifestyle.
05:30Despite numerous government efforts like GRAP, ODEVEN and the EV PUSH, the capital still
05:35struggles with toxic air.
05:37So while we wait for systematic changes, taking personal precautions can make a significant
05:43difference in protecting our health.
05:45Stay safe and make sure to follow these tips during the smoke season.
05:50This is your host Rhea and you are watching OneIndia.
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