Delhi Air Pollution has reached hazardous levels. Given current situation, experts and political leaders call for immediate action, with solutions ranging from artificial rain to addressing the long-term impact of thermal power plants on pollution
Delhi Air Pollution has peaked this season touching an Air Quality Index (AQI) of was 494 at 6 am on Tuesday, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data. Most of the 35 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded an AQI of 500.
Talking about making active efforts to consult experts on removal of the smog cover, Delhi Environment Minister talked about considering artificial rain as a plan of action.
“I am writing a letter to the Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav requesting him to call an emergency meeting. The Delhi government, experts from IIT-Kanpur, who have done research on artificial rain, and all concerned departments should be called in the meeting to immediately initiate steps for artificial rain,” Rai said during a press conference.
Delhi: Nation’s Capital or Pollution Capital?
Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor scrutinised the central government for its failure to address Delhi's severe air pollution on X. Tharoor called Delhi the world's most polluted city and criticised the lack of action. The Congress MP shared that he had run an Air Quality Round Table for experts and stakeholders, including MPs, since 2015 but "gave up" last year because "nothing seemed to change and no one seemed to care".
"This city is essentially uninhabitable from November to January inclusive and barely livable the rest of the year. Should it even remain the nation's capital?" Tharoor added.
A Pressing Public Health Emergency
Experts have also commented on Delhi's hazardous air quality at COP29 in Azerbaijan. Global leaders and experts warned about the health risks of air pollution and called for immediate global action.
Commenting on Delhi's dangerous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels at , Aarti Khosla, Director of Climate Trends, said, "Pollution comes from many sources like black carbon, ozone, burning fossil fuels, and farm fires. We need solutions that tackle all of these". Her statement came while addressing a press conference in Baku on Health at the Heart of Climate Action: Urgent Call to End Fossil Fuel Reliance.
She further mentioned that low wind speeds during the La Niña weather pattern are trapping pollutants in the air adding to the severity of the air pollution. "While we discuss major global issues, millions of people's health is at risk. We must act fast," she expressed.
Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of Sunway Centre for Planetary Health in Malaysia, who was also present at the press conference, highlighted the broader regional challenge. “Delhi’s toxic air is a stark reminder that air pollution is not just an environmental issue – it’s a public health emergency," she said.
"Millions across South Asia and Southeast Asia are breathing poisoned air due to our dependence on fossil fuels. This isn’t just damaging our lungs it’s fueling the planetary health crisis, undermining economies and robbing us of quality years of life," Mahmood added.
The Need for Long-Term Solutions
Addressing long term sources of pollution, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed that thermal power plants cause 240 times more air pollution than stubble burning. The CREA report emphasised that addressing emissions from coal-fired power plants is crucial for long-term improvements in air quality.
Delhi's long-standing air pollution crisis has now evolved into a public health emergency that demands urgent, comprehensive action. While short-term measures, such as artificial rain, are being explored, experts agree that long-term solutions—like stricter regulations on emissions from power plants and a transition away from fossil fuels—are essential to safeguard the health of millions.
As the city grapples with these hazardous air levels, it is clear that immediate, coordinated efforts are necessary to restore clean air and protect future generations. Without these actions, the economic and social stability of Delhi, and India as a whole, will remain under severe strain, affecting both quality of life and livelihoods.