New Delhi, India is facing a severe crisis as deadly smog blankets the city, causing health issues for residents and highlighting the vast disparities in society. The toxic air, filled with hazardous levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, is leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems. Residents like Gola Noor and her husband Shahbaz are forced to work in these conditions, risking their health for survival.
The impact of pollution falls disproportionately on poorer households, who bear the brunt of the exposure while contributing less to the pollution. While measures are being taken to address the immediate effects of the smog, such as sprinkling water and capping vehicle entry, the root causes of pollution remain unaddressed.
Environmentalists like Bhavreen Khandari are advocating for cleaner air, highlighting the toll pollution is taking on children who are growing up in a city where breathing the air feels toxic. The lack of political will and structural change is hindering efforts to improve air quality in the city.
Long-time residents like Sheikh Ali, who moved to Delhi seeking a better life, are now experiencing the devastating effects of pollution on their families. As his grandson falls ill due to the pollution, Ali dreams of returning to his village someday, away from the toxic air of the city. However, the reality of life in Delhi, with its high cost of living and pollution, presents a grim challenge for those like Ali who struggle to make ends meet in a city choking on smog.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
