Pollution Strikes Again!

Over the past decade, pollution in developing countries has been one of the main reasons for a decrease in public health, and one of the top 5 reasons for death in Delhi. In the month of December 2015, Delhi, the capital of India, had its air quality 1.5 times worse than Beijing, capital of China.

Average weekly PM 2.5 concentration was 230.9 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), Beijing, by comparison, recorded a PM 2.5 concentration of 139.7µg/m³ during the same period.

What is PM 2.5? PM 2.5 are particles in the air that are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in length. These are very dangerous, as they can easily pass through the naval passage and settle in the lungs, leading to health effects in the long run. For cities in the world such as Delhi and Beijing, the PM 2.5 exposure can lead to nose, eye and shortness of breath in the short-term.

The graph above shows the PM 2.5 levels in Delhi and Beijing in the first week of December 2015.

The table here shows the values and the categories for each pollutant in the air. As seen from the PM 2.5 category, the levels of 121-250 is shown to be very poor. From the graph differentiating the PM 2.5 AQI in Delhi and Beijing, it is clearly evident that the air in Delhi has been very poor and sometimes even in severe condition in the first week of December.

According to the global pollution rankings, Delhi is ranked as the most polluted city in the world. Beijing on the other hand has been ranked 77th.

Here are some comparisons:

– 7 days out of 730 where there is clean air in Delhi, compared to Beijing where it has 58 days
– 70% of total pollution from cars in Delhi, Beijing 4%
– Air has improved by 40% in Beijing, Delhi has gotten worse by 47%

According to a study done by University of British Columbia, Canada, out of 100 minutes, Delhi can only provide 1 minute of clean breathable air. Beijing can provide 8 minutes on the other hand. We’ve seen a clear distinction between the two capitals now. So, what are the governments trying to do about getting their cities back to good shape?

Sadly, Delhi being ranked as the most polluted city in the world, hasn’t been doing anything to improve the situation. 

China, on the other hand, has been subject to worldwide publicity about the pollution in Beijing and other cities, but has responded proactively, taking measures to improve air quality.

Government in Beijing (2013):
– Closed down 288 factories and replaced with green energy producers
– Removed 366,000 cars from the road that caused high amounts of pollution
– Change coal from 23000 million tonnes to 10000 million tonnes until 2017
– Spent 240 million dollars trying to make the situation better in 2014
– E bikes introduced in Beijing. Highly subsidized, just 1000 rmb
– Government banned usage of petrol bikes
– Only 6 million cars per day
– Regulating the usage of diesel to Euro 5 diesel which is of better quality
– 300 checkpoints for pollution checks, can charge up to $300 for breaking the law
– 1000 electric buses
– If any day the pollution exceeds the average level, the factories are closed down

What can India learn from China’s methods?
– No tolerance towards any kind of pollution whatsoever, engaging in taking every possible step to reduce the pollution in cities
– Introducing E-vehicles. India’s transportation system runs on buses, taxis and trains. The trains are run by diesel, so are the buses and most of the taxis. If the usage of diesel is regulated, and the government can introduce better quality electronic buses, the situation will improve in Delhi and the rest of India.
– Subsidizing and lowering taxes for those who are willing to use electric cars and less pollutive vehicles. The reduction and subsidization will lead to a better and healthier India
– Limiting the number of cars allowed on the road on a day. Also, limiting the number of cars that can be bought by a family. If a family has only 3-4 people, there is no need for 3 cars. Regulations always help for the long run.

Subah Sehgal (11), who has lived in Delhi for 12 years, says, “I noticed it last time and the time before, specially when I was playing soccer. I used to look up at the sky which used to be beautiful, now its just polluted.” What about the temperature in Delhi? “The temperature has been increasing drastically, near 35-38 degrees celcius. When asked on the plans of the government to fix this problem, Subah says “Nothing much yet, the government has yet to warn the public that bad air is a health hazard”.

Michelle Zhu (9), on the other hand, lived in Beijing for 2 years. She says “sometimes the air is clean, other times its not very clean. I haven’t noticed any temperature spikes or increases.” How does it feel when you go back now? “The air is a lot better and cleaner. I can’t feel the pollution as much now.” When asked on what the government is doing to help, Michelle says “I don’t know much about the government’s goals for the pollution problem, but I have heard that they are decreasing the amount of cars being allowed on the road.”