Delhi Pollution: Pollution levels in Delhi are once again at hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index surpassing 400 in many locations. The air is thick with smog, leading to a public health emergency prompting government officials to swiftly take action. Schools have shut down temporarily, construction work has been halted, and now the government has a third action – adjusting office hours to reduce traffic congestion and emissions from vehicles.
Government Plan to Tackle Smog
The government of Delhi has adjusted office hours for government workers to allow for more flexibility in reporting to work as a way to avoid peak-times for road congestion. The goal of these adjustments was to have less congestion on the roads from people driving to work and thus reduce the amount of pollution, as vehicular traffic is a significant contributor to unhealthy air pollution. In addition, car pooling, arranging work-from-home schedules, and other strategies to reduce commuting are being pushed as part of the solution.
Ways You Can Help
Every little bit counts. You, as a citizen, can help by utilizing public transport, cutting back on driving when possible, maintaining your vehicle properly, and, if possible planting trees around your house. Also, lifestyle changes, such as using a generator less often, and avoiding open burning, can go a long way in improving air quality.
Working Together for Cleaner Air
Delhi’s pollution crisis is not an issue occurring over a short time frame and will not go away overnight. It will take ongoing and collective effort by the government, industries, and individuals. The recent effort to change office hours is a progressive step that can allow for noticeable improvement, if it is accompanied by responsible and thoughtful consciousness among citizens.
Let’s keep in mind- every breath matters. If we all take small and thoughtful steps towards the greater good, we can restore the capital’s lost blue sky together. The journey to a cleaner, healthier Delhi starts with all of us.
