Delhi's Toxic Reality: Nation's Capital Drowning in 'Slow Murder' Again

The City Beautiful is breathing again - but not in the way one would hope. Twenty-four years since the infamous 'slow murder' tag was slapped on Delhi's air quality, the situation has taken a turn for the worse. On Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to a record 494, putting the nation's capital on par with its most polluted day in November 2019.

The Central Pollution Control Board, which started maintaining air quality data in 2015, remains perplexed by Delhi's inability to improve despite numerous efforts and Supreme Court orders. The latest blunder comes after the Delhi government informed the National Green Tribunal about its 21-point winter action plan just weeks ago. However, experts have cast doubt on the efficacy of this plan, with officials struggling to make strides in reducing stubble burning incidents in the northern states.

According to official data, the incidence of stubble burning has indeed decreased, but questions remain over the accuracy of satellite surveillance data, which some experts claim is prone to errors. Meanwhile, a breakdown in the data highlights that emissions from other sources - such as road dust, industrial discharges, and vehicular emissions - still pose a significant threat.

The people of Delhi have nowhere to retreat. Hospitals are filled with asthmatic patients, while those who can afford it opt to stay indoors to escape the toxic air. This lackadaisical approach to pollution from authorities leaves citizens in dismay.

In the midst of this crisis, politicians are busy exchanging barbs. The Bharatiya Janata Party has been critical of the Aam Admi Party's handling of the issue, while the latter has cast doubts on the central government's leadership.

It is high time for officials to set aside politics and work towards a united front against pollution. Delhiites deserve answers - when will our right to clean air be guaranteed?