Delhi Air Pollution: A Case Study

Delhi is at a crossroads today. The air pollution levels are roaring high as the temperature sinks. The mood is sombre and there is no more Jaanta hai mera baap kaun hai. This has led to an uproar on social media as it's not advisable to step outside to protest. (Source: "Annual Traditions We Don't Know Who Started")

This independent study is aimed at identifying the primary causes behind the situation followed by a dispassionate critical analysis of the effects of air pollution. We then propose some radical solutions which will help get rid of the problem as it emerges.

Causes

Since pointing out the stubble burning, poor construction practices, biomass burning, and vehicle exhausts angers the farmer lobby, real estate lobby, and activists angry at everything, it is important to think hard and come up with real causes for the Delhi air pollution.

The primary culprits are the people from Bihar and UP because we can pin the blame on them without much outcry. (Source: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam, Thackerays) Further, forest cover of Delhi which reached around 20% in 2018 also contributes to the pollution as plants emit high levels of CO2. (Source: Science NCERT)

Another unexpected cause identified during the research are the innocent looking Asthma Inhalers. Each 100-dose inhaler has a carbon footprint roughly equivalent to a 180-mile drive. (Source: Over enthusiastic activists). The cute puppies and kittens are not the good guys either. The wildlife that exists in Delhi zoo and other stray animals have led to an increase in carbon dioxide and methane levels. (Source: Anthropocentrists)

Benefits

The most neglected aspect of Delhi air pollution is the multiple benefits it offers to the city. Air pollution is a great equalizer. While marginal differences remain, the bourgeoisie effort to escape pollution with air purifiers is largely ineffectual. (Source: A Marxist Scholar)

The economic implications are noteworthy as well. The annual air pollution festival brings great press coverage to Delhi and India from across the world. As the saying goes, "All publicity is good publicity", this will help India attract investment. Opportunities lie galore with possibility of projecting Delhi as a "Chernobyl Tourism" destination, the slogan of the campaign being "Delhi: God's own factory". The benefits continue pouring as expenditure in medical care followed by funerals drives the consumption up. (Report by ABC Foundation sponsored by vested interests)

The political system also achieves a solidarity which comes as a relief in the increasing atmosphere of polarization. Air Pollution sees inaction by political class of different shades. Consequently, the age-old practice of Indian ruling class presenting a united front when it comes to national interest is also upheld. (Source: Lucent's General Knowledge)

Disadvantages

Short term grief to the close ones of the dead. (Source: Families of 1,200,000 dead every year)

Solutions

The preceding analysis shows that air pollution in Delhi is largely a positive phenomenon. It is India's misfortune that the common citizenry isn't informed of the benefits of the annual tradition. The goal of the governments should be to let air pollution go unhindered while calming the seasonal public temper.

This misplaced anger can be handled by following measures:

1. Cover Delhi with a flex board so that pollution isn't visible from outside.

Fig: Using Flex Board as a Cover

2. Just like the annual problem of Mumbai urban floods has been solved by venerating the "spirit of Mumbai", Delhi air pollution can also be solved through a persistent campaign about "spirit of Delhi". This spirit needs to revolve around the physical toughness of a common Delhiite who isn't harmed by some small particles.

3. To bring in awareness among common citizens about setting their priorities straight, a social media campaign by Bollywood celebrities needs to be organized.The campaign should guilt trip the citizens about cutting 2,200 trees from the land around celebrities for their selfish urban transport needs which will only reduce carbon emissions in medium term. This creates a strong base for cosmetic steps like the next one.

4. Making odd-even permanent will give a strong perception of measures being taken. A tweet or two by independent journalists verifying the claim will help Placebo effect get into action and Delhi will feel free of air pollution even at AQI of 700.

5. Invite Justin Trudeau or Imran Khan to Delhi for bilateral meet. As they cough in pollution, Indian government should declare in no uncertain terms that the entire situation with pollution was to give a diplomatic response to the two leaders for their support to anti-India activities from their soil.


Delhi is the heart of the country. For centuries, kings have attempted to seize Delhi to rule India. The Delhi air pollution needs to continue to enable hiding the city in plain sight, making it safe from enemy attacks. The above mentioned steps would achieve just that while dissipating the public anger.