Delhi’s battle with air pollution has been a challenging one, according to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Despite recent reports suggesting an improvement in air quality, Kejriwal believes there is still much work to be done. The Environment Ministry stated that Delhi has experienced the highest number of ‘good to moderate’ air quality days, except for the COVID-19 year of 2020, since 2016. Additionally, the city saw a decrease in the number of days categorized as ‘poor to severe’ in the first half of 2023 compared to previous years. However, Kejriwal acknowledges the difficulty in achieving these improvements and credits the efforts of Delhiites for their contribution.
Kejriwal took to Twitter to express his thoughts, stating, This was perhaps the most difficult task — improving air quality. But a series of steps taken by Delhiites helped us achieve this seemingly impossible task. Still a long way to go. But Delhi people have always done what others thought impossible.
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi from January to June remained in the ‘moderate’ category, below the threshold of 200. This marks the lowest average AQI during this period for the past seven years, excluding 2020. While these statistics indicate progress, the chief minister emphasizes the need for further actions to combat air pollution effectively.
The efforts to improve air quality in Delhi have led to positive results, but the journey is far from over. As one of the most polluted cities globally, Delhi faces unique challenges in combating air pollution. The government’s initiatives, combined with the cooperation of citizens, have played a vital role in the positive changes observed. However, a sustained and collective effort is essential to continue the progress and transform Delhi’s air quality to healthier levels.
Despite the achievements, there are still concerns voiced by experts and residents alike. Some argue that the reduction in pollution levels may be temporary, primarily due to factors such as weather conditions or the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They stress the importance of implementing long-term sustainable solutions to combat air pollution effectively.
The need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to address air pollution in Delhi is crucial. This includes measures such as improving public transportation infrastructure, promoting cleaner energy sources, implementing stricter industrial regulations, and raising awareness about individual contributions to reduce pollution.
Kejriwal’s acknowledgment of the ongoing challenges highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for Delhi’s residents. By recognizing the collective efforts of Delhiites, he encourages continued participation and emphasizes that together, they can overcome seemingly insurmountable tasks.
The battle for clean air in Delhi will require persistent efforts and the collective determination of its citizens, government, and other stakeholders. It is crucial to establish a long-term vision that prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of its residents. Only through a unified and sustained approach can Delhi hope to achieve lasting improvements in air quality and become a shining example for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
