Northern India suffers rampant air pollution while Delhi gets the blame
- The Indo-Gangetic plains are home to over 540 million people and experience severe air quality degradation during winter.
- Factors contributing to pollution include construction, vehicle emissions, burning of crop residue, and industrial output.
- Most media focuses on Delhi's pollution, overlooking the equally severe air quality issues faced by other northern cities.
In northern India, air quality has deteriorated significantly during the winter months, affecting millions. Recent reports from Swiss firm IQAir highlight that the Indo-Gangetic plains, which span across parts of India, Nepal, and Pakistan, are among the most polluted areas globally. A recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago indicates that air pollution levels could potentially reduce life expectancy in the region by 5.4 years according to World Health Organization standards. Despite severe pollution, media focus remains disproportionately on Delhi, with other cities, such as Chandigarh and Kanpur, struggling with similar pollution issues but receiving little attention or action. Factors contributing to the dire air quality include construction, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and crop burning, with winter weather conditions exacerbating the situation due to stagnant air in the landlocked Indo-Gangetic Plain. The health impact is gravest for children and the elderly, leading to increased respiratory problems and mental distress among affected populations, creating an urgent need for expanded dialogue and action on air quality across northern India.