BedBox Pg
Delhi
25th November, 2024
To
The Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Delhi
3rd level, Delhi Secretariat, I.P. Estate,
New Delhi-110002 (India)
Subject: Urgent Measures to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi
Dear Hon’ble Chief Minister,
I hope this letter reaches you in good health. I am writing with deep concern about how the air
quality in Delhi has gone to unprecedented levels, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has maxed
out at '500' in parts of the city and the PM2. 5 level at 401.1 µg/m³ — more than 26 times higher
than the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for a 24-hour period
(15 µg/m³). We are exposed to danger in more ways than one through dense, pervasive toxic
mist and reduced visibility courses of action and action as well as other health risks.
Key Observations on Where Things Stand:
● Severe AQI Levels: According to data available from the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB), the average AQI in Delhi on November 18, 2024, was 493, and several
monitoring stations reached the limit of 500, representing an air quality worse than what
is possible to measure accurately.
● Delhi has been the most polluted city in the world with a "hazardous" air quality index of
1,081, according to the Swiss group IQAir.
● The Role Of Stubble Burning: According to data from SAFAR, farm fires in neighbouring
states have contributed as much as 40 per cent of the pollution. On just one day,
satellites found more than 1,334 such events in six states.
● Health and Visibility Issues: The deadly smog continues to leave residents breathless
while fewer people can be seen around due to the effects of smog on their health.'
Potential Solutions to the Crisis:
● Enforcement of anti-stubble burning laws (strict) — Coordination with neighbor states
and incentives for alternative methods (eg. mechanised stubble management) Do
improve the usage of tools like Happy Seeder and subsidize their availability to farmers.
● Improved Public Transport and Restrictions on Vehicles: Public transport services to be
improved so that less dependence of private vehicles. Take stricter action against
vehicle emission, odd-even schemes in peak pollution.timestamps
● Promote Clean Energy — Provide subsidies for electric vehicles and green energy
adoption and phase out fossil fuels from industries and households.
● Urban Greening Initiatives: Increase green cover (plant more trees, especially species
that have been shown to have a high capacity to absorb pollutants).
● Technical Solutions: Quickly install air filtration towers and anti-smog guns city-wide to
alleviate immediate particulate pollution levels.
● Campaigns for Public Awareness: Citizens need awareness about how to reduce
pollution by not burning waste, limit the use of vehicles to minimum when not required,
and adopt Eco-friendly habits.
● Real-Time Monitoring and Forecasting--Upgrade air quality monitoring to deliver real-
time data and actionable insights for timely interventions.
These are dire circumstances that cry out for leadership and coordination across different levels
of government. Although I commend your government’s measures to put schools and colleges
online, and to ban construction, I write to ask that you embrace a unified, long-term approach to
solving this routine crisis once and for all.
With your willpower and determination to turn Delhi into a livable city once again, I can assure
you that citizens will actively join hands in fighting pollution. In unity, we can deliver a healthier
future for everyone.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Under your stewardship I look forward to seeing
Delhi breathe more easily.
Yours Sincerely,
Muskaan jain
