Delhi experienced its first ‘good’ air quality day of the year on Sunday, 10th September 2023, boasting an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 45, marking the cleanest air quality in the city for the entire year, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Ironically, it occurred just days after the United Nations celebrated the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7, a day dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in the fight against air pollution.
In 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. The goal was to raise awareness about the dire consequences of air pollution and encourage governments and individuals to take action to combat it. Despite these efforts, Delhi, like many other major cities around the world, still grapples with the challenge of achieving clean air and clear blue skies.
According to the United Nations, air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, responsible for an estimated 6.5 million premature deaths across the world in 2016, both indoors and outdoors. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address air quality.
Delhi’s struggle with air pollution is multi-faceted. Factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and agricultural residue burning contribute to the city’s hazardous air quality levels. While various initiatives, such as the Odd-Even scheme and the promotion of electric vehicles, have been implemented to reduce emissions, but the progress has been slow and inconsistent.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies serves as a global reminder that the fight against air pollution is far from over. International cooperation is essential in tackling this issue, as air pollution knows no borders. The exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices among nations is crucial to finding effective solutions.
In conclusion, while Delhi briefly celebrated a day of ‘good’ air quality, the struggle for consistently clean air and blue skies continues. It is a collective responsibility to address this pressing issue, emphasizing the need for global collaboration in the quest for healthier, breathable air for all.
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