Delhi smog emergency: Govt likely to roll out odd-even scheme again; here is how you can fight pollution

The entire Delhi-NCR along with some other nearby cities are covered in smog. Due to smog on 8 November, a major accident was witnessed on Yamuna Expressway.

The air of Delhi has become so polluted that one can have throat infection just by breathing it.

The term smog is a combination of smoke and fog, it is was used for the first time in the early 90s. Smog is kind of air-pollution that reduces visibility. In the early 90s, it was common in industrial areas but it has become a familiar sight in Delhi/NCR these days.

Today, the smog that is seen in NCR these days is photochemical smog (it is produced when sunlight react with nitrogen oxides and one volatile organic compound it is also known as VOC). While Nitrogen oxide comes from the car exhaust, coal power plants, factory emissions, the VOCs comes from gasoline, paints, cleaning solvents. When VOC and Nitrogen oxide come in contact with sunlight, they react with each other and create smog.

Smog is a huge problem in Delhi/NCR and as the situation is getting worse, all schools in capital have been directed to stay shut till Sunday. Other than that AAP government has also asked children, the elderly and asthma and heart patients to stay indoors.

DDA, Municipal Corporations, and DMRC set to increase the parking fees by four times of normal fee. The Delhi government led by CM Arvind Kejriwal can roll out odd-even scheme soon. Delhi Transport Minister has said that “Delhi govt ready to roll out odd-even scheme if air pollution levels persist in ‘severe plus’ category for 48 hours.”

Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) had announced ‘severe plus’ or emergency conditions in Delhi due to smog.

EPCA had also banned the entry of truck in Delhi (with exception of those carrying essential commodities, civil construction).

Not just government but even we can help in reducing smog, by following these things:

1- Drive less. Walk, bike, carpool, and use public transportation whenever possible.
2- Take care of cars. Getting regular tune-ups, changing the oil on schedule, and inflating tires to the proper level can improve gas mileage and reduce emissions.
3- Fuel up during the cooler hours of the day-night or early morning. This prevents gas fumes from heating up and producing ozone.
4- Avoid products that release high levels of VOCs. For example, use low-VOC paints.
5- Avoid gas-powered yard equipment, like lawn mowers. Use electric appliances instead.