DELHI AND ITS TRYST WITH POLLUTION

 

Delhi (read National Capital Region), is a very densely populated land locked, geographical area. Its ever-increasing huge population is constantly looking for opportunities to make a decent living. White collared opportunities are limited but the city provides ample incentives for small and medium industries, catering to the needs of Delhiites and its neighboring regions. A large chunk of this mammoth population is the working class – living in lesser developed pockets, struggling and too busy with the daily chores. You can see them rushing from one corner of the city to the other, on the perpetually and ever getting choked/ clogged roads, struggling to meet their deadlines.

The weather at Delhi is also unique. It’s a dry and dusty land for eight months, and rainy or foggy for the remaining months. This region has a peculiar tendency of attracting winds from each and every direction which, kind of, rush-in, just to come at a standstill over Delhi - something to do with the geographical layout of this region. Don’t think the residents ever shouted ‘statue’ to the incoming pollution laden winds! The region had (once upon a time), a perineal river flowing through it, but now we popularly refer to it as a ‘nala’ – an open drain full of waste. It’s a source of multiple strong-smelling gases. The city has a dream that someday, in the near future, someone will find a method to trap these gases and put them in some use. India has spent a colossal fortune for cleaning its rivers and nalas – all to no avail. Though the funds did help some politicians and bureaucrats. The fallout of these ‘stinking water bodies’ is that the medical fraternity is making the best of the situation by seemingly treating the locals who struggle to survive in this effervescent atmosphere.

During the gone-by century/ golden era (!), this region of Delhi was generally flat with some undulations here and there, all covered with thick vegetation sheltering variety of flora and fauna. Unfortunately, Mr Development was not very charmed with all these, and gradually raised its own concrete forest, by destroying the mother nature. The hillocks were flattened/ pruned to give rise to modern infrastructures. The irony is that now, Delhi is re-creating it own new ‘hills’ with the help of solid waste. These are being positioned all around the city, to dispose the aftereffects of development in the city. Maybe someday these hills will be neutralized of their toxic properties to attract flora and fauna. Till then, they are a rich source of toxic gases and are impregnating the atmosphere with suspended pollutants in the air.

Development comes at a cost. In a fight between nature and concrete – nature, invariably is on the losing end. Thank God, of late mankind has made itself aware of this inevitable fact and is trying to crawl back, to give nature a fair field. Returning to Delhi – it’s a fact that this piece of land is supporting a very large population which is producing a very high quantum of heat and pollutants. Whatever the nature had given this land in terms of ‘green cover’ has been grossly denuded. As a result, the pollutants, heat, waste etc. being produced is much in excess, then what nature can compensate for.

Other major factors harming the ‘Dilwalon Ki’ Delhi atmosphere are, the regular demolition and construction of infrastructure. Delhi loves to demolish old structures to re-erect a new one. This not only enriches the atmosphere with cement and sand particles in their nano size but also adds on to the ‘malbaa’ aka waste.

Next comes the number of vehicles per family. Owning a car by each member of the family is becoming a norm – and bigger the car, better it is. So what if parking space is limited or the roads are clogged, Diliwaaley love to announce their status with the size of the car. This city is proud to proclaim the largest density of cars.

Management of waste is a major problem in this landlocked city. The authorities are running short of land to create more ‘hills’ and the waste management plants are falling short in matching their capacity with the colossal quantum of waste being collected every day. These hills regularly catch fire (for various un-verified reasons) adding pollutants to the already pre-laden atmosphere (much to the delight of the medical quacks).

So, you see, ‘Dilliwaley’ have a major problem at hand, with no solution at sight. They have been spending a fortune on pollution controlling towers, water spraying guns and God only knows what all – all practically to no avail. As if this was not enough. The neighboring states are also adding to the woes of Delhi by sending smoke filled air after each harvesting season. Without a solution to any of these problems, Delhi residents will have to ‘re-develop’ their lungs to fight the pollution. No wonder air purifiers are becoming a necessity for each house-hold.

Thanks to this Frankenstein called pollution, the politicians and the political parties are being provided with enough scope to blame each other, and earn their fifteen minutes of fame. Each of the political party is blaming the other party for not being able to find any solution to this mammoth problem. Logic says, that there is no viable, long-lasting solution to this problem – as of now. Maybe, someday, God will help Delhiites in its own way. Till that day dawns, the city will keep debating, and pointing finger to each other. Till then guys, celebrate your numbered healthy days.