Recurring Crisis and Policy Failures
The National Capital Region (NCR) continues to grapple with dangerously hazardous air quality, highlighting a persistent pattern of policy failures and complacency. Despite repeated warnings and the severe public health impacts, measures to address the crisis remain largely reactive rather than preventive, exposing millions to toxic air annually.
Escalating Severity of Air Pollution
In recent days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, fluctuating between the “severe” and “severe plus” categories, with readings peaking at 500—one of the worst records since 2015. This crisis has forced schools to shut, introduced work-from-home directives, and led to staggered office timings under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, these temporary fixes merely mask a deeply rooted problem, failing to provide sustainable relief.
The Supreme Court’s Call for Action
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court has called for stricter implementation of anti-pollution measures. Yet, critical questions persist: Why are these measures not proactive? Why has NCR’s air pollution become an annual inevitability rather than an anomaly?
Identifying the Culprits
The contributors to this environmental disaster are well-known. Stubble burning, vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollutants are the primary culprits. Adverse weather conditions, such as stagnant winds, further exacerbate the smog’s persistence.
Ineffective Solutions and Policy Inertia
Despite a clear understanding of these factors, long-term solutions remain elusive. Temporary measures, such as air purifiers, vehicle bans, and limited restrictions, merely address the symptoms, not the root causes. The lack of robust, permanent measures—such as stricter regulations on stubble burning, expansion of clean energy usage in industries, and substantial investment in public transportation—reflects significant policy inertia.
The Need for Visionary Policymaking
Piecemeal solutions are no substitute for comprehensive, forward-looking policies. The central and state governments must collaborate to:
- Implement stricter pollution controls.
- Incentivize clean practices in agriculture and industry.
- Invest in sustainable urban infrastructure.
Learning from Global Success Stories
NCR can draw lessons from cities like Mexico City, which successfully tackled similar challenges through bold, innovative, and uncompromising action. Such transformative approaches can inspire and guide NCR in its fight against air pollution.
The Way Forward
The time for half-hearted measures has passed. Only decisive and sustained action can prevent NCR’s residents from enduring toxic air every winter. Policymakers must rise to the challenge and ensure that the region’s air quality crisis becomes a thing of the past
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