Every year for the past several years, the air pollution levels of Delhi NCR and adjoining regions rise steeply to hazardous levels especially in the months of October to January. Parali burning in adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana is especially a major contributor to the toxic levels of air pollution and is responsible for the air quality deterioration in the autumn-winter months due to the added effects of cold and stagnant air. Unfortunately, every year citizens are silent spectators and victims of this health hazard as government continues to play an apathetic role to the scenario with lack of measurable action to tackle the problem. 

Children are the greatest victims of air pollution as that their growing brain and bodies are especially vulnerable to effects to toxins. Children readily absorb pollutants in their body and retain them for longer. The injurious effects of breathing polluted air begin in the mother’s womb. The pollutants induce a state of inflammation in pregnant women and the toxins and proinflammatory chemicals cross the placenta adversely affecting the growing foetus. The growing brain and nervous system are especially at risk as these toxins easily cross the blood brain barrier. Moreover, they also damage genetic material or DNA inducing long-term harm. This results in babies born with low birth weight and developmental delays. Studies from various countries have found that air pollution is linked to an increased rate of intrauterine death and neonatal mortality. There is growing evidence linking air pollution to autism, low IQ, child mortality even with short term exposure to poor ambient air. 
While we all are aware of the effects of air pollution on respiratory illness including asthma and bronchitis and lung cancer, there is good evidence that air pollution is linked to increased long-term risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and other types of cancer. Children are restricted from going outdoors due to high levels of air pollution. An extreme example of this phenomenon is the announcement of emergency closure of schools (air pollution holidays). The fact that these emergency school closures occur year after year show the lack of political will to tackle this public health and environmental crisis. 
What is the solution? The solution begins by accepting that there is an urgent crisis at hand and demanding action from the government. Many nations have effectively tackled the menace of air pollution by strong political will. Foremost, the seasonal pollution due to parali burning need to be urgently addressed by strong legislation and solutions for parali and waste disposal. Children have no voice of their own. We, as their parents and guardians, need to stand up for them and demand solutions from the government. Children are the future of our nation and they have A RIGHT TO LIFE, A RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR.