Pollution levels in Delhi has reached alarming levels. People are complaining of respiratory problems, burning eyes, low energy levels, depression etc. Prolonged exposure to such high levels of pollution can even cause Cancer. Our aged and children are at risk the most and all of us who step out to work endanger our health  every day. 

The government must act now and citizens must comply unitedly to bring down these toxic levels of pollution. Whether it's the pollution caused by fireworks and crackers, or stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, or the noxious fumes emitted by vehicles, or dust in the city...the air we breathe in the city is poisonous. According to System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality index in the capital has touched the 500 mark making it "severe". Delhi's pollution levels are on an average 16 times higher than the safe levels indicated by the World Health Organisation.

In any other country, this would be termed as a national emergency, with schools and offices being shut. But here, there is no care in the world. Is this how the state of a country's capital should be that foreign organisations/embassies are giving their employees a special allowance to work here? That foreign countries like Norway considered branding Delhi as a "hardship posting"! 

Governments (both central and state) are moving at a snail's pace even as the citizens suffer. This must stop now. The Central and State government must proactively work towards improving the air index. Otherwise, our health, and that of future generations is at risk. We don't want to become Beijing but we are rapidly moving closer to it. 

Ban fire crackers, curb crop burning after discussions with state governments of Punjab and Haryana, more greenery, strict ban on plastic and garbage burning, vacuum the dust on the roads, ban entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles, all other vehicles must comply with emission norms, stricter pollution norms for two-wheelers, etc. The solutions are mani-fold and must be acted upon ASAP. This is a public health emergency but there is no advisory from the government either. Government must act now, or repent at leisure.