It’s that time of the year again. Farm fires are back and increasing. Delhi could soon be a gas chamber. And the rise in air pollution may spike Covid-19 cases and the mortality rate, experts have warned.
Despite promises by Delhi and neighbouring states like Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, nothing much has been done to address the annual crisis of stubble burning that can be disastrous this winter.
On his show News Today at 9, India Today TV Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai discussed this issue, which deserves national attention, with key stakeholders.
Dr Vivek Nangia, Principal Director & Head Pulmonologist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, said this winter could be catastrophic and asked people to stay indoors unless it’s essential to step out.
“Research has shown that rising air pollution makes the lungs susceptible to Covid-19 infections. We may see a rise in both Covid-19 cases and the mortality rate because of the severity of infections,” he said.
Sunita Narain, DG, Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi, said there has been talking of providing machines to farmers, free of cost, to clear their fields but nothing much has happened. “There has also been talking of composting technologies. But the thing is, we need to ensure crop stubble has a value.”
Sanjeev Nagpal, farmer and entrepreneur, agreed with her and said biogas and manure could be the options. “We have to take farmers into confidence. We have to address their issues,” he said.
Raghav Chadha, MLA and spokesperson, AAP, said Arvind Kejriwal is the only chief minister who has made efforts to address the issue. “The Centre has held several meetings but the environment ministers of Punjab, Haryana and UP never attended them.”
So, what’s the solution? “The AAP government is using bio-decomposer in Delhi’s fields. Other states should follow suit. Delhi is a land-locked city. It cannot solve this problem on its own,” he said.
“The Delhi government is aware that this year’s air pollution can make matters worse. It’s in talks with doctors and institutions like Niti Aayog to address the issue,” Raghav Chadha said.
During the lockdown imposed to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes coronavirus disease or Covid-19, Delhi reclaimed its clear blue skyline for obvious reasons. But with almost all activities having resumed, the haze is slowly coming back.
Air pollution increase can damage lungs, reduce immune response and turn a mild Covid-19 infection into a serious one, global research has warned. Remember, high air pollution leads to increased episodes of coughing or sneezing that can spread Covid-19 faster.
Researchers also say that air pollution increases susceptibility to tuberculosis and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) caused by, again, a coronavirus. Air pollution also triggers co-morbidities like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and may increase Covid-19 fatalities, experts have cautioned.
The Indian government has put out a warning that smokers are more susceptible to Covid-19. It’s no secret that inhaling the air in Delhi during winters is like smoking several cigarettes a day!