Why Delhi's pollution fixes keep failing: As the city gasps, so does livelihood

As a toxic haze once again blankets Delhi, residents find themselves trapped in a recurring nightmare, despite years of promises, policy experiments, and public awareness drives, the capital continues to choke.

- AIMAN FATIMA

From cloud seeding and odd-even schemes to smog towers and water sprinklers, the city's air-cleaning experiments have failed to clear the air, literally and figuratively.

Experts say the crisis is no longer about a lack of measures, but about their execution and sustainability. "Cloud seeding, odd-even, or sprinklers may sound impressive, but they are temporary fixes to a structural problem," said environmental activist, Dr. Anjali Mathur. "We are battling an ecosystem failure, of transport, waste management, construction, and enforcement. Until that changes, these interventions will remain cosmetic."

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 291 on November 4, an improvement compared to previous years but still in the "poor" category. For citizens, the smog isn't just an environmental issue; it's a blow to their health and livelihood. Street vendors, delivery riders, and construction workers are among the worst affected, forced to work long hours outdoors in toxic air. "We cannot afford to stay home. Breathing this air is part of our job," said Ravi Kumar, a food delivery rider in South Delhi. "I can't buy an air purifier. My house doesn't even have space for one."