Here’s how to protect yourself from Delhi air pollution

Here are some steps to protect yourself if you are traveling to Delhi in November. I will also help you understand the causes of this phenomenon and its possible prevention measures.

Visiting Delhi in November can be a challenging experience due to the poor air quality, when a phenomenon called the pollution cloud takes over the landscape. That phenomenon has been in the Finnish language news headlines a lot in the last few days, because, for example, there has been many restrictions in Delhi due to the pollution cloud as the air quality there has been bad. This was not the case one month ago, when I myself traveled to Delhi. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself if you are traveling to Delhi in November. I will also help you understand the causes of this phenomenon and its possible prevention measures.

Protect yourself from Delhi pollution

Here’s how to protect yourself from Delhi air pollution –

Monitor Air Quality: Stay updated with Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI). Websites like the Central Pollution Control Board or mobile apps can provide real-time updates.
Limit your outdoor activities: Reduce your exposure to polluted air by limiting the amount of time you spend outdoors, especially during peak hours.
Wear masks: Use N95 or N99 masks, which effectively filter fine particles from the air.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins that have been absorbed into the body.
Indoor air purification: If you stay in a hotel or other accommodation, consider using an air purifier.
Health Precautions: If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before traveling. Take all necessary medicines with you.
Plan indoor activities: Check out indoor attractions in Delhi and Delhi NCR, like museums, art galleries or great shopping malls.

Delhi pollution cloud and its causes

These factors cause Delhi’s pollution cloud –

Crop burning: Farmers in neighboring states often burn crop residues after harvest in October and November, which significantly increases air pollution.
Vehicular emissions: Delhi has a large number of vehicles, which increases air pollution through exhaust emissions.
Industrial Activities: Factories around Delhi emit pollutants, which degrades air quality.
Diwali Fireworks: The festival of Diwali is usually celebrated in the month of November, when many people use fireworks extensively which release a large amount of smoke and pollutants.
Geographical factors: Delhi’s inland position and cooler temperatures in November trap pollutants, leading to smog formation.
Construction Dust: Construction activities in and around Delhi add dust and particulate matter to the air.

Pollution Prevention and Mitigation in Delhi

How to get rid of Delhi’s pollution cloud –

Crop Management: Promoting alternative methods for disposal of agricultural crop residues, such as using it as livestock feed.
Better public transport: Making public transport more efficient to reduce dependence on private vehicles. Metro lines already exist and are being built in Delhi and Delhi NCR. Electric rickshaws are also being used. Unfortunately we see bicycle rickshaws less than before.
Strict industrial regulations: Implementation of stricter emission standards for industry.
Improving green cover: Planting trees to improve air quality. The trees prevent the pollution cloud from descending on the buildings below them. It is also very common for households in Delhi and Delhi NCR to have lots of greenery on their verandahs and balconies, which improves air quality.
Promoting clean energy: Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources.
Fireworks Regulation: Setting restrictions on the use and sale of fireworks, especially during festivals.
Building standards: Implementation of dust control measures at construction sites.

So if you’re visiting Delhi in November, when the air has started to cool down, it’s important to remember to protect yourself against possible air pollution. I say possible because, for example, I photographed the crosswalk view of Delhi in the title picture 13 years ago in November, and I don’t remember any pollution cloud from that time. But in January 2019, Delhi’s winter and poor air quality hit me already at the airport. That’s why I chose to wear a mask in Delhi at that time, even though corona hadn’t been invented yet. You can watch my video from Delhi winter 2019 in the link attached.

However, it is good to remember that despite the environmental challenges, there are beautiful and interesting destinations in Delhi and Delhi NCR. And its modern shopping centers are excellent attractions in their own right. Also, if you can stand the heat, Delhi is at its most beautiful right after the monsoon, when the air is clear. The accompanying picture shows Delhi traffic last month, in the middle of a clear day in October 2023.

Useful links:

INDIVUE – travel & art