Breathing Safe: Why Bengaluru and Chennai Outshine Delhi During Smog Season

As winter sets in, North India braces for its annual smog crisis, with cities like Delhi battling dangerously high pollution levels. Meanwhile, South Indian cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai stand out for their cleaner air, offering a sharp contrast to the grim reality faced by their northern counterparts.

Stark Differences in Air Quality

On November 15, Bengaluru recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50, classified as 'Good,' while Chennai reported an AQI of 45. These figures highlight the significantly cleaner air in South Indian cities compared to Delhi’s hazardous AQI of 396, classified as 'Very Poor.' Certain Delhi areas, such as Alipur (433), Anand Vihar (436), and Ashok Vihar (438), reported AQIs well into the 'Severe' category.

Other North Indian cities are not far behind in their struggle. Chandigarh’s AQI stood at 309, Noida at 316, and Gurugram at 304, all in the 'Very Poor' range. This widespread pollution severely impacts residents' health, causing respiratory issues, reduced visibility, and an overall decline in the quality of life.

Delhi's Battle Against Pollution

The Delhi government has enacted Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the crisis. Measures include:

Banning older petrol and diesel vehicles.

Restricting construction activities to limit dust.

Modifying work timings for government offices to reduce vehicular traffic.

Despite these efforts, the city remains the most polluted in the country during this period, with its smoggy skies showcasing the need for more comprehensive and effective solutions.

South Indian Cities: A Clean-Air Haven

In stark contrast, cities like Bengaluru and Chennai continue to enjoy significantly cleaner air. Bengaluru’s AQI of 50 and Chennai’s 45 fall comfortably in the 'Good' category, offering residents blue skies and breathable air.

Other cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad fall somewhere in between, with AQIs ranging from 'Moderate' to 'Poor,' but none approaching the critical levels seen in Delhi.

Why Bengaluru and Chennai Thrive

Experts attribute Bengaluru’s clean air to several factors:

Abundant Greenery: Parks, gardens, and tree-lined roads help absorb pollutants and maintain air quality.

Favorable Weather Conditions: Wind patterns and relatively high rainfall disperse pollutants more effectively.

Low Industrial Emissions: The city’s economy is driven by IT and services rather than heavy industry, resulting in fewer emissions.

Proactive Urban Planning: Initiatives to curb pollution, such as expanding green cover and encouraging public transportation, have been instrumental.

Chennai benefits similarly from coastal breezes, moderate industrial activity, and government efforts to control pollution sources.

A Wake-Up Call for North India

The sharp contrast between North and South India highlights the urgent need for stronger pollution control measures in northern cities. This includes stricter enforcement of vehicle emissions standards, enhanced public transportation, and better urban planning.

Looking Ahead

As Delhi and other North Indian cities continue to struggle, South Indian cities like Bengaluru and Chennai serve as models for sustainable urban living. Their proactive approaches to combating pollution could inspire broader, nationwide efforts to ensure cleaner air and healthier living conditions for all citizens.

By prioritizing green infrastructure, reducing industrial emissions, and engaging communities in environmental preservation, cities across India can work toward a future where smog is no longer a seasonal inevitability.