How London Tackled The Great Smog — A Cue Delhi Can Take

New Delhi: way Delhi is being smored by smog almost every winter is reminiscent of Great Smog of London in 1952.  But unlike London, which took immediate measures to prevent such a reoccurrence, Delhi has not learnt much as citizens fend mselves from killing smog year after year. A thick layer of toxic smog has shrouded Delhi, Amritsar and majority of North India in last few days, leaving its citizens to use masks and gasp for breath when outdoors. This year too, fog has paralysed life in many parts with airports cancelling several flights and highways reporting an increase in accidents due to zero visibility. situation is reminiscent of great smog of London (1952) when it witnessed a similar smog that crippled city, forcing schools to shut and offices to remain closed.

air pollution that took thousands of lives became a turning point in enacting first air quality legislation in United Kingdom, paving way for future environmental legislation. 

Great Smog of London

serious air pollution crisis struck London on December 5, 1952. Fog engulfed London but this was not a usual phenomenon. Given it was winter season, fog turned into smog as a consequence of mixing with smoke emanating from coal-burning factories and chimneys, and diesel-fueled automobiles and buses.

This toxic smog lingered from December 5th until December 9th, 1952 leaving Churchill, n Prime Minister Winston Churchill facing intense criticism. As Opposition and media cried for Churchill's resignation, wear improved but not before highlighting how London h failed to prepare for situation as thousands of people died. incident was also depicted in popular Netflix series, Crown. 

smog h a significant impact, drastically lowering visibility and even creeping into indoor spaces, much worse than previous smog episodes known as "pea-soupers."  environmental disaster claimed around 4,000 lives in just a few days. Those who died mainly faced respiratory issues and accidents. Later in 2004, research indicated that actual number of deaths linked to event could be as high as 12,000.

incident prompted London authorities to take steps to curb " Great Smog" by opting a multi-prong approach to dealing with air pollution problems.

How London Dealt With Smog Problem 

• Clean Air Act 1956: In response to environmental disaster, Clean Air Act of 1956 was enforced in city. law aimed at controlling sources of air pollution from homes and industries which meant setting rules for reducing amount of smoke emanating from chimneys, hence, encouraging use of cleaner fuels in cities. This law also mandated moving certain industrial processes away from crowded areas.
• Transition Towards Cleaner Fuels: Due to Clean Air Act, a transition towards using cleaner energy sources like natural gas and electricity, which produced fewer harmful substances compared to coal, was witnessed.
• Relocating Sources of Pollution: As a measure, some major industrial units that were contributing to polluting air were shifted to less densely populated areas. This significantly reduced health risks to people.
• Improving Travel Infra: disaster also prompted London to invest in enhancing its public transportation system. Soon after, electric buses were introduced in city, making it easier for people to use cleaner modes of transportation.
• Monitoring Air Quality: Systems were set up to monitor quality of air. After system were brought into use, it became much easier for m to track pollution levels and give early warnings if re was a risk of smog.
• Public awareness: Information campaigns were launched to spre awareness among people about life risks associated with air pollution. y encouraged individuals to take steps to reduce ir contribution to pollution.
• Urban Planning: re were efforts to change how city was designed. This meant separating areas where industries operated from places where people lived. Better planning overall helped reduce air pollution.

Can London's Model Help Delhi Tackle Pollution Crisis?

initiatives taken by London h a significant impact in improving its air quality and reducing occurrence of severe smog events. y also served as an example for or cities and countries trying to combat air pollution and protect public health. national capital can certainly look at how London fought health crisis back in 1952. 

Some key measures that Delhi could implement are - legislation and regulation, urban planning, public awareness, and encouraging use of cleaner fuels.​ Since a lot of topics fall under State list, Delhi will have to work with joining states and form a task force to deal with situation. 

However, unabated burning of 'paralis' (stubble burning) on farmlands - a primary contributor to air pollution - in States joining Delhi has been a primary reason for smog in and around national capital. It would need collective willpower of leers to find an earnest solution to a crisis that has continued to put thousands and thousands of of people in norrn India at risk.