As Delhi’s air quality continues to plummet to hazardous levels, experts, policymakers, and citizens will gather at the Hakku Initiative on January 7, 2025, to deliberate on actionable strategies for addressing the capital’s worsening air pollution and governance crisis. The event, titled “Ye Meri Delhi Nahin Hai” (This Is Not My Delhi), will be held at the Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India, commencing at 2 PM, with a press conference at 5 PM.
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Kota Neelima, Founder of the Hakku Initiative, will feature prominent speakers, including:
- Dr. Shailaja Chandra, former Chief Secretary, Government of Delhi
- Mr. Sidharth Mishra, acclaimed author and journalist
- Mr. Sanjiv Mehra, President, Khan Market Traders Association
- Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, RTI activist
- Mr. Vimlendu Jha, environmentalist
- Mr. Anupam, President of Yuva Halla Bol
The initiative aims to foster dialogue on critical urban issues, including governance reforms, public health, and environmental sustainability, offering a platform for citizen participation in shaping the future of Delhi.
Alarming Air Pollution Trends
Delhi’s air quality has remained a recurring challenge, particularly during winter months. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again breached critical thresholds, prompting the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reimpose Stage-3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi experienced 155 days of ‘poor,’ ‘very poor,’ or ‘severe’ air quality in 2024, without a single day of ‘good’ air quality—the first such occurrence in six years. Although there has been a marginal reduction in polluted days from 202 in 2022 to 155 in 2024, the overall situation remains dire.
November remains the most polluted month, with an average AQI of 347, categorized as ‘very poor.’ December followed closely with an average AQI of 330. Even during monsoon months, traditionally seen as a period of better air quality, Delhi has struggled to maintain an average AQI below 120 since 2019.
A Broader Governance Crisis
Beyond the environmental impact, experts have highlighted that Delhi’s air pollution crisis reflects deeper issues related to governance and urban planning. The Hakku Initiative, a research-based non-profit organization focusing on urban reforms, underscores the need for collective action by citizens, policymakers, and activists to restore Delhi as a livable and sustainable metropolis.
Invitation to Citizens
The Hakku initiative invites Delhi’s residents to join this crucial discussion, share their views, and contribute to actionable solutions aimed at reclaiming the city’s vibrancy and livability. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders and policy experts, taking a significant step toward sustainable governance reforms.(PR)