Dear Editor
Dyer’s insightful article prompts a profound reflection, connecting the events of London in 1952 with the dire reality faced today in Delhi and Lahore.
On December 5, 1952, London was enveloped in the Great Smog, a lethal mix of industrial emissions and weather conditions that claimed up to 10,000 lives. This disaster was fueled by coal-fired power plants, diesel-powered vehicles, and a weather inversion that trapped polluted air over the city. The tragedy spurred the UK to enact strict air pollution laws, like the Clean Air Act of 1956, which served as a model for other nations. However, in countries like India and Pakistan, the lessons of the Great Smog remain unheeded. Cities such as Delhi and Lahore now face smog crises far worse than London’s in 1952, with pollution levels regularly exceeding global hazardous thresholds.
Delhi and Lahore frequently experience “smog seasons” from November to March, with pollution levels skyrocketing to dangerous extremes. Recently, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,758, while Lahore exceeded 1,900—far above the “hazardous” category of 301. These numbers are driven by fine PM2.5 particles, which penetrate deep into the lungs, causing severe respiratory illnesses. The World Health Organization’s safe daily limit for PM2.5 is 5 µg/m³, but on the worst days, Delhi’s levels exceeded 600 µg/m³.
Despite the severity of the problem, responses from governments have been piecemeal. Temporary lockdowns and restrictions on stubble burning have provided brief relief, but no long-term solutions have been implemented. Citizens have expressed frustration, calling the situation “apocalyptic” and demanding meaningful action.
This lack of progress contrasts sharply with London’s swift response to the Great Smog. While South Asian governments acknowledge the crisis, political inertia and resistance from powerful lobbies have prevented significant change.
The smog crises in Delhi and Lahore highlight the failure to act on the lessons of London’s Great Smog. Millions will face reduced life expectancy and worsening health conditions without decisive measures.
Blakemore E. The Great Smog of London woke the world to the dangers of coal. National Geographic, 5 Dec 2022. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com [Accessed 22 Nov 2024].
The Great Smog of London: A Cautionary Tale Ignored?