The news from Delhi these past few days fills me with a familiar unease. Reports from the Times of India and ABP Live confirm what many of us already feel: Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the 'severe' and 'very poor' categories, with Akshardham recording an alarming AQI of 409 ["Delhi’s air turns ‘very poor’ as haze and fog blanket city; AQI hits ‘severe’ levels in several areas">(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-air-turns-very-poor-as-haze-and-fog-blanket-city-aqi-hits-severe-levels-in-several-areas/articleshow/124935144.cms), "Delhi Chokes As AQI At Akshardham Hits 409, Falls In ‘Severe’ Category: WATCH">(https://news.abplive.com/cities/delhi-chokes-under-toxic-air-aqi-at-akshardham-reaches-409-falls-in-severe-category-1808748)]. The thick smog, the stinging eyes, the difficulty in breathing—it's a stark reminder of a crisis that seems to recur with disheartening regularity.
Authorities are deploying water sprinklers and anti-smog guns, but these are, at best, temporary palliatives ["Delhi Chokes As AQI At Akshardham Hits 409, Falls In ‘Severe’ Category: WATCH">(https://news.abplive.com/cities/delhi-chokes-under-toxic-air-aqi-at-akshardham-reaches-409-falls-in-severe-category-1808748)]. They tackle the symptoms, not the systemic illness. This situation brings to mind a core idea I’ve often emphasized: the critical need for clear, quantifiable goals and unwavering accountability from our leaders. We cannot afford to be satisfied with vague assurances when the health of our cities, and indeed our very lives, are at stake.
Years ago, I reflected on the political landscape and the drafting of manifestos, particularly in my blog post Arise and Awake. I discussed how figures like P. Chidambaram engaged in public meetings to gather suggestions for election manifestos. While seeking public feedback is commendable, my point was that these promises often lack concrete, measurable targets. We, the citizens, are left with
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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