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

New Delhi: The way Delhi is being smothered by smog almost every winter is reminiscent of the 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 themselves from the killing smog year after year. A thick layer of toxic smog has shrouded Delhi, Amritsar and the majority of North India in the 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. The situation is reminiscent of the great smog of London (1952) when it witnessed a similar smog that crippled the city, forcing schools to shut and offices to remain closed.

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

Great Smog of London

The 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, the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill facing intense criticism. As the Opposition and media cried for Churchill's resignation, the weather improved but not before highlighting how London had failed to prepare for the situation as thousands of people died. The incident was also depicted in the popular Netflix series, The Crown. 

The smog had a significant impact, drastically lowering visibility and even creeping into indoor spaces, much worse than previous smog episodes known as "pea-soupers." The 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 the actual number of deaths linked to the event could be as high as 12,000.

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

How London Dealt With The Smog Problem 

• Clean Air Act 1956: In response to the environmental disaster, the Clean Air Act of 1956 was enforced in the city. The law aimed at controlling sources of air pollution from homes and industries which meant setting rules for reducing the amount of smoke emanating from chimneys, hence, encouraging the use of cleaner fuels in cities. This law also mandated moving certain industrial processes away from crowded areas.
• Transition Towards Cleaner Fuels: Due to the 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 the air were shifted to less densely populated areas. This significantly reduced the health risks to people.
• Improving Travel Infra: The disaster also prompted London to invest in enhancing its public transportation system. Soon after, electric buses were introduced in the city, making it easier for people to use cleaner modes of transportation.
• Monitoring Air Quality: Systems were set up to monitor the quality of the air. After the system were brought into use, it became much easier for them to track pollution levels and give early warnings if there was a risk of smog.
• Public awareness: Information campaigns were launched to spread awareness among people about the life risks associated with air pollution. They encouraged individuals to take steps to reduce their contribution to pollution.
• Urban Planning: There were efforts to change how the 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 The Pollution Crisis?

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

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

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