The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Delhi-NCR
BY Harshit Singh
|
21 Feb, 2024
10 min read
Delhi, the national capital of our rapidly blooming nation, has always been a paradoxical place to live. As the maze of crowds, cars, and carbon continues to grow, so do the dangers. Pollution—be it air, water, or food—poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of Delhi-NCR's burgeoning population. Yet, with the right knowledge and tools, one can navigate this urban jungle more safely. This blog delves into the essential appliances, devices, and, last but not least, habits that everyone should consider incorporating into their daily lives to counteract the pollution pervasive in Delhi-NCR. From air purifiers to water filters, we've got you covered with the ultimate shopping guide to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle in this dynamic but deadly environment.
Delhi: A Brief History
From being the fabled city of Indraprastha in the Mahabharata to witnessing countless wars and power struggles over its rule, Delhi has always been the background for Indian royalty. As it continued to evolve under the leadership of kings from all over the world, it invariably drew from the best of their varied cultures and cuisines and developed a taste palette that is almost unrivalled in the world. As this affluence and luxury continued to grow, so did the influx of populations from all over the country looking for a better life. Today, with a total population of almost 8 crore, Delhi is one of, if not the most, densely populated areas on the planet.
Delhi: From Population to Pollution
With the years continuing to roll on, we saw ever newer technological wonders pop in. Carts gave way to cars, and local merchants had to pack up their businesses to let the Fourth Industrial Revolution take over. As this ancient land began to witness industries and factories pop up in every nook and cranny, the living conditions, particularly the air, water, and food quality, went for a toss. Factors contributing to the worsening air quality included vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and the burning of crop residue in neighboring states. The situation was exacerbated further during the colder months due to temperature inversion, which traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to hazardous air quality levels.
Delhi: Where We Stand Today
As the industrial boom has continued to climb, so has the population. The rapid industrial growth in Delhi-NCR has been a double-edged sword. On one side, industries such as IT, retail, and manufacturing have flourished, creating a myriad of job opportunities. On the other hand, this economic boom has overshadowed the smaller towns, where unemployment looms large, compelling the youth to migrate to the city in search of a better life. With AQI levels, mostly during the colder months, far worse than WHO's worst nightmares and heavy lead contamination in almost everything grown along the Yamuna floodplains, Delhi is a perilous place to find abode in. To exacerbate this bleak background, the water quality poses it's own set of problems. The water, which is exceptionally
hard, can cause a lot of issues, including hairfall, pore clogging, and skin trouble, along with issues with soap and detergent functions.
Surviving Delhi: Pulling through the Pollution
To combat the relentless assault of pollution on your health, incorporating the following habits and devices into your home can be a game-changer.
HABITS
i) Stay Indoors: As a general rule of thumb, stay indoors. Avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary.
ii) Wear a mask: When going outdoors is unavoidable, wear a PM 2.5 mask
iii) Go Green: Plants are natural purifiers and can help improve indoor air quality. So keep your surroundings as green as possible. Here are a couple of indoor plants that can help you breathe better.
iv) Eat a diet rich in antioxidants: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals, as these foods are known to support lung health and boost your immune system
v) Avoid locally grown produce: As far as possible, avoid vegetables that have been grown locally. For a more detailed list, you can refer to the following artcle. Also, if you order your groceries online, try to go for organic alternatives.
DEVICES & APPLIANCES
i) Air Purifiers
Opt for air purifiers with HEPA filters to significantly reduce indoor air pollutants, ensuring you breathe cleaner air at home.
PRICE RANGE ON FLIPKART: ₹2399-70800
ii) Water Purifiers
Given the compromised water quality, a robust water purifier with Reverse Osmosis (RO) and UV filtration is essential for access to safe drinking water.
Vacuum Cleaners with HEPA Filters:
Keep your living spaces dust- and allergen-free with vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters, especially crucial for those with respiratory issues.
Humidifiers
To counteract the dryness caused by pollution and air conditioning, humidifiers can help maintain healthy humidity levels in your home.
Food Steamers and Blenders
Embrace healthy eating by using steamers to cook without oil and blenders to prepare nutritious fruit and vegetable smoothies.
WITH CASHCRY: ₹215-11397
CONCLUSION
Hence, navigating the complexities of living in and around the national capital region requires more than just awareness; it demands a proactive approach towards maintaining our health and environment.The adoption of healthier habits and the integration of pollution-combatting appliances into our homes are essential steps in this journey. By making informed choices about the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we consume, we can mitigate the adverse effects of pollution on our well-being. It's about creating a sustainable lifestyle that harmonizes with our environment, rather than working against it. As we strive to improve our quality of life amidst the urban sprawl, let's remember that every small action counts. By collectively taking responsibility for our environment and health, we pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future for Delhi-NCR and beyond. Let's not wait for a wake-up call; the time to act is now. As our technological advancements and modern lifestyles have continued to run riot in the environment, nature does not play favourites when it comes to looking for balance. It would do us a world of good to remember that whatever we leave behind after we are gone will be our children's burden to bear. Together, we can turn the tide against pollution and ensure that the legacy we leave for our children is one of hope, health, and harmony.
