Back in the 60s-70s, it was September-October that used to be the happy autumn time till global warming hit us and it lost its sheen despite all major festivals stacking up, one after the other, calls for forward planning specially if travel is involved or relatives visit ! Yet, there’s no respite from the soaring temperatures even to the most intrepid revelers.
The mantle of the coolest and most happening month has then fallen on December..Not just for its festive ‘Yuletide’ spirit but for being the merry season for ‘shaadis’ galore and chance to adorn three-piece suits, galabands and sherwanis on numerous celebratory functions, when ‘sons & daughters’ of relatives/friends decide to get hitched. The grand show must go on, never mind the ‘century making’ fuel, rising air-fares & tomato prices !
So what’s new with this year’s December. Like every year there’s the usual talk of smoke, fog, smog and polluted air specially around the Capital City and we’re advised to pause and think before breathing. Perilously high ‘AQI’ levels are garnering greater attention than given to ‘SIR’ (With or Without love !). Air Quality Index (AQI) has been heatedly discussed every year for deterioration in Delhi’s highest echelons NCR & neighbouring cities, leading to ‘winters of discontent’ ! The problem has hugely exacerbated this year.
All those involved in the business of controlling the ‘AQI” levels, are well aware that it’s affected by the deadly mix of pollutants that come from sources like vehicle emissions, industrial processes, power plants, farms’ stubble burning and managing city’s garbage as also natural events such as wildfires and dust storms. Massive housing & construction projects that are witnessed in all big cities never stop. Weather conditions, temperature, sunlight, and wind also influence their levels.
Experts are debating round the clock but the ‘AQI’ remains a serious concern not only in the Capital & its vicinity but for all major cities. But what can we do ? Instead of showing anxiety we citizens can help reduce AQI by making conscious choices in daily activities related to using public transport, energy consumption, waste management, community engagement. Collective individual actions can significantly contribute to cleaner air.
Finally, the weather experts are also predicting a harsher winter while the stock markets remain unpredictable due to geo-political uncertainties. But then December has had its contradictions being the birth-month of super-greats like Shakespeare and Einstein and down to Salman Khan ! A humble Sagittarian, I share my birth date with the icons like Brad Pitt and Steven Spielberg and my birth-month with living legends Thalaivar’ Rajnikant ! That said, in uncertain times let’s hope ‘Happier’ winter awaits for all of us !
Working on Living 