博客

As the seasons transition in Delhi, India’s capital, residents are preparing for more than just festive celebrations. For many, the approach of winter marks the return of a hazardous annual phenomenon: toxic smog. Local people, such as teacher Meenu Rana, find themselves unpacking air purifiers alongside holiday decorations as the atmosphere becomes increasingly difficult to breathe.

Delhi frequently reports some of the world’s most severe pollution levels, yet the situation worsens significantly during the colder months. The scientific explanation for this seasonal shift is relatively simple. As temperatures drop and wind speeds decrease, harmful pollutants are trapped near the ground rather than being dispersed into the atmosphere. This dense, grey haze is a combination of smoke from crop burning in surrounding states, industrial waste, and vehicle exhaust fumes.

In an effort to mitigate this crisis, the Delhi government has launched a comprehensive Winter Action Plan. Unlike in previous years, this initiative was introduced well in advance of the most critical period and will remain in place until late February. Key measures include banning dust-generating construction work and restricting the entry of older, high-emission vehicles. Additionally, drivers are now required to present valid emission certificates at petrol stations; otherwise, they are refused fuel.

While experts acknowledge that the plan is a positive development, they point out that past interventions were often delayed until the air quality had already reached dangerous levels. Nevertheless, there is a consensus that these short-term measures might not suffice to address the issue permanently. Critics argue that without holistic, long-term strategies, the city will continue to be caught in a cycle of seasonal pollution.

For the authorities, the implementation of this plan is a crucial test of their dedication to public health. Meanwhile, as citizens face another season of respiratory problems and are forced to wear masks, the root causes of the smog remain a major concern. The question persists as to whether government policies can eventually overcome the environmental challenges that affect millions of lives every year.

1. What is the main purpose of the article?

• A.To explain the cultural importance of winter festivals in Delhi.
• B.To describe the health benefits of using air purifiers in India.
• C.To discuss Delhi’s recurring pollution problem and the government’s response.
• D.To argue that vehicle emissions are the only cause of smog in Delhi.

2. According to the text, why does pollution become more severe in winter?

• A.There is a massive increase in factory production during December.
• B.Colder temperatures and slower winds prevent pollutants from spreading.
• C.Neighboring states only burn crops when the weather is cold.
• D.The city’s air purifiers stop working efficiently in low temperatures.

3. What does the author imply about the government’s actions in previous years?

• A.They were far more effective than the current Winter Action Plan.
• B.They focused exclusively on banning outdoor construction projects.
• C.They were usually started too late to prevent the worst of the smog.
• D.They were ignored by the majority of Delhi’s local residents.

4. What is the experts’ attitude toward the new Winter Action Plan?

• A.They believe it is a perfect and permanent solution to the crisis.
• B.They are skeptical that it will have any impact on air quality at all.
• C.They feel it focuses too much on cars and ignores industrial waste.
• D.They see it as a good starting point but think it lacks long-term depth.

5. In the third paragraph, what does the word ‘mitigate’ mean?

• A.To make something less harmful or serious.
• B.To investigate the origins of a problem.
• C.To encourage something to happen more quickly.
• D.To publicly announce a change in the law.