Air Quality In Delhi-NCR Plummets To Hazardous Levels

Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with worsening air pollution, with air quality posing severe health risks to its residents. On Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 318, categorizing it as “very poor,” according to official data. Neighboring cities like Noida and Gurugram also reported air quality in the “very poor” to “severe” range.

Alarming Levels in Anand Vihar

Anand Vihar, one of Delhi’s most polluted regions, recorded a staggering AQI of 505 at 8 A.M., placing it in the hazardous category. This grim milestone highlights the rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions across the city.

Regional Impact: Widespread Pollution

The toxic air extends beyond Delhi, affecting neighboring cities. On Saturday morning, Noida recorded an AQI of 267, Greater Noida 286, and Ghaziabad 250. In Haryana, Gurugram’s AQI stood at 284. Most areas in these regions remain in the “very poor” to “severe” categories, making daily life increasingly challenging for residents.

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However, Noida’s Sector 125 offered a slight respite with an AQI of 184, falling in the “moderate” to “poor” range. This isolated improvement stands in stark contrast to the broader crisis engulfing the region.

Drop in Temperature Adds to the Crisis

The plummeting air quality is compounded by a significant drop in temperature. On Friday morning, Delhi recorded a low of 9.5 degrees Celsius, one degree below the season’s normal, marking the coldest day this winter. The cooler temperatures exacerbate the effects of pollution, trapping harmful particles closer to the ground.

Supreme Court Intervenes

In response to the escalating crisis, the Supreme Court has mandated the continued implementation of all Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-4 measures, except those affecting schools, until the next hearing on December 2.

The court criticized lapses in GRAP-4 enforcement and warned of action against officials responsible for non-compliance. It also directed state governments to use the labour cess to support construction workers affected by the ongoing construction ban.

Strict Measures in Place

Authorities have imposed stringent restrictions to curb pollution. Under GRAP-4:

• Non-essential trucks are banned from entering Delhi unless they carry essential goods or run on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electricity.
• Construction activities for public infrastructure projects have been suspended to reduce dust pollution, a significant contributor to the crisis.

The court has ruled out easing restrictions under GRAP-3 or GRAP-2 until AQI levels show consistent improvement, ensuring a cautious approach to managing the situation.

A Regional Emergency

Delhi-NCR’s persistent air pollution crisis underscores the urgent need for effective measures to protect public health. As residents endure hazardous air quality and colder temperatures, authorities face mounting pressure to enforce stricter pollution control mechanisms and provide relief to affected communities.