Delhi Air Quality Plummets: Residents Struggle With ‘Very Poor’ AQI Levels

For the third consecutive week after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category, leaving residents struggling with health issues and raising urgent concerns about the city’s pollution crisis. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 362 at 8 a.m. on Sunday, as a dense layer of smog blanketed the city.

Pollution Hotspots Identified

Monitoring stations recorded alarming AQI levels across Delhi:

• Vivek Vihar: 399
• Nehru Nagar: 403
• ITO: 317
• Chandni Chowk: 349

To put these figures into perspective, AQI between 301-400 is classified as ‘very poor,’ while anything above 400 enters the ‘severe’ range.

Health Concerns Mount

Residents voiced their struggles with breathing difficulties, fevers, and other health issues. A cyclist near the India Gate shared, “Pollution has disrupted daily life and made breathing a challenge.” Another resident emphasized the need for stricter measures, suggesting better vehicle checks and curbing stubble burning.

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The situation has also impacted students, with many schools switching to online classes. “It’s become difficult to breathe, and schools are closed. The pollution has even affected travel plans,” lamented a resident near the Red Fort.

Taj Mahal Shrouded in Smog

The pollution’s effects extended to Agra, where the iconic Taj Mahal appeared veiled in a thin layer of smog. The AQI in Agra stood at 139, categorized as ‘moderate.’ A tourist visiting the site expressed disappointment, saying, “The monument is barely visible due to pollution and fog. We hope it clears up soon.”

Supreme Court Steps In

In response to the worsening air quality, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government and police to set up checkpoints at all 113 entry points to the city. The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV measures, which prohibit truck entry into Delhi-NCR and halt public construction projects.

“We are not satisfied with the compliance,” the Court remarked, urging immediate action to enforce GRAP-IV restrictions.

Government Calls for Coordinated Action

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the importance of strict enforcement mechanisms under the Winter Action Plan-2024. Rai directed all departments to submit daily reports on actions taken and progress made under GRAP. He underscored the need for penalties to deter violations of air pollution norms.

The Way Forward

As smog continues to choke the city, residents are urging authorities to implement long-term solutions to Delhi’s pollution problem. Meanwhile, health experts advise using masks and limiting outdoor activities to mitigate exposure to toxic air. The need for sustained and coordinated efforts has never been more critical as the capital grapples with an escalating environmental crisis.