Delhi Faces Severe Smog And Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Tuesday morning, with air quality plunging back into the “severe” category. The heavy pollution drastically reduced visibility across the city, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

By 6 a.m. on Tuesday, air quality readings across key monitoring stations were alarming. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 465, Ashok Vihar reached 456, DTU measured 447, ITO hit 443, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium stood at 412, and RK Puram reached 427. The overall AQI for the capital was 401 on Monday night, a stark increase from 294 on Sunday and 193 on Saturday, signaling a rapid deterioration in just two days.

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Experts attribute this sharp rise in pollution to a significant drop in wind speed, which has allowed pollutants to accumulate in the atmosphere. With forecasts predicting continued adverse meteorological conditions, experts warn that the air quality will remain at the “very poor” to “severe” levels in the coming days.

Authorities Respond With Emergency Measures

In response to the crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) late Monday evening after an emergency meeting. Stage 3 measures, which implement earlier in the day, proved inadequate as pollution levels continued to climb.

Under Stage 4 measures, all school classes in Delhi and the NCR districts, except for grades 10 and 12, will transition to a “hybrid” learning mode, combining online and offline classes. The Directorate of Education (DoE) had already directed primary schools to adopt hybrid learning under Stage 3.

Health Risks And Urgent Warnings For Residents

However, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies an AQI over 400 as “severe,” signaling a high risk of serious health issues for all residents. Authorities have urged strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures and advised vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities.

As winter intensifies, the battle against smog in Delhi remains a major concern. With pollution levels further continuing to rise, the city’s efforts to combat air quality deterioration will be put to the test in the coming days. The ongoing crisis further highlights the urgent need for sustained action to protect public health and improve the city’s air quality.