Toxic Smog Pushes Delhi-NCR Into Severe Air Pollution Emergency

Toxic smog pushed Delhi-NCR into a severe air pollution emergency. Authorities sounded the alarm after pollution levels shattered recent records, raising sharp political and public health concerns.

Air quality deteriorated rapidly over the past few days. Monitoring stations across Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad reported AQI readings well above 450, with some areas nearing the 500 mark.

The hazardous air turned the NCR into a virtual gas chamber, disrupting daily life and heightening anxiety among residents.

Delhi faced the worst impact. Most air monitoring stations recorded ‘severe’ pollution.

Anand Vihar posted an AQI of 461, Ashok Vihar touched 471, and Wazirpur climbed to 473. Vivek Vihar recorded 472, Rohini 471, and Jahangirpuri 468. Chandni Chowk registered 454, while Bawana stood at 442. The figures exposed the scale and spread of the crisis across the capital.

Other locations offered little relief. ITO recorded an AQI of 430, R K Puram stood at 439, and Sonia Vihar reached 467. Mandir Marg reported 371.

Even IGI Airport’s Terminal-3 recorded an AQI of 339, placing it between ‘poor’ and ‘severe’. Officials confirmed that neighbouring cities faced similar distress.

Noida reported high pollution levels, with Sector 1 at 439, Sector 116 at 422, and Sector 62 at 375. Ghaziabad recorded even graver numbers.

Loni touched 476, Vasundhara reached 457, and Indirapuram crossed 433. Sanjay Nagar stood at 389. The data confirmed that the pollution crisis had engulfed the entire NCR.

The Indian Meteorological Department reported that dense fog and smog have been blanketing the region since January 19.

Experts blamed high humidity and low wind speed for trapping pollutants close to the ground.

GRAP Phase 4 Enforced to Curb Pollution

Responding to the crisis, authorities enforced Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan.

Agencies intensified vehicle checks, stopped polluting vehicles, and halted construction activities.

Administrators urged citizens to stay indoors, wear masks, and protect children and the elderly. Experts warned that without weather relief, the situation could worsen further.

Also Read: Delhi Chokes As Air Quality Slips Into ‘Severe’ Category During Cold Wave