Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality on Wednesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a severe level of 442 at 7 a.m. Several parts of the city reported even worse conditions, with AQI readings crossing the “severe-plus” threshold under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV curbs.
Out of 37 monitoring stations tracked by the Sameer app, 21 stations recorded AQI in the severe-plus category. The worst-hit areas included Nehru Nagar (480), Anand Vihar (481), and Alipur (471). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorizes AQI levels as follows:
- 401-450: Severe
- Above 450: Severe-Plus
The last time Delhi faced such dire air quality was in mid-November, when similar GRAP restrictions were imposed.
Authorities reinstated GRAP Stage IV restrictions on Monday night to combat the escalating pollution. Key measures include:
- A ban on construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects.
- Restrictions on diesel trucks carrying non-essential goods entering the city.
- Advisories for public and private offices to operate with 50% staff on-site, encouraging remote work.
- Consideration of additional measures like vehicle odd-even schemes and the closure of non-essential establishments.
Why Is Pollution Rising?
Experts attribute the spike to a sharp drop in wind speed, which prevents the dispersion of pollutants. Combined with winter conditions, vehicular emissions, and crop stubble burning, Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated rapidly.
During winters, the GRAP categorizes pollution levels into four stages:
- Stage I (Poor): AQI 201-300
- Stage II (Very Poor): AQI 301-400
- Stage III (Severe): AQI 401-450
- Stage IV (Severe-Plus): AQI above 450
Doctors warn that breathing Delhi’s polluted air is equivalent to smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day. Prolonged exposure can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The Central Pollution Control Board predicts slight improvement on December 19 and 20, with AQI expected to fall to the “very poor” category. However, long-term solutions, including reducing vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants, remain critical to address the recurring crisis.
Residents are advised to minimize outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and adopt air purifiers indoors to mitigate health risks. The situation highlights the urgent need for collective efforts to tackle Delhi’s air pollution crisis.
