Delhi residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Wednesday, as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 379 by 9:30 AM. This marks a significant increase from 331 the previous day, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The reading places the capital firmly in the 'very poor' category, raising serious health concerns across the National Capital Region (NCR).
The deterioration follows a brief respite earlier in the week. Delhi’s city-level AQI was 117 on October 31, but quickly climbed to 261 on November 1, reaching 324 on Monday, and 331 on Tuesday morning.
Localities Cross 'Severe' Threshold
An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as 'very poor,' a level at which prolonged exposure can cause respiratory illness for most individuals. Alarmingly, several localities within Delhi have already surpassed the 'severe' threshold of 400, where the air poses an immediate and serious health risk even for healthy individuals.
- Jahangirpuri: Recorded the highest AQI at 449
- Rohini: Followed with an AQI of 429
- Punjabi Bagh: Registered an AQI of 424
Other areas, including Vivek Vihar, Alipur, Narela, and Bawana, also reported readings above 400 on Tuesday.
GRAP-II Curbs Implemented
In response to the worsening air quality, authorities have activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II). These measures include intensified checks on vehicles entering Delhi, with traffic police inspecting pollution-under-control certificates and restricting the entry of vehicles below BS-IV emission norms at border points.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has attributed the sudden spike in pollution to unfavorable meteorological conditions, particularly north-westerly winds carrying pollutants towards Delhi-NCR. Forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology suggest that air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' range in the coming days, especially with Diwali approaching.
Health Advisories for Residents
Health experts are advising vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions, to significantly limit outdoor activities. Residents are also encouraged to use masks outdoors, keep windows closed during peak smog hours, and utilize air purifiers indoors where available.
As Delhi grapples with this recurring crisis, the persistent pollution remains a critical challenge for both policymakers and its millions of residents.