Delhi woke up on November 17 shrouded under a thick blanket of smog, as the city’s air quality took a nosedive, hitting alarming levels. According to reports, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a staggering 428—firmly placing it within the "severe" category as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This dangerous haze not only made breathing challenging for residents but also severely limited visibility across the city.
Drone footage caught at iconic locations like the New Delhi Railway Station and AIIMS painted a grim picture, showing the smog enveloping buildings and roads alike. Certain areas, such as Patparganj, Mundka, and Jahangirpuri, recorded even more disturbing AQI readings, with figures climbing to 439, 463, and 466, respectively. This toxic atmosphere has been attributed to various factors, primarily local emissions and stubble burning from nearby states.
The air quality crisis also bled over to public transportation. The Delhi airport kicked off low-visibility protocols, which meant extra caution for flights taking off and landing. Fortunately, it was reported flights continued to operate normally. Travelers were advised to keep their ears to the ground for updates from airlines as potential disruptions loomed.
Simultaneously, the Yamuna River also bore the brunt of the pollution crisis, with its surface frothing due to untreated industrial discharge and chemical-laden detergents spilling over. This combination of grim air quality and polluted waterways has made Delhi’s environmental situation increasingly dire.
To combat this air quality emergency, the government activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), implementing urgent measures aimed at curbing pollution. Among these actions was the prohibition of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles on the roads, with those flouting these rules facing hefty fines of ₹20,000 (about $237) under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Other measures included heightened efforts for road cleaning, intensive water spraying to suppress dust, and completely halting any construction or demolition activities within city limits. Such actions aim to mitigate the immediate threats posed by the deteriorated air quality.
Meanwhile, over in Mumbai, the story was quite different. The city awoke to fog but reported moderate air quality, with the AQI standing at 179—significantly lower than Delhi's hazardous levels. Yet, some areas like Malad and Worli still encountered air quality issues, clocking AQI readings of 276 and 250, rendering the misty morning somewhat concerning.
Despite the challenges faced by both metropolises, the stark difference highlights the urgency needed for effective pollution management strategies, particularly as the onset of winter brings with it additional concerns of air quality deterioration. The residents of Delhi, who have borne the brunt of air pollution for years, continue to grapple with the grave health risks tied to poor air quality, underscoring the pressing need for systemic changes.
