A thick layer of smog has again cast a shadow over Delhi, as the air quality index remains firmly embedded in the 'very poor' category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported alarming figures, with drone footage from areas like Mayur Vihar and Kalindi Kunj visually documenting the dense blanket of pollution.
Delhi residents woke up on November 22 to find the capital enveloped in haze, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 371, still categorized as 'very poor.' This degradation has been largely driven by particulate matter, PM2.5, which poses serious risks to health as it can penetrate deep within the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
Indeed, the IQAir, known for tracking pollution globally, reported previously staggering levels, detailing the AQI score soaring to 1,758 just days before. For reference, a score under 101 is deemed acceptable, making the current deteriorated levels not just alarming but hazardous, to say the least. The condition is exacerbated by the PM2.5 concentration levels being recorded at 130.9 times above what the World Health Organization has deemed safe.
These worsening conditions prompted not only public health warnings but also tangible action by authorities. Schools have been shuttered, construction sites closed, and trucking operations limited to curtail the rising pollution levels. Meanwhile, visibility records plummeted, leading to significant disruptions, including the delay of over 14 trains heading to and from Delhi and the rescheduling of 11 others.
Not just Delhi, but surrounding regions like Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad are also reeling, with AQI levels reported at 298, 291, and 243, respectively. The scale of the pollution crisis has reached beyond regional boundaries. Pakistan is facing similar challenges, having to close schools following record levels of smog.
Government efforts to address the crisis have included night-time cleaning and road sweeping to help mitigate adverse air quality. City officials have encouraged the use of public transport and carpooling to help reduce vehicular pollution. The Delhi government has also transitioned to online classes and work-from-home arrangements, taking measures to lessen residents' exposure to the toxic air.
Regulatory bodies like the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have introduced stricter measures as well. Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), it is now obligatory for local governments to transition classes for lower grades to online formats, thereby pulling physical education out of the equation during extreme pollution. This change also marks a pivotal shift, introducing mandatory restrictions rather than leaving such decisions to state discretion.
Staggered work hours for public offices and municipal bodies were imposed to battle traffic congestion contributing to pollution emissions. Mask advisories have been issued, urging citizens to protect themselves through personal safety measures. These actions reflect growing urgency and recognition of the environmental disaster affecting millions.
While Delhi's pollution crisis is not new, the increasing severity signals the demand for serious attention and effective long-term solutions. Experts and advocates alike are advocating for improved infrastructure, cleaner energy options, and comprehensive environmental policies so the future doesn't repeat the same disheartening patterns of air quality deterioration.
