Delhi is currently grappling with severe air pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels on December 18, 2024. By 8 AM, the AQI was recorded at 442, classifying the air quality as "severe," and prompting the reimposition of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This situation marks one of the worst air quality levels seen since November.
The CPCB reported severe pollution levels stemming from calm winds, increased traffic due to cold weather, and low visibility caused by thick fog blanketing the city. On this day, the most affected areas included Anand Vihar and Burari, where AQI readings soared above 480. Out of 37 monitoring stations across the city, 32 reported severe AQI levels.
"Delhi is grappling with alarming pollution levels," noted authorities, emphasizing urgent attention as the healthy population is also severely impacted by the toxic air. With PM2.5 levels recorded at 248.5 micrograms per cubic meter, it is alarming to note this concentration is over sixteen times the World Health Organization's permissible limit of 15 micrograms.
Under the enforced GRAP Stage IV, the Delhi government has implemented strict anti-pollution measures aimed at curbing the worsening situation. These measures include banning all construction activities and restricting the entry of trucks transporting non-essential goods. Educational institutions have altered schedules, allowing for remote learning and minimizing exposure for junior classes.
"This is the first time since mid-November where Delhi's air quality has entered the severe-plus category," reported real-time updates from the Sameer app, which monitors the AQI across various parts of the city.
On December 18, visibility within India’s capital was dangerously low, deteriorated by smog and fog. At the Delhi airport, visibility dropped to just 300 meters as traffic restrictions were enacted. According to the IMD, the combination of high humidity and low winds exacerbated pollution levels throughout the day.
The CPCB categorizes AQI levels, defining 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, 401-450 as severe, and anything above 450 as severe-plus. With the city seeing over half of its monitoring stations indicating AQI levels well beyond these thresholds, health experts caution against outdoor activities. The advisories particularly stress the vulnerabilities of at-risk groups, such as children and the elderly.
"Breathing Delhi's polluted air is equivalent to smoking approximately 10 cigarettes a day," according to health experts, highlighting the severe health risks posed to the population.
Forecasters warn of continuing adverse weather conditions contributing to these pollution levels. The India Meteorological Department predicts the persistence of cold wave conditions, with temperatures fluctuated around 6-8 degrees Celsius, alongside low wind activity, worsening the air quality scenario.
Despite the measures taken, the effectiveness of the enforced GRAP Stage IV measures remains to be seen. The need for longer-term solutions to address the continuing air quality crisis has never been more urgent. Local authorities might need to focus not just on reactive measures but also on proactive strategies to improve the overall environmental health of the capital. Experts cite the convergence of vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and local farming practices—such as burning crop stubble—as contributing factors to this persistent crisis.
The people of Delhi continue to navigate this worrying reality, hoping for clearer skies and sustainable solutions, but the outlook remains bleak without effective and immediate intervention.
