Thick Smog Blankets the City, Visibility Drops to 150 Metres
Delhi woke up to its worst air quality of the season on Friday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a hazardous level of 481, categorized as “severe-plus.” A dense smog layer enveloped the city, reducing visibility to as low as 150 metres in some areas and causing widespread disruptions, including potential delays in flight operations.
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The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) attributed the alarming AQI levels to “unfavourable meteorological conditions” combined with the effects of stubble burning in nearby states and stagnant cold air.
What Do AQI Levels Indicate?
The AQI categorizes air quality into six bands:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401 and above: Severe/Severe-Plus
An AQI above 450, such as Delhi’s current level, indicates “severe-plus” conditions, posing significant health risks to residents, especially children, senior citizens, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
GRAP Stage 4 Activated to Combat Pollution
To address the crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Stage 4 is reserved for “severe-plus” air quality and introduces stringent pollution control measures.
Key Measures Under GRAP Stage 4:
- Ban on Trucks:
Only trucks carrying essential items or running on clean fuels like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel are permitted to enter Delhi. - Restrictions on Commercial Vehicles:
Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are prohibited unless they use clean fuels or transport essential goods. - Ban on Diesel Vehicles:
Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned except for essential services. - Suspension of Construction Activities:
All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects such as roads, flyovers, and power lines, are halted. - Work-from-Home Recommendations:
Public and private offices in Delhi-NCR are advised to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the workforce working remotely. - Closure of Schools and Colleges:
In-person classes are suspended except for students in Grades 10 and 12. - Odd-Even Rule Consideration:
State governments are contemplating implementing odd-even vehicle rationing to further reduce traffic emissions.
Stubble Burning: A Persistent Challenge
Approximately 38% of Delhi’s pollution this year is attributed to stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. Each winter, farm fires increase dramatically as farmers clear their fields for the next crop, releasing harmful particulates and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Despite legal restrictions and financial aid for alternatives, the practice continues to exacerbate Delhi’s air quality woes.
Health Advisory for Residents
The CAQM has issued a health advisory urging residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, to stay indoors.
Winter Smog: A Recurring Crisis
Delhi grapples with hazardous smog each winter due to a combination of factors:
- Stagnant Air: Cold weather traps dust, emissions, and smoke closer to the ground.
- Vehicular Emissions: High vehicle density contributes significantly to air pollution.
- Industrial Emissions: Factories and construction sites emit harmful particulates.
- Farm Fires: Seasonal stubble burning further compounds the crisis.
Call to Action
Delhi’s escalating pollution levels demand immediate and coordinated action from authorities, industries, and citizens alike. While GRAP measures provide temporary relief, long-term solutions such as cleaner fuels, better waste management, and stricter enforcement of stubble-burning bans are essential to combat this annual health emergency.
Residents are encouraged to use air purifiers indoors, avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and adopt sustainable commuting practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Delhi’s smog serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to ensure cleaner air for future generations.