Delhi’s air has taken a hazardous turn with the city enveloped in a thick blanket of smog and the AQI reaching alarming levels

Delhi’s pollution levels have once again reached alarming highs, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 400 mark just two days after Diwali. As of Sunday morning, the city witnessed hazardous air conditions, recording AQI values that are 65 times above the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended limits.The city’s air quality entered the “hazardous” category as a thick blanket of smog descended. For context, an AQI level above 450 is classified as ‘severe-plus,’ posing serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and individuals with respiratory issues. On Saturday night, Delhi’s AQI stood at 327, but within just 12 hours, it shot up to 447, marking a significant spike. This worsening air quality is not limited to isolated pockets of the city; regions across Delhi-NCR, including Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela and Sonia Vihar, also recorded dangerously high levels.

Many people reported respiratory issues due to the poor air quality and eye irritation, a direct effect of the dense smog. These symptoms highlight the immediate health repercussions of Delhi’s worsening air quality, especially after Diwali. Firecrackers during Diwali celebrations have a substantial impact on Delhi’s air quality. The smoke and particulate matter released from fireworks contain pollutants like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and heavy metals that remain suspended in the air, exacerbating pollution levels. The annual agricultural practice of stubble burning in neighbouring states, including Punjab and Haryana, contributes to Delhi’s smog. Its persistence remains a critical factor in the air quality crisis. During winter, Delhi’s colder temperatures and lack of strong winds trap pollutants close to the ground. This natural ‘trapping effect’ worsens in the days following Diwali as pollutants from firecrackers and stubble burning accumulate in the air, creating hazardous conditions. In an effort to tackle this recurring issue, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) was implemented in Delhi-NCR starting October 21, following the dip in air quality to the ‘Very Poor’ category. This plan mandates restrictions on activities that contribute to pollution, such as construction and industrial operations. However, despite GRAP-II’s implementation, the AQI remains alarmingly high, showing the need for stricter enforcement and possibly, more robust solutions to address the city’s persistent air quality issues. Delhi’s post-Diwali pollution crisis is a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of air quality management. Efforts to control pollution through initiatives like GRAP and public awareness campaigns have had limited success, underscoring the need for more effective and sustained interventions. A multi-pronged approach involving stricter restrictions on firecrackers, better stubble management practices, and real-time pollution control is essential to bring lasting improvement to Delhi’s air quality. As Delhi faces yet another winter of hazardous air, urgent, long-term solutions are crucial to protect the health and wellbeing of its citizens.