Delhi’s air quality stays in poor category.
The worsening air quality in the national capital has led to a significant increase in respiratory problems, with cases surging by 30-40 percent. Children and the elderly are the most affected, as they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. Medical experts report a rise in conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing difficulties, with many patients experiencing aggravated symptoms. Hospitals are witnessing a growing number of people seeking medical help for respiratory issues. Authorities are advising residents to take precautions, such as wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities, to protect against the poor air quality.
New Delhi: On Thursday, Delhi continued to struggle with escalating air pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ category across many parts of the city. At 9 a.m., the AQI was recorded at 328, accompanied by a thick layer of smog blanketing the city during the morning hours, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The worsening air quality has sparked concerns among health experts and authorities, especially as respiratory issues surge and anti-pollution measures come into effect.
The CPCB classifies air quality into four distinct categories: Stage I ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300), Stage II ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400), Stage III ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450), and Stage IV ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI >450). The ‘very poor’ category, where Delhi’s AQI has settled, indicates that prolonged exposure may cause respiratory distress in people with underlying health conditions and could significantly affect healthy individuals. Among the 24 areas in the national capital where the AQI registered in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday and Thursday morning were Dwarka, Rohini, DTU, IGI Airport (T3)
Delhi typically experiences a worsening of air quality during the winter months due to a combination of factors. Low wind speeds, dropping temperatures, high moisture levels, and pollution particles all contribute to the phenomenon. The cooler temperatures cause the air to become denser, trapping pollutants near the ground and creating a layer of smog that lingers over the city. High humidity levels, such as the 70 percent recorded at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, further exacerbate the situation, allowing pollutants to adhere to water droplets, which makes the smog even thicker and more persistent.
Health experts have noted a worrying increase in respiratory problems as air quality deteriorates. The poor air quality has led to a 30-40 percent rise in respiratory issues, with children and the elderly being the most vulnerable. Hospitals across the city are seeing a surge in cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing difficulties, as the thick smog aggravates existing conditions and poses a risk to otherwise healthy individuals. Medical professionals are advising residents, especially those with respiratory ailments, to stay indoors as much as possible and use masks when going outside to minimize exposure to harmful pollutants.
In response to the rising pollution levels, anti-pollution restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – Stage II were enforced starting Tuesday. GRAP is a set of emergency measures to be implemented in the Delhi-NCR region to combat air pollution, with actions intensifying as the air quality worsens. Stage II measures include restrictions on construction activities, intensified mechanical road cleaning, and a ban on the use of diesel generator sets, except for essential services. The goal is to limit the sources of pollution and curb the levels of particulate matter in the air, thereby improving overall air quality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has noted that despite the implementation of GRAP measures, the air quality may continue to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next few days due to persistent unfavorable meteorological conditions. While the department has predicted mainly clear skies for the upcoming three days, the pollution levels are unlikely to decrease significantly in the absence of strong winds or rain to disperse the accumulated pollutants. The minimum temperature in the city on Thursday was recorded at 20.7 degrees Celsius, which is three notches above the season’s average, while the maximum temperature is expected to be around 33 degrees Celsius.
Efforts to mitigate the impact of deteriorating air quality also involve awareness campaigns to encourage the use of public transport, carpooling, and avoiding the burning of waste. Authorities are urging residents to avoid outdoor exercise during the morning hours when pollution levels are at their peak. The health department has advised people with respiratory conditions to follow their treatment plans closely and keep emergency medication accessible.
The situation in Delhi reflects a broader regional issue, as neighboring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) also experience a decline in air quality. Pollution from industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and stubble burning in neighboring states contributes significantly to the smog enveloping Delhi. Despite efforts to regulate stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, the practice continues to exacerbate the air quality situation during the winter, as smoke from burning crop residue drifts into the NCR, compounding local pollution sources.
Addressing the air quality crisis requires coordinated efforts at the regional and national levels, with long-term strategies aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels, promoting green energy, and adopting stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles. While emergency measures like GRAP can help alleviate immediate health risks, sustainable solutions are necessary to prevent recurring air pollution crises and ensure healthier living conditions for the city’s residents.
In light of the current situation, the government has intensified monitoring of pollution sources and is working with various agencies to enforce environmental regulations more rigorously. The Delhi government is also exploring additional measures such as extending the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme, which aims to reduce vehicular traffic during periods of high pollution. The success of these efforts depends on the active participation of the public and strict adherence to guidelines designed to reduce emissions.
As Delhi continues to grapple with the impacts of poor air quality, authorities remain on alert, and further restrictions could be implemented if conditions worsen. The emphasis remains on safeguarding public health and minimizing the adverse effects of air pollution, especially for the most vulnerable populations, until air quality shows significant improvement.