Delhi woke up to a chilly Monday morning, with a minimum temperature of 9.2°C recorded at 5:30 a.m. However, despite the respite brought by light rain and a blanket of fog, the city’s air quality remains dangerously toxic.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 410 at 6 a.m., a level categorized as “severe.” The air quality in several areas continued to pose serious health risks, with zones like Wazirpur (464), Ashok Vihar (460), Mundka (446), Burari Crossing (445), and Anand Vihar (443) registering alarming AQI readings. Even regions like Dwarka-Sector 8 (393) and Najafgarh (372) hovered just below the ‘severe’ threshold.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a cloudy sky with light rain, contributing to a thin layer of fog that reduced visibility across the national capital. People took shelter in night homes located at Lodhi Road as the city grappled with the intense cold, as well as the hazardous air quality. Locals reported that the rain began around 5 a.m., bringing a temporary dip in temperature but no relief from the pollution.
The rising levels of PM2.5, the fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs, remain a major concern. On Sunday, 37 out of 39 monitoring stations recorded ‘severe plus’ air quality, indicating that the situation is dire. The high PM2.5 levels are particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
In response to the worsening pollution, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV measures have been in effect across the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16. While these emergency measures aim to reduce pollution levels, their immediate impact has been limited.
The Supreme Court of India recently intervened, directing the neighboring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose firecracker bans similar to Delhi’s and ensure stricter implementation of GRAP measures and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The apex court also ordered the deployment of teams at Delhi’s entry points to monitor compliance with the measures, especially during this critical period.
Residents of Delhi have been facing severe health problems due to the hazardous air quality, with many reporting respiratory issues, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing. The combination of thick fog and toxic air has made life even more difficult for the city’s residents, and calls for stronger, more effective measures to combat the ongoing crisis continue to grow.
Sources By Agencies