Delhi’s air quality has taken a significant turn for the worse, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared beyond 400 in multiple regions of the city on Monday. This alarming development indicates a serious shift into the "severe" pollution category, further exacerbating public health concerns in a metropolis that has long struggled with air quality issues. The recent spike in pollution levels follows a distressing trend observed over the weekend, particularly on Sunday, when the city recorded its worst AQI reading of the season at 382, a considerable increase from 316 just a day earlier.
According to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations across the city reported disconcerting AQI levels exceeding 400 by 7 a.m. on Monday morning. Some of the most affected areas included Anand Vihar, which recorded an AQI of 433, Wazirpur at 414, Jahangirpuri at 413, Rohini at 409, and Punjabi Bagh at 404. These high figures serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing air quality crisis that plagues the national capital, posing severe risks to the health and well-being of its residents.
The deteriorating air quality can be largely attributed to a combination of unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low temperatures and stagnant winds that have significantly hindered the dispersion of airborne pollutants. As stated by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (EWS), these adverse meteorological conditions are likely to persist, contributing to an environment where pollutants remain trapped close to the ground, thus exacerbating the pollution crisis.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued forecasts indicating the potential for mist or smog to linger during the early hours from Monday through Wednesday. Wind speeds are anticipated to remain low, below 10 km/h, which could further exacerbate the already dire air quality situation in the city, making it increasingly difficult for pollutants to disperse and clear from the atmosphere.
In an effort to combat the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken proactive measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This comprehensive strategy is designed to address the sources of pollution and enforce compliance with environmental regulations. Notably, the CAQM has ordered the closure of 56 construction and demolition sites that were found to be in violation of pollution control norms. Additionally, fines were imposed on 597 sites that failed to adhere to established pollution standards between October 15 and October 31.
To further address the pollution crisis, the CAQM has been actively penalizing vehicles lacking valid pollution-under-control certificates. So far, around 54,000 such vehicles have been penalized to ensure compliance and reduce emissions from older, more polluting vehicles. Moreover, the agency has impounded over 3,900 vehicles that exceed the prescribed age limit, which significantly contributes to the deteriorating air quality.
The CAQM's efforts also include a crackdown on illegal waste dumping, with over 5,300 inspections conducted to identify and take action against violators. These measures aim to reduce the volume of waste entering landfills, which can release harmful pollutants into the air.
To combat road dust—a significant contributor to air pollution in urban environments—the CAQM has deployed an array of mechanical road-sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). Approximately 600 sprinklers and anti-smog guns are utilized on a daily basis to mitigate the impact of road dust, demonstrating a commitment to improving air quality and reducing pollution levels.
As the air quality crisis in Delhi continues to unfold, these proactive measures reflect a concerted effort by authorities to restore cleaner air to the city. However, the persistent meteorological challenges present significant obstacles to achieving immediate improvements. Public health officials and environmental advocates remain vigilant, closely monitoring air quality trends while hoping for a shift in weather patterns that might help alleviate the severe pollution gripping the city. With public awareness of air quality issues growing, the importance of continued action and engagement from both government authorities and the community remains critical in addressing the complex and persistent problem of air pollution in Delhi.
