Delhi continues to battle a severe air pollution crisis as dense smog once again blanketed the national capital, causing disruptions and heightening health concerns. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the city stood at a hazardous 432 early this morning, marking a slight improvement from 452 late last night. Despite the minor decrease, the air quality remains firmly in the 'severe' category, posing significant risks to the health of residents, particularly those with existing respiratory conditions. The thick smog has drastically reduced visibility across the city, leading to delays in air traffic. At Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, visibility dropped from 800 meters to just 500 meters between 5:30 am and 6:30 am, causing major disruptions. A total of 203 flights were delayed, according to data from Flight Trader, highlighting the widespread impact of the pollution on everyday life.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported alarmingly high AQI levels in several parts of Delhi, including Anand Vihar, Dwarka, Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, and Punjabi Bagh, all exceeding 450. These figures fall within the 'severe' category, which indicates that the air is highly polluted and poses severe health risks, even for individuals without pre-existing health conditions. Long-term exposure to such poor air quality can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other serious health conditions. For the elderly, children, and those with asthma or heart conditions, the current pollution levels can be particularly dangerous.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, IndiGo airlines issued a travel advisory via their official X handle, cautioning passengers about potential delays due to dense winter fog in Delhi, as well as in Amritsar and Varanasi. They urged travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport and advised allocating extra time for their journeys due to the slow movement of traffic in the smoggy conditions. Meanwhile, Delhi Airport also issued a statement, confirming that low visibility procedures were in place but assuring that flight operations remained "normal." Nevertheless, departures are currently experiencing average delays of about 30 minutes as a result of the smog and poor visibility.
The long-standing issue of Delhi's winter air pollution has once again ignited political debates. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva took a strong stance against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, blaming it for the continued decline in air quality. Speaking from Kartavya Path, where visibility was so poor that he claimed he couldn't even make out the iconic India Gate, Sachdeva accused the local government of neglecting long-term environmental planning. He highlighted the high concentration of PM 2.5 pollutants, a primary contributor to the city’s air quality issues, linking them to dust generated by poorly maintained roads and to the estimated daily release of 3,100 tonnes of untreated CNG waste, a figure that he attributed to concerns previously expressed by the Supreme Court.
Sachdeva also emphasized the impact of stubble burning in neighboring Punjab, suggesting that the practice significantly exacerbates Delhi’s air quality crisis each winter. He urged the government to implement more stringent measures to curb pollution, such as enforcing a ban on crop burning and improving waste management practices within the city. Additionally, he recommended declaring school holidays during peak pollution periods and discouraging residents from engaging in outdoor activities, especially during early mornings when pollution levels tend to be at their worst.
Health experts have echoed similar concerns, warning that the current levels of pollution are dangerous for all demographics, not just vulnerable groups. Exposure to such poor air quality can trigger severe respiratory problems, skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue, with the potential for long-term consequences like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease. Hospitals in Delhi are already witnessing a surge in patients reporting respiratory issues, with many struggling with asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related problems. Medical professionals are advising people to wear masks, use air purifiers indoors, and limit outdoor exposure as much as possible during this period.
To combat the persistent smog, the Delhi government has rolled out various measures, including implementing a ban on construction activities, enforcing traffic restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and deploying water-spraying mechanisms to settle dust in high-traffic areas. However, many citizens and environmental activists argue that these efforts fall short of addressing the root causes of the pollution crisis. Experts emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach, including stricter industrial regulations, investment in public transportation, and greater incentives for renewable energy adoption.
As winter deepens, the challenges posed by air pollution in Delhi are expected to intensify, prompting increased scrutiny on the government's environmental policies and its ability to manage the city's chronic pollution issues. Without a significant shift in policy and behavior, the national capital may face recurring health crises each winter season, impacting not only public health but also the city’s economy and daily life.
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