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Delhi’s air quality plunged to catastrophic levels on Wednesday, recording the worst pollution in the country as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to a ‘severe’ 454 by evening—the highest this season. By Thursday morning, the situation worsened, with Anand Vihar and other areas registering “severe plus” AQI levels at an alarming 466, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). A toxic blend of dense smog and plummeting wind speeds choked the city, slashing visibility and blanketing the National Capital Region (NCR) in a suffocating haze. Residents woke up gasping in an environmental crisis demanding immediate action.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 12 noon Today, November 15, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 458, Bawana 460, Dwarka Sector 8 444, IGI Airport 447, Mundka 450, Alipur 414, Najafgarh 402, Okhla Phase-2 425, RK Puram 437, and Wazirpur 457 — all falling under the ‘severe’ category.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) attributed the air quality deterioration to “unprecedentedly dense” fog, describing it as an “episodic event” that has amplified pollution levels across the region. The Air Quality Index, which averaged 418 in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon, escalated to 436 by early evening, ultimately crossing into “severe plus” territory later that night. Despite these conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) opted not to enforce Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which would have triggered additional measures like suspending in-person classes for primary schools and halting construction activities.
Dense Smog and Dropping Wind Speeds Compound the Crisis
Delhi’s worsening air quality has been compounded by stagnating wind speeds, which are limiting the dispersion of pollutants. The low winds have allowed pollutants from vehicular traffic, construction dust, and crop residue burning from nearby states to accumulate over the city. In the presence of dense smog, these pollutants are trapped close to the surface, further exacerbating the air quality in already vulnerable areas of the capital.
GRAP Status and Immediate Action Steps
In response to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Under GRAP Stage 3, all construction and demolition activities are halted, except for essential government projects, mining, and stone crushing. Additionally, the use of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles is banned in Delhi and surrounding regions.
If the 24-hour average AQI exceeds the “severe plus” threshold, Stage 4 of GRAP, the highest alert level, could be triggered. This would mandate extreme measures such as a citywide shutdown of industrial activities and a complete ban on construction activities to curb particulate emissions.
Public Health Consequences of the Severe AQI Levels
As the AQI enters the ‘severe’ category, there are rising health risks for Delhi’s population, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. The NCDC warns that prolonged exposure to “severe” AQI levels can lead to adverse health effects, including respiratory issues, decreased lung function, and aggravated cardiovascular conditions. Healthcare providers across the city have already reported an uptick in cases related to respiratory distress, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities and use air purifiers indoors if possible.
Authorities Urge Public Compliance Amid Escalating Crisis
Delhi officials are urging residents to comply with existing pollution control measures, including avoiding the use of personal vehicles and reducing unnecessary outdoor exposure. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the situation, with hopes that improved wind speeds or additional measures will soon bring relief from the dense smog currently blanketing the city.
As the winter season progresses, Delhi’s air quality is likely to face continued challenges, with stakeholders hoping that sustained compliance with GRAP measures will mitigate the impacts on public health. The capital’s residents remain on high alert as they navigate one of the worst air quality events of the season.
References:
https://www.aqi.in/in/dashboard/india/delhi/new-delhi/anand-vihar
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