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India’s national capital continues to grapple with hazardous air pollution, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to an alarming 430 on Wednesday morning, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Among the worst-hit areas were Mundka (AQI 464), Wazirpur, and Alipur (462). Visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport was reduced to 800 meters due to smog and shallow fog, with conditions expected to persist throughout the day, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Government’s Response to the Crisis
In light of the deteriorating air quality, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a partial work-from-home policy for 50% of the state government’s employees to reduce vehicular emissions. Rai also urged the Central government to permit artificial rain to clear the smog and demanded an urgent meeting with experts from IIT Kanpur and central agencies.
Rai also emphasized the need for Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures to be uniformly implemented across North India, alleging rule violations in states governed by the BJP.
Health Sector on High Alert
The severe pollution has led to a sharp rise in respiratory ailments across Delhi. Responding to the crisis, the Delhi government instructed all its hospitals to set up special teams to handle respiratory cases. Hospitals have been directed to monitor and report daily cases of respiratory issues in outpatient and inpatient departments and flag any unusual spikes promptly.
“This is a public health emergency,” said a senior official from the Delhi Health Department. “Our hospitals are on high alert, and teams of specialists are ready to provide comprehensive care to patients affected by pollution.”
Supreme Court’s Directive
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court intervened, mandating strict implementation of Stage 4 of the GRAP in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The apex court instructed all NCR states to constitute monitoring teams to ensure compliance and directed them to decide on suspending physical school classes immediately.
Farm Fires and Weather Worsen the Crisis
The current pollution spike can be attributed to a mix of local and external factors. On Monday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 494, the highest since the AQI model’s implementation, with stubble burning contributing 19.18% of the city’s particulate matter. Low wind speeds, dense fog, and a drop in temperatures further exacerbated the situation, trapping pollutants in the lower atmosphere.
Local emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, open burning, and dust remain year-round challenges. Of the city’s 40 air quality monitoring stations, 15 recorded the maximum AQI value of 500 on Monday.
Also Read: Delhi’s Air Quality Hits “Severe” Mark, NCR Engulfed in Heavy Smog, GRAP Stage 3 Activated
References:
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-air-pollution-live-updates-aqi-grap-9678924
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