Post by : Rameen Ariff

Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality on Monday as a thick blanket of smog covered the national capital and surrounding areas, causing significant disruption to daily life. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital was recorded at 454 at 7:05 AM, classifying the air as ‘severe’. On Sunday, AQI levels reached 461, marking the second-worst December air quality in the city’s history.

The dense smog and low visibility forced Delhi airport authorities to cancel forty flights and delay several others. Officials issued advisories urging passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport. IndiGo and Air India also warned travelers of potential disruptions, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on schedules due to poor visibility. Road traffic was similarly affected, as commuters navigated through the thick haze.

Videos circulating on social media showed a heavy layer of smog across various parts of Delhi. In Akshardham, AQI was recorded at 493, while Barapulla flyover registered 433, and Barakhamba Road saw levels of 474. These readings highlight the extreme air pollution affecting residents and daily activities across the city.

To counter the worsening air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest level under its pollution control measures. This step included an immediate ban on all construction and demolition activities in the Delhi-NCR region. The Delhi government also instructed that 50 percent of employees in both government and private offices work from home. Schools up to Class 11, excluding Class 10, were directed to adopt hybrid learning methods, combining online and physical classes to minimize outdoor exposure for students.

The current air quality crisis serves as a reminder of Delhi’s recurring winter pollution challenges, with vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and weather conditions contributing to the toxic haze. Health experts advise residents to stay indoors as much as possible, use air purifiers, and wear protective masks when venturing outside.

As Delhi continues to battle severe smog, residents are urged to monitor AQI updates, follow government advisories, and prioritize health and safety while the capital grapples with one of the worst air pollution events of the season.

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