New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality remains in the “severe” category for the third consecutive day, with the city now ranked the second most polluted globally. According to Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 498 on Friday morning, trailing only Lahore, Pakistan, which reported a shocking AQI of 770.
Top Polluted Areas in Delhi
The Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app highlighted the city’s worst-affected areas:
Jahangirpuri: AQI 458
Bawana: AQI 455
Wazirpur: AQI 455
Rohini: AQI 452
Punjabi Bagh: AQI 443
Transport Hit Hard by Smog
Thick smog reduced visibility across the city, with Palam and Safdarjung areas reporting visibility as low as 500m and 400m, respectively. This has severely disrupted transport services:
- Multiple delays were reported at Delhi airport, with several IndiGo and SpiceJet flights to and from Amritsar, Darbhanga, and other cities running late.
- Over 25 trains arriving at New Delhi railway station are delayed by more than two hours due to reduced visibility.
Schools Move Online
With no immediate relief in sight, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that all primary schools in the city would shift to online classes. “The safety of children is our priority,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
To combat the alarming pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage 3 of the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP). Key measures include:
- Construction Ban: Non-essential construction and demolition activities are halted.
- Vehicle Restrictions: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are banned in Delhi and parts of the NCR, including Gurugram and Noida.
- Industrial Controls: Only industries using approved fuels are permitted to operate.
- Public Transport Boost: Increased public transport services and incentives for off-peak travel are being implemented.
Dust Suppression: Enhanced road sweeping and water sprinkling to reduce dust pollution.
Health Risks on the Rise
Medical experts are raising alarms about the health implications of prolonged exposure to such severe pollution. Dr. Sukrit Singh Sethi, a gastroenterology consultant at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, warned about the impact on gut health, stating, “Polluted air can lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, disrupting the microbiome and overall health.”
Doctors advise residents to limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, typically in the early morning and evening. The use of high-quality masks and air purifiers is strongly encouraged.
Relief on the Horizon?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts increased wind activity in the coming days, which could help improve the air quality slightly. However, with AQI levels still in the “severe” category, the city continues to grapple with the pressing health and environmental crisis.