Delhi Air Quality Remains Poor as Fog Disrupts North India
A thick layer of fog blanketed Punjab, Haryana, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, disrupting visibility and travel. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for dense fog in isolated regions, causing disruptions in road and air transport. In Delhi, the air quality remained at an alarming level, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 247, categorised as ‘poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). While the temperature in Delhi stood at 14.4°C with humidity at 91 per cent, wind conditions remained largely stagnant, further aggravating pollution levels. In Chennai, severe fog conditions led to multiple flight delays at the international airport, affecting passenger movement.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the lifting of Stage-III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a slight improvement in air quality. On Monday, the AQI in Delhi stood at 286, 64 points below the critical threshold of 350, prompting authorities to ease curbs on construction and industrial activities. However, officials remain vigilant, cautioning that any spike in pollution levels beyond 350 will lead to the reimplementation of restrictions. The Supreme Court has mandated stricter enforcement of air quality control measures, ensuring swift action if conditions worsen. Despite this improvement, GRAP Stage-I and Stage-II measures will remain in effect, with authorities closely monitoring emissions from construction and demolition activities.
The ongoing air quality crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable interventions. Experts highlight the role of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning in worsening winter air quality in northern India. While temporary measures such as traffic curbs and construction bans provide short-term relief, long-term solutions like transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting electric vehicles, and strengthening green cover in urban centres remain crucial. In a bid to improve air dispersion, the IMD has forecasted light rainfall and increased wind movement in the coming days, which may bring temporary respite to Delhi’s pollution levels.
From a civic standpoint, poor air quality continues to pose a serious public health challenge, affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Residents in Delhi and surrounding NCR areas have reported increased cases of breathlessness, eye irritation, and throat infections. Meanwhile, the thick fog in Punjab and Haryana has led to multiple road accidents, causing disruptions to daily life. As winter continues, meteorologists warn that fog and pollution will remain a persistent issue unless stringent pollution control policies are adopted. The current scenario highlights the need for an integrated approach that combines urban planning, environmental policies, and technological innovations to ensure sustainable air quality management.
