Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting alarming levels as it remained in the “very poor” category. On Friday, the AQI was recorded at 332 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which signifies a significant deterioration in air quality. Various parts of the city reported even worse conditions, with Anand Vihar registering an AQI of 393, Ashok Vihar at 356, and Jahangirpuri at 381, all exceeding the threshold for “very poor” levels. Such pollution is causing widespread concern, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and workers exposed to these harmful conditions daily.
The visible effects of this toxic haze are evident in the daily struggles of residents. Complaints have been pouring in about irritation in the eyes, difficulty breathing, and an overall sense of discomfort. Many have pointed out that this problem is not a new phenomenon, but its intensity has escalated recently. For workers, especially those in the construction and manual labour sectors, the situation has become unbearable. “The pollution has been escalating for days, and the government has failed to take any meaningful action,” a local resident shared in frustration.
From a civic perspective, the persistent smog is having a profound impact on daily life in Delhi. Visibility has reduced drastically, disrupting not just traffic but also basic daily activities. Schools have been affected, and outdoor workers are experiencing adverse health effects. Moreover, the lack of effective governance in addressing the root causes of this pollution—primarily vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and stubble burning—has left the city’s infrastructure struggling to cope with the growing environmental crisis.
On a sustainability angle, the severe air quality impacts the long-term health of Delhi’s urban population and contributes significantly to climate change. It’s essential for the city to implement comprehensive solutions that target pollution at its source, including transitioning to cleaner energy, promoting green spaces, and encouraging sustainable mobility. Without these measures, the vicious cycle of air pollution will continue to deteriorate public health, straining urban systems and harming the environment. The city’s urban planning strategies must now urgently integrate solutions for pollution control to safeguard future generations.
