Delhi’s air quality has plunged to alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 494 in many areas, prompting stringent anti-pollution measures. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed 13 out of 36 monitoring stations reporting AQI levels of 499 or 500, marking one of the worst pollution episodes in recent memory. The crisis has left residents confined indoors, with schools opting for online classes and outdoor activities largely suspended. Health experts have cautioned against prolonged exposure to the toxic air, as respiratory ailments spike across the city.
In response, the Delhi government enforced Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), banning construction activities, restricting diesel-powered vehicle movement, and switching most schools to online mode. However, these measures have faced criticism for their delayed implementation. The Supreme Court intervened, demanding stricter compliance and emphasising that easing restrictions would require prior approval. The toxic air has also disrupted travel, delaying over 80 flights and impacting 30 major trains, including the Jammu Rajdhani and AP Express. Passengers faced hours-long delays due to dense fog exacerbating the crisis.
The comparisons with Bengaluru’s relatively cleaner air have gone viral on social media, underscoring Delhi’s dire situation. Memes and comments like “Smoking in Bengaluru is healthier than doing Yoga in Delhi” reflect growing frustration. Air travel and railway schedules remain chaotic, with authorities urging travellers to confirm schedules beforehand. Meanwhile, environmental activists point out that reliance on reactive measures highlights the need for proactive, long-term air quality management strategies.
The ongoing pollution crisis is a stark reminder of the urgent need to embrace sustainability. Enhanced green cover, stricter vehicular emission controls, and a focus on renewable energy sources can pave the way for cleaner urban living. For Delhi, mitigating such recurrent disasters is not just an environmental imperative but a civic and public health priority.
