Delhi is grappling with one of its most severe air pollution episodes in recent memory, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has soared to hazardous levels, leaving millions of residents exposed to toxic smog. For the third consecutive day, large parts of Delhi, as well as neighboring cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, have remained shrouded in dense smog, prompting authorities to impose strict pollution control measures.
AQI Surpasses 1000 in Some Areas
As of Friday morning, air quality in several regions of Delhi was classified under the ‘hazardous’ category, with AQI levels ranging between 800 and 1100. According to real-time data from Swiss air technology company IQAir, the worst-hit areas included Anand Vihar (1105), Dwarka Sector 8 (1057), and Vasant Vihar Block C (1041). These AQI readings are far beyond the threshold considered “severe,” which, under IQAir’s system, is anything above 301.
In comparison, the Sameer app — which provides hourly updates from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) — recorded an overall AQI of 413 across Delhi, with most regions falling into the ‘severe’ category (AQI between 401 and 500).
Top 10 Areas with Worst AQI in Delhi
Here are the 10 worst AQI hotspots in Delhi around 11 am on Friday, as per IQAir’s readings:
- Anand Vihar (DPCC) – 1105
- VV Block C (DPCC) – 1057
- Dwarka-Sector 8 (DPCC) – 1041
- Burari Crossing (IMD) – 967
- Mundka (DPCC) – 945
- Rohini (DPCC) – 836
- Narela (DPCC) – 808
- DTU (CPCB) – 766
- ITO (CPCB) – 749
- Najafgarh (DPCC) – 613
These hazardous levels of air pollution are significantly impacting public health, with increased cases of respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other air pollution-related ailments being reported across the city.
Why AQI Readings Differ
One key reason for the fluctuating AQI readings across different platforms is the method of data collection. IQAir provides real-time updates based on sensors and government monitoring stations worldwide, capturing minute-to-minute changes in air quality. On the other hand, the CPCB offers a single, daily AQI reading that reflects the general air quality for a given day.
This variation means that IQAir’s figures tend to be more volatile, showing rapid shifts in air quality, while CPCB’s data remains relatively stable throughout the day.
Stage III Restrictions Under GRAP
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been activated in Delhi, particularly Stage III restrictions, which are enforced when the AQI crosses the ‘severe’ category (above 400). These measures aim to limit exposure to pollutants and mitigate the adverse impacts of smog.
Under Stage III restrictions, the following actions are being implemented:
- Ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities.
- Closure of stone crushers and mining operations.
- A ban on the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Additionally, all inter-state buses coming from neighboring states are prohibited from entering Delhi unless they are electric vehicles, BS-VI diesel buses, or CNG vehicles.
Implications for Schools and Residents
As part of the broader response, local authorities are also considering shifting schools, especially those with younger children, to online classes to reduce exposure to the hazardous air. In areas with particularly poor air quality, daily water sprinkling on major roads is being carried out to suppress dust and pollutants.
Delhi’s residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities as much as possible. Vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are at increased risk due to the toxic air.
A City in Crisis
The ongoing pollution crisis highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to address the growing air quality issue in Delhi. The city’s air quality routinely worsens during the winter months, exacerbated by stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.
While short-term measures like GRAP can offer temporary relief, experts stress that comprehensive action, including cleaner fuels, improved public transportation, and better waste management practices, is essential to address Delhi’s chronic air pollution problem.
As Delhi chokes under the toxic smog, residents and authorities alike hope for better enforcement of existing environmental laws and more widespread adoption of green technologies to reduce emissions and safeguard public health.
