Delhi Implements Urgent Measures Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis

Schools in Delhi and its neighbouring regions have shifted to online classes, and construction activities have been suspended as the Indian capital faces a significant air quality crisis.

On Monday morning, a dense toxic haze enveloped the city, severely impacting visibility and causing delays for flights and trains.

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi—an indicator that measures the concentration of PM2.5, fine particulate matter that poses serious health risks—was recorded at over 30 times the limit set by the World Health Organization. This level of pollution can lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Air quality problems are common in Delhi and its surrounding areas, especially during the winter months.

The deterioration in air quality is linked to various factors, including emissions from industries, exhaust from vehicles, lower temperatures, stagnant air, and the seasonal practice of burning crop stubble in nearby states.

As per the government's Safar app, the average AQI in Delhi was measured at 471 early on Monday.

The Central Pollution Control Board of India categorises AQI readings from 101 to 200 as moderate, 201 to 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor, and any figure above 400 as severe. It is important to note that government-supported applications typically record a maximum AQI of 500, whereas private and international monitoring systems often report even higher levels.

The recent drop in air quality levels occurred after a brief period of improvement over the previous week, during which readings fluctuated between 'poor' and 'very poor'.

On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) escalated its graded response action plan from 'level III' to the highest tier, 'level IV', in response to the worsening conditions.

Consequently, the entry of older diesel trucks into Delhi has been prohibited, construction work has been halted, and schools have been instructed to implement hybrid learning, requiring younger students to attend classes online.

Additionally, India's Supreme Court issued a directive on Sunday, recommending that lawyers and litigants participate in hearings virtually to minimise exposure to the hazardous environment.

The CAQM attributed the latest decline in air quality to elevated humidity and a shift in wind patterns, which hampered the dispersal of pollutants and facilitated the formation of smog.

Authorities have cautioned residents, especially children and individuals with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions, to remain indoors and have advised the use of masks when venturing outside.

Prolonged exposure to severe AQI levels can lead to respiratory complications even in healthy individuals.

According to the federal government, over 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses were reported in six state-run hospitals in Delhi between 2022 and 2024, reflecting the ongoing struggle with increasing pollution levels.

Residents and health experts continue to call for urgent measures to address the pollution crisis in the capital, emphasising the need for sustainable solutions to safeguard public health.