Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Hits “Severe Plus,” Emergency Measures Enforced

Delhi, November 18, 2024 – The air quality in Delhi and its surrounding regions has reached a critical state, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching an alarming 485, classified as “severe plus.” This has prompted the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate Stage-4 emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), impacting daily life and essential services.

The AQI, which was recorded at 457 on Sunday evening, surged further on Monday morning. Severe pollution levels are causing significant disruptions, including delays in flight operations, and raising health concerns for millions of residents.

Key Emergency Measures

CAQM’s 8-point action plan aims to curb pollution across the National Capital Region (NCR) until air quality improves. Key restrictions include:

• Truck Entry Ban: Non-essential trucks are prohibited from entering Delhi unless carrying essential commodities or powered by LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines.
• Restrictions on Diesel Vehicles: BS-IV and older diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs) registered in Delhi are banned, except for essential services.
• Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs): LCVs from outside Delhi are restricted unless they use clean fuel or are part of essential services.
• Construction Halt: All construction and demolition activities, including public infrastructure projects, have been suspended.
• School Closures: In-person classes for students of all grades, except 10 and 12, are suspended.
• Work-from-Home: Government and private offices are required to operate at 50% capacity, with remaining staff working remotely.

The Pollution Crisis

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is exacerbated by a combination of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, unfavourable weather, and local emissions. Stubble burning alone contributed to 38% of the pollution this season, as per SAFAR, a forecasting agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Each winter, Delhi battles heavy smog as cold air traps pollutants, dust, and emissions, worsening air quality. This year, high humidity, calm winds, and dropping temperatures have intensified the situation.

Impact on Public Health and Daily Life

The prolonged exposure to “severe plus” air quality poses serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Visibility on roads and at airports remains low, disrupting both road and air travel.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and may consider additional emergency steps, such as closing non-essential commercial activities and implementing an odd-even vehicle policy if conditions fail to improve.

As Delhi grapples with this severe air pollution crisis, residents are advised to minimize outdoor activities, use masks, and install air purifiers indoors.