Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: AQI Hits ‘Severe Plus,’ Schools May Close Soon as Smog Reduces Visibility
New Delhi– Residents in the national capital woke up to choking smog and “severe plus” air quality on Thursday, with Anand Vihar recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 473, one of the highest levels this season. On Wednesday, Delhi’s AQI exceeded 450, reaching dangerous levels and prompting concerns about public health and potential school closures. The heavy pollution load, worsened by dense fog and stagnant atmospheric conditions, led to drastically reduced visibility, making it difficult for daily commuters.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered the worst air quality at various monitoring stations across Delhi, including Aya Nagar, Ashok Vihar, and Wazirpur, where AQI levels crossed the severe 400 mark. At 4 pm on Wednesday, Delhi’s overall AQI averaged 418 and further escalated to 454 by 9 pm. This episode marks the highest AQI level recorded since January this year, and dense smog is expected to persist for at least another day, though wind activity could bring some relief soon.
GRAP Stage-3 Measures on Standby
Despite these alarming levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has held off on implementing Stage-3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Stage-3 measures include halting in-person classes for primary school students and imposing a blanket ban on construction and demolition activities, which are known to release large amounts of particulate matter into the air. Currently, GRAP Stage-2, introduced on October 22, remains in effect. If conditions worsen, authorities may restrict non-essential activities, enforce tighter vehicle emissions standards, and limit construction activities to help curb the pollution spike.
The CAQM, after a comprehensive review, decided to closely monitor the air quality situation before taking any action. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the commission cited “unprecedentedly dense” fog as a factor in trapping pollutants, causing an “episodic event” that led to an unexpected surge in AQI. Officials predict that the pollutant concentration may start to decrease as stronger winds move into the region, potentially lowering the AQI back to the “very poor” category by Friday.
The Health Impacts of Severe AQI Levels
An AQI above 450 is categorized as “severe plus,” posing significant health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Medical experts advise Delhi residents to minimize outdoor activities, wear masks if venturing outside, and use air purifiers indoors, if available.
Delhi’s pollution problem has reached a crisis point, with children and vulnerable groups bearing the brunt. A CAQM bulletin suggested that if the AQI remains severe for another day, measures such as closing primary schools and restricting the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles may become necessary. This would mark the first time this season such drastic steps are taken to safeguard public health.
Severe Air Quality Nationwide
Bihar’s Hajipur, with an AQI of 417, was also highlighted as the second-worst polluted location in the country on Wednesday. Out of Delhi’s 36 monitoring stations, 30 recorded air quality in the severe category, underscoring the wide reach of the current pollution wave.
For now, Delhiites are bracing for potential disruptions as authorities balance environmental measures with daily necessities. The CAQM will reassess the situation later today, determining whether stricter measures will be enforced to protect the city’s residents.
