As winter approaches, North India is facing a grim reality – a resurgence of severe air pollution. Delhi, the nation’s capital, is at the forefront of this crisis, with air quality plummeting to alarming levels in recent days. This isn’t just a Delhi problem; several cities across North India are grappling with hazardous air quality, painting a bleak picture for the region’s health and well-being.
Delhi, specifically, has been declared the most polluted city in the country, based on real-time data available on www.aqi.in. The city’s air quality index (AQI) has been hovering in the ‘Very Poor’ category, reaching a daily average of 310 as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This dire situation has prompted the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) in Delhi-NCR, a multi-pronged strategy aimed at curbing pollution levels.
Despite these measures, the situation remains precarious. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have forecasted that Delhi’s air quality is likely to stay in the ‘Very Poor’ category for the foreseeable future. The unfavorable weather conditions, including stagnant air and low wind speeds, are exacerbating the problem, trapping pollutants and creating a toxic blanket over the city. The Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has convened to assess the current air quality scenario and take necessary action.
The deteriorating air quality in Delhi and North India is a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and long-term solutions. These solutions need to address the root causes of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. Failure to act decisively could have devastating consequences for the health of millions of people living in the region, further highlighting the critical need for immediate action and a collaborative approach to tackle this pressing environmental challenge.