A thick layer of smog has once again descended upon Delhi, shrouding the city in a haze of pollution for the 15th consecutive day. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains stubbornly in the ‘Very Poor’ category, raising serious concerns about the health and well-being of residents. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported ‘Very Poor’ AQI levels across numerous locations in the capital, highlighting the ongoing environmental crisis. Meanwhile, the air quality in Mumbai and Kolkata remains ‘Moderate’, offering a contrasting picture to the dire situation in Delhi.
The relentless smog has cast a pall over Delhi’s skies, with visuals from Azadpur Mandi showcasing the city enveloped in a thick blanket of haze every morning. This persistent pollution has created a public health emergency, as the hazardous air quality poses a serious threat to human health.
Adding to the severity of the situation, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 394 on November 13th, dangerously close to the ‘Severe’ category. Other regions, including Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, and Noida, experienced even more alarming ‘Hazardous’ AQI levels, signaling extreme air pollution. Even Gurgaon, with a slightly lower AQI, remained classified as ‘Very Harmful’, highlighting the widespread nature of the air quality crisis across the region.
The impact of this persistent pollution is not limited to health concerns. Flight operations at Delhi Airport have been disrupted due to the dense fog caused by the smog. The airport authorities have issued a warning, stating that flights not compliant with CAT III standards could face delays during take-off and landing. While no flight cancellations have been reported in Delhi, the advisory underscores the potential for disruption due to the reduced visibility. The situation is even more critical in Amritsar, where flights were cancelled due to poor air quality and reduced visibility, with the city recording an AQI of 260, classified as ‘Poor’.
The impact of the smog extends beyond Delhi, affecting major events and travel. Ludhiana, for instance, also faced significant visibility challenges, leading to the cancellation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s planned visit to Halwara airport due to reduced visibility.
The air quality crisis is no longer confined to northern India. Reports from Assam indicate that parts of Nagaon district have also been enveloped in smog, raising concerns about air quality in eastern regions. The spread of smog beyond typical industrial and urban centers highlights the widespread nature of the pollution problem, affecting diverse parts of India.
This worrying trend underscores the urgent need for significant environmental interventions. The persistent smog, impacting daily life and threatening public health, calls for comprehensive action from authorities to tackle the growing air pollution crisis across the country.
