Delhi continues to grapple with dangerously poor air quality, as a thick blanket of smog shrouds the city on Sunday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, registering a concerning 316. This persistent pollution crisis is impacting the health and well-being of Delhi’s residents, particularly children and the elderly.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), several areas reported AQI levels well above 300. Dwarka Sector 8 (335), ITO (327), Okhla Phase 2 (319), R Rohini (329), Vivek Vihar (338), Anand Vihar (346), and Bawana (332) all experienced ‘very poor’ air quality. Even areas recording ‘poor’ AQI levels, such as Lodhi Road (256), Najafgarh (295), Pusa (289), and IGI Airport T3 (299), highlight the widespread nature of the problem. For context, an AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.
The alarming situation is palpable. Vishal Guleria, a Delhi resident, describes the struggle: “The pollution is getting too high. It’s hard to breathe. Children and elderly people are facing trouble. Every person is affected. The government should implement a solution to prevent this annual pollution crisis. It’s especially difficult for those who are ill.” He urges commuters to carpool and prioritizes personal health alongside government intervention.
Concerns are echoed in Gurugram, neighboring Delhi. Anisham, a Gurugram resident, notes the impact on daily life, stating: “It was very high in the last few days. Schools are closed, and it becomes difficult combined with the cold.” Amol, another Gurugram resident, adds: “The pollution situation is bad. While the government is taking steps, it’s high time people wake up and contribute to a solution. Closing schools and reducing vehicle use isn’t enough; we need sustainable, long-term policies effectively implemented.”
The Supreme Court, while refusing to relax the fourth stage of curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV, has instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider easing restrictions for educational institutions, acknowledging the challenges faced by students regarding midday meals, online classes, and access to air purifiers. GRAP-IV was implemented last week after the AQI surpassed 450, with the court emphasizing that these restrictions cannot be lifted without its approval. The GRAP categorizes air quality into four stages: Stage I (‘poor’), Stage II (‘very poor’), Stage III (‘severe’), and Stage IV (‘severe plus’).
The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to combat Delhi’s recurring air pollution problem. The situation demands both immediate action to mitigate the current smog and long-term strategies to address the root causes of this environmental health emergency. This includes collaborative efforts from the government, individuals, and organizations to create a cleaner, healthier future for Delhi’s residents.
