A dense haze hangs heavy over Delhi, casting an ominous pall over the city as its air quality plunges to alarming levels. For the second consecutive day, Delhiites are grappling with "severe" air pollution, a stark reminder of the persistent environmental challenges facing the national capital.

AQI readings paint a grim picture

The air quality index (AQI) has soared across various monitoring stations, with some areas recording alarmingly high figures:

Anand Vihar: 473

Dwarka: 458

RK Puram: 454

Mundka: 460

Chandni Chowk: 407

These readings, taken by the Central Pollution Control Board, signify that the air is not just unhealthy but poses significant health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Visibility impairment and health hazards

The smog has drastically reduced visibility, with IGI Airport reporting a mere 300 meters of visibility. This poses risks not only for transportation but also for public health. The high concentration of particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.

Unprecedented fog and delayed severity

While Delhi typically experiences a dip in air quality during winter, the severity this year has been delayed. Experts attribute this to an unusually dense fog that has trapped pollutants close to the ground. However, this doesn't diminish the long-term concerns about air pollution in Delhi.

October's "Poor" air quality days

Anumita Roychowdhury, an environmental expert, points out that October saw a higher number of "poor" and "very poor" AQI days compared to previous years. While Diwali fireworks usually exacerbate pollution, their impact was less significant this year due to warmer temperatures. However, the underlying issue of excessive annual emissions remains a major concern.

Government response and curbing pollution

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government has implemented emergency measures, including:

• Construction ban: Halting construction and demolition activities to reduce dust pollution.

• Vehicle restrictions: Banning BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers to control vehicular emissions.

These measures aim to mitigate the immediate impact of the pollution crisis. However, long-term solutions require a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of Delhi's air pollution.

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