Delhi gasps for air: "Severe Plus" pollution triggers emergency measures and school closures

A thick blanket of hazardous smog has enveloped Delhi, pushing the city's air quality to alarming levels and triggering emergency measures to combat the crisis. With the air quality index (AQI) soaring to a "severe plus" reading of 485, authorities have implemented stringent restrictions to protect public health and curb the escalating pollution.

This alarming situation has forced schools to shift to online learning, with in-person classes suspended for all students except those in grades 10 and 12. Government and private offices have also been directed to operate at 50% capacity, encouraging employees to work remotely.

The deteriorating air quality has prompted a slew of restrictions aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality. These include:

• Ban on non-essential trucks: Only trucks carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels (LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel) are allowed to enter Delhi.

• Restrictions on light commercial vehicles: Similar restrictions apply to LCVs registered outside Delhi.

• Diesel vehicle ban: BS-IV and lower diesel-powered MGV and HGVs registered in Delhi are banned, except for those involved in essential services.

• Construction ban: All construction and demolition activities are suspended.

These measures, collectively known as GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan), are being enforced across the entire National Capital Region (NCR) in a desperate attempt to mitigate the health risks posed by the hazardous air.

Key factors contributing to Delhi's pollution woes:

• Stubble burning: Agricultural fires in neighboring states account for a significant portion of Delhi's pollution.

• Unfavorable weather conditions: Calm winds, low temperatures, and high humidity trap pollutants, exacerbating the smog.

• Vehicular emissions: While contributing a smaller percentage compared to stubble burning, vehicles still play a role in the pollution crisis.

The situation remains critical, with health experts warning of serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and may implement additional measures if the air quality does not improve. As Delhi grapples with this environmental crisis, the urgent need for sustainable solutions and regional cooperation to combat pollution has become starkly evident.