Toxic smog engulfs capital, prompting strict government measures immediately
The national capital is currently grappling with a severe environmental crisis as thick, toxic smog descended upon the city on Sunday morning. Visibility dropped drastically, leaving the skyline, major roads, and buildings shrouded in a dense grey haze.
Alarming Pollution Levels
Residents woke up to alarming statistics regarding Delhi air pollution. According to private monitoring agency AQI.in, the Air Quality Index (AQI) skyrocketed to a staggering 559, placing it firmly in the 'hazardous' category. In contrast, the government's Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) reported a slightly lower, yet still dangerous, figure of 397. To put this into perspective, data analysis suggests that breathing this toxic air for 24 hours inflicts the same damage on the lungs as smoking approximately 11.8 cigarettes.
Health Risks and Hotspots
The primary pollutant, PM2.5, was recorded at levels 22 times higher than the safety limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Exposure to such high concentrations can trigger serious cardiovascular and respiratory issues, including strokes and lung disease.
Several neighborhoods are bearing the brunt of this pollution surge. Areas like Ashok Vihar, Maidan Garhi, and Vasant Kunj reported hazardous conditions. The crisis is not limited to Delhi alone; neighboring satellite cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram have also reported unhealthy air quality, creating a choking belt across the entire NCR region.
Stricter Government Measures
In response to the deteriorating situation and following observations from the Supreme Court, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revised its strategy. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been tightened significantly. Previously, strict measures were implemented only when the air quality became 'Very Poor.' Under the new framework, proactive steps—such as staggered office timings and work-from-home options for private firms—will be triggered as soon as the air quality enters the 'Poor' category.
Advisory for Residents
Health experts have issued an urgent advisory for everyone in the region. Residents are urged to:
