The national capital continues to battle dangerously toxic air, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 410 in the early hours of Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This grim figure places Delhi firmly in the ‘severe’ category, with PM2.5 levels tiny particulate matter harmful to respiratory health remaining critically high across the city.
A dense layer of fog blanketed Delhi on Monday morning, reducing visibility and plunging the minimum temperature to 9.2°C at 5:30 a.m., according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city also experienced light rain, adding to the winter chill.
Visuals from Lodhi Road showed people huddled in night shelters, seeking refuge from the harsh cold. “The temperatures have dropped here because it has been raining… the rain started around 5 a.m. today,” said a local resident.
Toxic Air Across the Capital
Alarmingly high AQI levels were reported in several parts of Delhi:
Wazirpur: 464
Ashok Vihar: 460
Mundka: 446
Burari Crossing: 445
Anand Vihar: 443
Other areas, such as Dwarka-Sector 8 (393) and Najafgarh (372), recorded AQI levels hovering just below the ‘severe’ threshold.
Residents have reported a surge in respiratory issues and eye irritation due to the toxic air. PM2.5 particles, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, pose severe health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV, which includes emergency pollution control measures, has been in effect across the National Capital Region (NCR) since December 16. Despite these steps, the impact has been limited, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high.
The Supreme Court has called for stricter enforcement, urging Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to impose firecracker bans similar to Delhi’s and adhere to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Teams have also been deployed at Delhi’s entry points to ensure compliance with GRAP IV measures.
The thick fog, combined with toxic air, has made daily life in Delhi increasingly challenging. Residents are demanding more effective measures to address the ongoing pollution crisis, including stricter enforcement of existing rules and innovative solutions to combat the root causes of pollution.
As winter tightens its grip, Delhi’s toxic air remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect public health and improve living conditions in the city.
