Delhi continued to grapple with toxic air on Friday, waking up to a morning shrouded in haze and smog. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 371, firmly in the “very poor” category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The primary pollutant, Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), remains a significant health hazard for the city’s residents. Despite slight improvement from last week’s ‘severe’ levels, the air quality poses a severe threat to public health.
The poor visibility caused by dense smog has disrupted transportation. At 6:30 am, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded visibility below 300 meters at Kanpur and Bengaluru airports, and less than 400 meters at Varanasi and Gorakhpur airports. These conditions have directly impacted train schedules, with over 14 trains to and from Delhi delayed and 11 others rescheduled.
The neighboring areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) are also experiencing poor air quality. AQI levels were recorded at 298 in Gurugram, 291 in Ghaziabad, 243 in Faridabad, 253 in Noida, and 212 in Greater Noida, adding to the region’s overall pollution crisis.
To mitigate the pollution levels, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) undertook night cleaning and sweeping of roads across multiple locations in the city. However, the air remains hazardous, prompting the Delhi government to implement measures such as encouraging work-from-home policies and conducting online classes to limit public exposure to the toxic air.
The Central government has also introduced staggered working hours for its employees, effective until GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan) measures are lifted. The adjusted timings—9 am to 5:30 pm and 10 am to 6:30 pm—are aimed at reducing peak-hour vehicular emissions. Government staff have been encouraged to carpool or use public transport to curb vehicular pollution further.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently revised restrictions under GRAP Stage III and IV. NCR states must now mandatorily suspend physical classes for students up to Class V under Stage III measures, extending to Class XII under Stage IV. This change removes the discretionary powers of state governments in enforcing these restrictions. Additionally, Stage III mandates staggered public office timings to reduce traffic congestion, while Stage IV introduces a mask advisory to safeguard against severe pollution.
Delhi’s toxic air highlights the urgent need for stronger long-term measures to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.
