Delhi and the National Capital Region are grappling with an extreme air pollution crisis as a thick blanket of toxic smog enveloped the city, pushing air quality indices into the severe category and creating hazardous breathing conditions for millions of residents.
Emergency Situation as Air Quality Deteriorates Rapidly
The capital region witnessed a dramatic deterioration in air quality on Sunday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 450 mark, firmly placing it in the severe category that poses serious health risks to the entire population. Monitoring stations across Delhi recorded consistently dangerous readings, with some areas experiencing even higher pollution concentrations.
Meteorological conditions have played a significant role in this crisis, with calm winds and low temperatures preventing the dispersion of pollutants. The typical winter phenomenon of temperature inversion has trapped toxic particles close to the ground, creating the dense smog layer that has reduced visibility and made breathing difficult for residents.
Multiple Factors Contribute to Pollution Crisis
This severe pollution episode results from a combination of factors that have converged to create dangerous conditions. Vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and seasonal agricultural burning in neighboring states have all contributed to the toxic mix hanging over the region. The situation has been particularly aggravated by the ongoing stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, whose smoke particles have traveled to Delhi with prevailing winds.
Local sources within Delhi have also significantly worsened the air quality. Construction dust, road dust, and biomass burning for heating purposes during the colder mornings have added to the pollutant load. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has reported that the concentration of PM2.5 - the most dangerous particulate matter that can enter deep into lungs and bloodstream - has reached multiple times the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization.
Immediate Health Impacts and Emergency Response
Medical professionals across Delhi hospitals have reported a sharp increase in patients complaining of respiratory issues, eye irritation, and throat infections. The polluted air poses particularly severe risks for children, elderly citizens, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac conditions.
Doctors have advised residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially during morning and evening hours when pollution levels tend to peak. The recommended precautions include wearing N95 or N99 masks when going outside, using air purifiers indoors, and keeping windows closed during high pollution periods.
The government has implemented several emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including restrictions on construction activities and limitations on the entry of trucks into the city. Authorities are also considering more drastic measures such as odd-even vehicle rationing if the situation doesn't improve in the coming days.
Environmental experts warn that without significant and sustained efforts to address the root causes of pollution, Delhi will continue to face these annual environmental emergencies that compromise public health and disrupt normal life for its millions of inhabitants.
