Delhi Air pollution: Delhi Air Quality Hits Severe Plus, Emergency Measures Activated

The capital activated Stage-4 of its emergency anti-pollution measures as the air quality deteriorated to the "severe plus" category, which could pose serious health risks. On Monday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 481, substantially above the 450 threshold for the highest pollution level classification. Emergency measures were announced on Sunday after the AQI reached 457, marking an urgent need for action.

Delhi Air pollution: Delhi Activates Stage-4 as AQI Hits 481

The CAQM has developed an overarching 8-point proposal on controlling pollution in the NCR. Some of the restriction measures include no entry of nonessential diesel trucks in Delhi unless they have essential commodities or cleaner technologies such as LNG, CNG, electric power, or BS-VI diesel engines. Registration of light commercial vehicles outside Delhi is also not allowed unless they are compliant with similar eco-friendly norms or are engaged in essential services. Diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi, which fail to meet the BS-VI emission norms, will be disallowed except for restricted services.
Construction, demolition activities, including public infrastructure development like roads and highways, are banned now. The projects are at a standstill-the pipelines and telecom installations are stalled. Schools have already begun distance learning for all except Class 10 and 12, while offices have been directed to function at 50% strength, the rest working from home. The Centre is also considering work-from-home policies for all its employees.". Authorities will also enforce additional measures like odd-even schemes on vehicles along with suspension of commercial activities not absolutely essential in life.

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Delhi’s air quality has sharply declined due to a combination of unfavourable weather conditions, stagnant winds, and emissions from crop residue burning. According to SAFAR, nearly 38% of Delhi’s pollution stems from stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Winter exacerbates the situation as cold air traps pollutants, forming a toxic smog that lingers over the region. While authorities scuffle to control the pollution crisis, the smog and low winds are likely to continue across the week, as various areas have topped 500 in their AQI.