Smog continues to engulf Delhi with AQI levels hitting 'very poor' and measures in place to curb this pollution

New Delhi is still battling with very poor air as the city wakes up to a blanket of smog on Thursday. The latest data showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was at a worrying 389 at 7:15 a.m., which fell under the "very poor" category. Major areas in the national capital showed severe air quality levels, raising more serious health concerns for the residents.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the AQI for 12 areas of Delhi crossed the alarmingly bad mark, staying in the range of 400 to 500. These areas include Alipur at 408, Anand Vihar at 405, Ashok Vihar at 414, and Bawana at 418. Other areas, including Dwarka Sector 8 at 401, Jahangirpuri at 435, Mundka at 413, and Punjabi Bagh at 407, also showed dangerous levels of pollution. These areas saw a severe air pollution index, reaching as high as 436 in Wazirpur, indicating a hazardous environment.

In total, 26 areas in Delhi had AQI levels above 300, with several locations nearing the “severe plus” category (450+), including Najafgarh (366), Narela (395), and Sonia Vihar (394). An AQI of this magnitude can severely affect respiratory health, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

To combat this increasing pollution, the Delhi government has invoked Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Among other strict measures, this bans BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles. Those violating this ban may be fined Rs 20,000, which is as per Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act. Another aspect is the ban on firecrackers for Diwali by the government itself, although the Supreme Court has pointed out that such measures have no actual effect.

Toxic foam in Yamuna River: A persistent spot remains at Kalindi Kunj and Okhla Barrage. Toxic foam is a result of untreated sewerage and industrial waste, which poses extra environmental hazards as well as health issues.

Despite the fact that on some counts the situation has marginally improved, Delhi air pollution remains a deadly public health threat and an environmental doomsday catastrophe that continues unabated.

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