Delhi Smog Crisis: AQI Hits 422, Flights Cancelled Amid Toxic Air and Low Visibility - Read Now

Delhi is reeling under a severe air pollution crisis as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 422 on Wednesday morning, choking residents and blanketing the city in a thick layer of smog. IMD said that at a number of the Delhi-NCR monitoring stations, the AQI has crossed 450, clasifying the air quality as "severe."

Flights Cancelled Due to Low Visibility
The smog has affected visibility severely, and over 119 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport have been delayed and six canceled altogether. Travel was also badly affected with poisons in the air and low visibility leading to flying becoming a risky affair.

Schools were closed, and construction was halted.
As a response to the crisis, authorities have closed physical classes in schools and have enforced severe restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Construction works on public projects have been halted, and non-essential trucks have been barred from entering the city unless they are using CNG or BS-VI diesel or electrical power.
Yamuna's Toxic Foam Adds to Pollution Woes
Adding to Delhi’s environmental troubles, toxic foam was observed floating on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj. The foam reflects the high levels of pollution in the water, raising concerns about the overall state of Delhi’s environment.

Chilling Weather Worsens Air Quality
In the national capital, the minimum temperature touched 12.2°C-the lowest recorded thus far during this season-as cold northwesterly winds further worsened the smog situation. Meteorologists point out that winter weather traps pollutants close to the ground, making matters worse.

Hotspots for pollution in Delhi
Several areas in Delhi reported extremely poor AQI readings of over 450, including Rohini, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, and Narela. It is worse because it remains a problem area without an immediate solution.

Government Action and Appeals for Artificial Rain
Del his environment minister, Gopal Rai, has urged the central government to take immediate step by seeking the artificial rain pass for the smog relief. "Layers of smog have covered North India. Artificial rain is the only solution to get rid of smog. This is a medical emergency," Rai said while making a public appeal on Tuesday.

The minister has also sought a meeting of experts from IIT Kanpur and the central agencies to brainstorm solutions that are sustainable in nature for this worsening air.

GRAP Measures Operational
Stage 4 of the GRAP measures are in place across Delhi-NCR. These include:

• Ban on trucks entering into Delhi NCR except for their necessities and eco-friendly vehicles.
• Suspension of construction and demolition activities.
• Cut-down of industrial operations which generate pollutants.

Impact on Residents and Public Health
The now toxic air that has invaded the locality denies people healthy air. In fact, it causes several health concerns, such as respiratory diseases and heart conditions. This situation remains hazardous for aging people, children, and even other health-conscious people with previous ailments.
The government has advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible, wear N95 masks, and install air purifiers. Many, however, feel that these measures are reactive, not preventive.

What to Do
Experts maintain that the problem could only be adequately solved by long-term solutions like increasing green cover, getting more stringent industrial control, and development of clean energy. Nevertheless, short-term measures can prove effective as a temporary solution, such as artificial rain and smog towers.