Residents of Delhi and the NCR are facing another day under a hazardous smog spell, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing to 363, well within the ‘very poor’ classification. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-III has been activated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in an attempt to curb the alarming pollution levels. Despite these measures, the air remains thick and difficult to breathe. Many Delhi localities are reporting critical AQI figures, with Anand Vihar exceeding 400 and entering the ‘Severe’ zone. Other heavily polluted areas include Wazirpur, Bawana, and ITO. Reduced visibility is a major concern, impacting daily life and transportation. The NCR cities are also bearing the brunt, with Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram all registering extremely high AQI readings. In response to the severe air quality, GRAP Stage-III necessitates that government and private sector offices function at 50% capacity, with the remaining staff mandated to work remotely. Essential services are being kept operational. Health advisories highlight the immediate risks associated with breathing such polluted air, ranging from eye and throat irritation to severe respiratory distress for vulnerable populations. Investigations are ongoing into various contributing factors, including the potential, albeit unconfirmed, influence of ash from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia. Concerns over air pollution led to a recent protest at India Gate, which was dispersed by authorities. The meteorological department forecasts cooler temperatures, with lows around 9°C, and persistent moderate fog expected for the next week. The dangerous concentrations of PM2.5 (294 µg/m³) and PM10 (396 µg/m³) underscore the urgent need for effective pollution control measures.
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