Delhi-NCR is choking under a toxic blanket of smog as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surges past 400, plunging the region into ‘severe’ category. The biting cold wave gripping the national capital, combined with thick blankets of fog, has exacerbated the pollution nightmare, trapping hazardous pollutants close to the ground.
Winter’s arrival has brought relief from scorching summers but unleashed a pollution monster. Stagnant winds and low temperatures have prevented the dispersion of toxic particles, leading to a sharp deterioration in air quality. Major monitoring stations across Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon are flashing red alerts, with some areas recording AQI levels exceeding 450.
The impact is visible and felt everywhere. Schoolchildren are bearing the brunt, with authorities recommending reduced outdoor activities. Construction sites stand idle under GRAP Stage IV restrictions, while industrial units face shutdowns. Commuters navigate through zero-visibility conditions, raising road safety concerns.
Health experts are sounding alarms about respiratory distress, asthma attacks, and long-term lung damage. Hospitals report a spike in patients suffering from breathing difficulties, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly and infants. ‘This is a public health emergency,’ warns Dr. Amit Sharma, pulmonologist at AIIMS.
Government measures include emergency cloud seeding attempts and aggressive enforcement of anti-pollution norms. Yet, experts argue that seasonal fixes fall short of addressing root causes like crop burning in neighboring states and unchecked vehicular emissions. As temperatures dip further, the question remains: will NCR breathe easy anytime soon?