New Delhi, November 16, 2024 – A thick blanket of fog covered the national capital on Saturday morning, as Delhi continued to battle severe air pollution. For the fourth consecutive day, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘Severe’ category, with levels reaching alarming heights. The ongoing air quality crisis has left residents struggling with the health impacts of toxic air, as Delhi grapples with one of its worst pollution spells this year.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), at 6:00 AM on Saturday, the overall AQI for Delhi stood at a hazardous 404, firmly placing the city in the ‘Severe’ category. This marked another day of unsafe air, with the situation showing little improvement. Alarmingly, some areas of the city recorded even higher AQI readings, underscoring the intensity of the pollution. Alipur registered 433, Anand Vihar recorded 436, and Ashok Vihar reached a staggering 438, signaling that the pollution is at dangerously high levels in these regions.
Health Impacts and Risks
A ‘Severe’ AQI is considered dangerous for the general population, particularly those with respiratory issues, elderly individuals, and children. The thick fog and elevated pollution levels can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Breathing difficulties: Individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart disease are at significant risk.
- Eye irritation: Persistent exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) can cause burning sensations and redness in the eyes.
- Decreased lung function: Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to reduced lung capacity, making it harder to perform daily activities.
- Increased risk of respiratory infections: The toxic air can lower the immune system’s defenses, making people more susceptible to respiratory infections.
The government has issued repeated advisories urging residents to stay indoors, wear N95 masks, and avoid outdoor exercises in these hazardous conditions. Medical professionals have advised people to limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and late evening when pollution levels are typically higher.
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Fog and Low Visibility
In addition to the toxic air, dense fog continued to blanket the capital, reducing visibility and exacerbating the pollution situation. The fog traps pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing into the atmosphere. This leads to an increase in pollution concentration, which further deteriorates the air quality.
The combination of fog and high AQI creates a toxic environment that is difficult to escape, especially for those commuting during peak hours. Visibility was significantly low in the morning, and road accidents have been reported due to poor visibility.
Contributing Factors to Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis
Delhi’s air quality has been deteriorating over the past few weeks due to several contributing factors. Among the major causes are:
- Crop Burning in Neighboring States: The annual phenomenon of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh has worsened the air quality in Delhi. This agricultural practice releases large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere, which drifts into the capital during winter.
- Vehicular Emissions: The growing number of vehicles on Delhi’s roads, coupled with limited use of public transport, contributes significantly to the pollution. The rise in diesel vehicle use, in particular, worsens the situation.
- Construction and Industrial Activities: Ongoing construction work, along with industrial emissions, releases harmful pollutants into the air, further degrading air quality.
- Seasonal Weather Conditions: During the winter months, cooler temperatures and calm winds prevent pollutants from dispersing, allowing them to accumulate in the air. The fog compounds this issue, trapping the particulate matter close to the ground.
Government and Public Response
In response to the alarming AQI readings, authorities have ramped up efforts to combat the pollution crisis. Delhi’s government has implemented several measures, including:
- Odd-Even Scheme: Restrictions on vehicles based on their registration numbers have been enforced to reduce the number of cars on the road.
- Construction Bans: Several construction activities have been halted to minimize dust and particulate pollution.
- Increasing Green Cover: Initiatives to increase the city’s green spaces have been promoted to absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
However, experts argue that more drastic measures are needed to address the root causes of pollution, such as stricter regulation on stubble burning, better waste management systems, and a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Conclusion: Urgent Action Needed
As Delhi faces its fourth consecutive day of severe pollution, the need for immediate action is clear. Residents are advised to stay informed about the AQI levels, avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure, and take protective measures such as wearing masks and using air purifiers at home. Long-term solutions to Delhi’s air quality crisis will require a multi-pronged approach, involving government policies, urban planning, and active public participation in reducing pollution. Until then, the city remains under a toxic fog that is taking a toll on both the environment and public health.
