Delhi suffocates under 'severe plus' air quality as pollution crisis deepens

A dense blanket of toxic smog covered much of northern India, with air quality readings in the capital, New Delhi, reaching their worst levels of the year on Monday, following an overnight fog, Reuters reported.

The smog, a hazardous mix of smoke and fog, is a seasonal occurrence in winter when cold air traps dust, emissions, and smoke from illegal crop burning in neighboring states.

India's pollution control authority reported that New Delhi’s 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 484, a "severe plus" classification, marking the highest levels of pollution this year.

Traffic passes on a road as the sky is enveloped with smog after Delhi's air quality turned "severe" due to alarming air pollution.Reuters

As air quality continues to decline, authorities have enforced strict anti-pollution measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address the escalating crisis.

A man jogs as he participates in a marathon while the sky is enveloped with smog in DelhiReuters

Local authorities have also unveiled plans to spray water mixed with dust suppressants on roads and use mechanized sweepers to help reduce dust levels.

What is allowed and what is suspended?

In response to the deteriorating air quality under the GRAP-IV guidelines, several measures have been introduced, according to Indian media:

• Truck movements into Delhi are restricted, allowing only those carrying essential goods or using clean fuels (LNG, CNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric).
• Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also banned, except for EVs and those running on CNG or BS-VI diesel.
• Delhi-registered medium and heavy diesel vehicles (BS-IV or older) are prohibited, unless they are part of essential services.
• All construction activities, including projects related to highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and other public works, have been suspended.
• The NCR (National Capital Region) has been advised to operate offices at 50% capacity, with the remainder working from home.
• Central government may also introduce work-from-home options for its employees.
• In line with the air quality crisis, the Delhi government has ordered schools to switch to online classes for all students except those in Classes 10 and 12. School heads have been instructed to ensure no in-person classes for students up to Class 9 and Class 11 until further notice.
• State governments may also take additional steps, including closing colleges, restricting non-essential commercial activities, and implementing odd-even vehicle regulations.

These measures aim to combat the worsening pollution and reduce exposure to toxic air in the region.

(Additional input from Dubai Desk)