Delhi's Air Quality Plummets Into 'Severe Plus' Crisis

Residents of Delhi are battling an alarming air quality crisis, as pollution levels soar to unprecedented heights, prompting emergency measures from local authorities.

Air pollution in Delhi has reached catastrophic levels, with air quality measurements soaring to 1,500 on Monday, severely impacting the city's nearly 20 million inhabitants. According to IQAir, these levels are a staggering 15 times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) deems safe for healthy living. The crisis has forced authorities to shut down schools, restrict construction activities, and ban non-essential truck traffic to combat the smog enveloping the city.

The air quality advisory has been upgraded to "severe plus," indicated by an Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 450. In response to this dire situation, officials are recommending that offices function with only half their normal workforce, while diesel generator use for non-essential activities has been prohibited.

Bronchial irritations and respiratory difficulties are becoming rampant among residents, with many reporting discomfort even within their own homes despite using air purifiers. One distressed user remarked on social media that "breathing inside feels like a gas chamber."

The rising pollution crisis is exacerbated by stubble burning in neighboring states, notably Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, which continue to contribute significantly to the deteriorating air quality. Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi has criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their inactivity in regulating this agricultural burning, while the BJP has directed the blame back at Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for failing to implement effective pollution control measures.

Experts warn that emissions from vehicles and industrial activities, along with seasonal factors like lower wind speeds and crop fires, make it crucial for governmental intervention. As Delhi's residents grapple with health risks posed by life-threatening air conditions, public outcry is mounting for more significant action to achieve cleaner air. With winter just beginning, many fear that the situation could deteriorate further in the weeks to come.