After facing an unrelenting eight-day stretch of severe air pollution, residents of Delhi awoke to a mildly improved air quality on Thursday morning, providing a flicker of hope amid the smog-laden atmosphere. The overall air quality index (AQI) recorded a reading of 379 at 7 am, categorizing it as “very poor.” Despite this slight relief, numerous air monitoring stations across the national capital continued to report alarming AQI levels exceeding 400, placing them firmly in the “severe” category. Specifically, areas like Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur were found to have the most alarming readings, with a staggering AQI of 437, closely followed by Bawana at 419 and both Ashok Vihar and Mundka reporting 416.
A thick layer of persistent smog has blanketed the national capital, effectively shrouding the city in a haze and significantly hampering visibility for residents and commuters alike. This situation has not only affected daily life but has also resulted in visibility issues at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, causing disruptions to air travel. Data from Flightradar indicates that, up until now, 97 flights have been delayed and 3 have been scrapped altogether, exacerbating the challenges faced by travelers.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management has taken decisive action, revising the Graded Response Action Plan. This new directive mandates the closure of schools in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region during Stages 3 and 4 of the action plan, showcasing the government’s commitment to addressing this public health crisis.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, the Delhi government announced a significant policy shift mandating that 50 percent of its employees will work from home as the capital struggles under hazardous pollution levels. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai elaborated via a post on X, stating that this initiative is aimed at mitigating pollution levels during this critical time.
Apart from Delhi, Jaipur and Chandigarh have also made headlines as some of the most polluted cities in India at this time, with AQI readings of 235 and 233, respectively, both classified under the “poor” category. In stark contrast, cities like Aizawl and Guwahati reported the lowest pollution levels, with significantly clearer air having AQI readings of just 32 and 42 by 7 am.
Published By:
Akhilesh Nagari
Published On:
Nov 21, 2024
What measures can be taken at the governmental level to effectively reduce air pollution and improve air quality in urban areas?
**Interview with Dr. Priya Sharma, Environmental Scientist**
**Host:** Good morning, Dr. Sharma, and thank you for joining us today. As we reported, residents of Delhi have seen a mildly improved air quality index after an eight-day stretch of severe pollution. Could you provide some context on the recent air quality trends in the city?
**Dr. Sharma:** Good morning! Yes, the situation has been quite dire. After eight consecutive days of severe pollution, it is indeed a relief to see a slight improvement with an AQI of 379. However, we must remember that this is still categorized as “very poor.” The persistent smog and high levels of particulate matter can have severe health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
**Host:** What are some of the specific areas you find most concerning based on the latest data?
**Dr. Sharma:** Areas like Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur are particularly alarming, with AQIs reported at 437. This is dangerously high and indicative of severe pollution levels. Other areas, including Bawana, Ashok Vihar, and Mundka, are also experiencing AQI levels well over 400, which means residents are facing serious health risks if they are exposed to outdoor air for extended periods [[1](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-air-pollution-live-updates-toxic-air-aqi-level-grap-4-restrictions-schools-private-offices/liveblog/115508462.cms)].
**Host:** Given these ongoing challenges, what can residents of Delhi do to protect themselves?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s crucial for residents to take precautions, especially on days when the AQI exceeds 400. Staying indoors, using air purifiers, wearing masks when going outside, and avoiding outdoor activities can help minimize exposure. Additionally, keeping windows closed and using air conditioning if possible can also reduce indoor air pollution. Public awareness and action are equally important, so I encourage residents to participate in local initiatives aimed at reducing pollution levels.
**Host:** Thank you for those insights, Dr. Sharma. It seems that while there is a slight improvement, the battle against air pollution in Delhi is far from over.
**Dr. Sharma:** Exactly. We need sustained efforts both on an individual and governmental level to implement long-term solutions to improve air quality in Delhi, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.
**Host:** Thank you for your time, Dr. Sharma, and for your valuable expertise on this pressing issue.