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New Delhi, Nov 24 (IANS) The national capital witnessed a thin layer of pollution, with the air quality index (AQI) reaching 396 on Monday, which is in the ‘very poor’ category. However, this provided some relief from the ‘very severe’ AQI of over 500 seen in several hotspots in Delhi-NCR on Saturday.
Thick toxic smog reduced visibility in many parts of the city, prompting authorities to issue fresh health warnings.
Neighboring NCR cities are also grappling with deteriorating air quality. AQI was recorded at 358 in Faridabad, 370 in Gurugram, 355 in Ghaziabad, 342 in Greater Noida and 372 in Noida.
While most areas of Delhi’s AQI is hovering between 300 and 400, several areas have already crossed the 400 mark, falling into the ‘severe’ category. Officials say that if the wind speed remains low then the situation may worsen.
Meteorologists attribute the increase in pollution to calm winds, low temperatures and increased humidity, which together trap pollutants closer to the surface. The winter inversion effect, where cold air becomes trapped beneath warm air, is preventing the dispersion of particulate matter.
Environmental experts have warned that the continued presence of PM2.5 particles, the most harmful pollutants capable of reaching deep into the lungs, is contributing significantly to the health threat. Vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants and local biomass burning were the major contributors during this period.
Health care professionals advise residents to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, asthma patients and people with heart conditions. Prolonged exposure to current air quality levels can cause respiratory distress, eye irritation, reduced lung function and increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
With AQI approaching the ‘severe’ zone, Delhi remains under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) monitoring. If pollution levels continue to rise, authorities may impose stricter restrictions, including bans on construction, banning polluting vehicles and suspending some industrial operations.
Delhi’s recurring winter pollution crisis requires long-term structural solutions that go beyond temporary measures, experts say. These include stronger enforcement on vehicle emissions, rapid expansion of public transportation, dust control mechanisms at construction sites, and coordinated regional action to curb external pollution sources.
As the capital grapples with another heavy pollution episode, residents are reminded that the coming weeks – typically the worst for air quality – could see even further deterioration if weather conditions do not improve and emissions are reduced.
Delhi’s annual smog problem, now a seasonal public health emergency, underlines the urgent need for sustainable environmental improvements.
–IANS
RS/RAD