Delhi’s Air Quality worsens: toxic smog raises concerns as Winter approaches

Delhi’s air quality has reached alarming levels, with a pollution measure called PM2.5 concentration standing at 59 times above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe limit. On Monday morning, several areas, including Anand Vihar, reported hazardous air quality levels. Overall, the city’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 434 at 6 a.m., placing it in the “severe” category. An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as severe, while levels above 450 are considered “severe-plus,” which can lead to serious health risks, such as lung and brain damage.

In different areas of Delhi, AQI readings varied, with Anand Vihar reaching 624, classified as hazardous. Other neighborhoods, such as Alipur, Punjabi Bagh, and RK Puram, also faced dangerous levels, with AQI readings between 300 and 400, or “very poor” to “hazardous.”

ALSO READ: Shiv Sena's Arvind Sawant apologizes after backlash over remark on Shaina NC

ALSO READ: Delhi records second cleanest air after Diwali since 2015 due to favorable weather

Delhi’s plan to combat Air Pollution

To address this air quality crisis, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the deployment of around 200 mobile anti-smog guns to control dust pollution in the city. These anti-smog guns will spray water to reduce dust, operating in three shifts of eight hours each across all constituencies. The government is also working on managing pollution from vehicles and burning waste materials.

This year, stubble burning contributed only 15% to Delhi’s pollution after Diwali, a noticeable decrease from previous years. However, while stubble burning has lessened, other pollution sources are still impacting the city’s air quality, making it a persistent health risk for residents.