Delhi's Ongoing Battle Against Severe Air Pollution Continues, Residents Grapple with Deteriorating Air Quality

The residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to yet another day of hazardous air quality as the air quality index (AQI) remained in the 'severe' category on Friday morning. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), prominent areas like RK Puram, IGI Airport, and Dwarka registered alarmingly high AQI figures, with readings well above the 400-mark at 5 am. The deteriorating air quality compelled residents to resort to protective measures, with many seen wearing masks in an attempt to shield themselves from the pollution and smog that enveloped the region, especially during morning hours. In a concerning revelation, the CPCB reported that the average AQI in Anand Vihar stood at 447, primarily driven by high levels of PM2.5, a major pollutant. The situation remained critical as the AQI continued to escalate in several areas, hitting 465 in RK Puram, 467 at the IGI Airport, and reaching a staggering 490 in Dwarka. While some relief was observed in Noida and Greater Noida, where the air quality lingered in the 'very poor' category, other neighboring regions like Gurugram and Ghaziabad recorded AQI figures signifying 'very poor to severe' air quality. The persistent surge in pollution levels has been attributed to various factors, with vehicular emissions accounting for a significant portion of the capital's pollution, according to recent findings from a joint project by the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur. Despite the implementation of stringent measures, including bans on construction activities and the entry of diesel-fueled trucks, Delhi's air quality has continued to deteriorate. Weather conditions, including calm winds and low temperatures, have exacerbated the accumulation of pollutants. Relief from these conditions is not anticipated in the coming days, as per an official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), although an improvement in wind speed projected by November 21 might aid in reducing pollution levels. The alarming pollution levels have triggered health concerns among experts, with the concentration of PM2.5 exceeding safe limits by six to seven times in certain areas. Prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels significantly increases the risk of respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases, equivalent to the impact of smoking approximately ten cigarettes a day. The Delhi government's efforts to tackle the crisis have included the formation of a specialized task force to enforce the Centre's air pollution control plan. However, the situation has led to contentious exchanges, with the Lieutenant Governor admonishing the AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi for alleged inadequacies in addressing the issue of stubble burning and focusing on measures like the odd-even road-rationing scheme. As the city grapples with the severe air quality crisis, the residents continue to endure the adverse effects of persistent pollution, necessitating concerted efforts and robust measures to mitigate this ongoing environmental challenge.