Delhi Pollution Crisis: Schools Shut, Remote Work Enforced As AQI Hits 'Severe Plus'

As air pollution in Delhi spiraled to alarming levels, the city activated Stage-4 of its emergency anti-pollution measures on Sunday. The air quality index (AQI) reached 481 on Monday morning, marking a "severe plus" category with grave health implications.

Emergency Measures Implemented

To combat the crisis, the Centre for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced strict measures across the National Capital Region (NCR):

• School Closures: Physical classes have been suspended for most students, except those in grades 10 and 12.
• Remote Work: Government, municipal, and private offices must operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the staff working from home.
• Truck Ban: Non-essential trucks are banned from entering Delhi unless carrying essential goods or running on cleaner fuels like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel engines.
• Diesel Vehicle Restrictions: BS-IV and older diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles are barred, with exceptions for essential services.
• Construction Ban: All construction and demolition activities, including public projects, are halted, except for critical linear projects like pipelines.

Pollution Stats and Sources

Delhi's AQI surged to 457 on Sunday and climbed further to 481 by Monday morning. Some areas reported readings exceeding 500. The pollution spike is attributed to:

• Stubble Burning: Reports from SAFAR, a weather monitoring agency, reveal that stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana contributed 38% of Delhi's pollution.
• Weather Conditions: Low temperatures, calm winds, and high humidity trapped pollutants, exacerbating the smog.

Impact and Potential Next Steps

The choking smog has prompted NCR governments to consider additional emergency measures, including:

• Closing colleges and non-essential commercial activities.
• Implementing odd-even vehicle restrictions.

The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts smoggy conditions and low wind speeds to persist until Saturday.

Delhi's Annual Struggle with Pollution

Delhi faces worsening air quality every winter due to a combination of:

• Cold Air Traps: These trap pollutants and emissions, creating a harmful mix of smoke and fog.
• Illegal Farm Fires: Widespread burning of crop residue in neighboring states contributes significantly to the pollution crisis.

As Delhi battles its annual smog crisis, the city is relying on stringent measures to curb pollution and protect public health, with authorities urging residents to limit outdoor activities and use air purifiers indoors.