On the morning of Thursday, November 7, 2024, residents of Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “very poor” category. At 9 a.m., the AQI was recorded at 367, with nine locations—Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Rohini, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirpur—reporting “severe” levels, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The situation has raised serious health concerns for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and 401-500 is “severe.” With the city under severe air pollution, it is recommended that residents avoid outdoor activities and take necessary precautions like wearing masks and using air purifiers. For those who must go outside, it is essential to wear N95 masks, as they offer better protection against harmful particulate matter (PM) in the air.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts clear skies for the city, but with smog throughout the day and shallow fog at night. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 18.0°C, which is 3.7°C higher than the usual temperature for this time of year. Humidity stood at 94 percent at 8:30 a.m., making the air feel heavier and adding to the discomfort. The combination of low visibility due to smog and high humidity levels is likely to worsen the conditions throughout the day, making it harder for the residents to breathe.
Environmental experts have highlighted that this high level of pollution is a result of a combination of factors, including stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. The city is now facing the consequences of years of unchecked urbanization and environmental degradation. The Delhi government has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities, especially in areas with the most severe pollution levels. Local authorities have also implemented measures such as water sprinkling and the suspension of construction activities to mitigate the situation.
With the onset of winter, pollution levels in Delhi are expected to worsen. Experts predict that the smog could persist for several days, exacerbating the health risks for millions of people. Public health authorities are advising people to take precautions and seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties, eye irritation, or other symptoms related to poor air quality. The long-term health implications of such high pollution levels could lead to increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The situation has sparked renewed debates about the effectiveness of the government’s measures to tackle air pollution. Calls for more stringent policies to reduce emissions from vehicles, industries, and crop burning are intensifying, with environmentalists urging the administration to act swiftly to protect the health and well-being of the city’s residents. Citizens have also demanded better enforcement of laws to control illegal construction and industrial activities that contribute to air pollution. There is growing pressure for the implementation of long-term strategies such as promoting green energy alternatives and encouraging public transportation to reduce the city’s dependence on private vehicles.
