NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality has plunged this week, prompting authorities to curb industrial activities and limit offices to half of their capacity in the Indian capital.
Even on Wednesday, the city was covered under dense smog on Wednesday making it the most polluted city in the country for the third day in a row.
According to local measurements, the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed above 440, forcing authorities to impose the most stringent measures under a pollution control programme known as the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap).
AQI is a measure of five major air pollutants and is considered “good” when under 50. Any number above 400 is considered “severe”, meaning the smog should be considered harmful to even healthy individuals and outdoor activity should be avoided where possible.
Several AQI monitoring stations in Delhi crossed 450 on Wednesday morning, entering a category the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) refers to as “severe-plus”.
Similar conditions were reported across the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes nearby cities of Delhi such as Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram.
The worsening of pollution levels, which officials say is likely to continue in the coming days, has raised significant health concerns, prompting authorities in the Indian capital to order some school classes to be conducted online.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the concentration of PM2.5—microscopic particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream through the lungs and poses significant long-term risks to respiratory and cardiovascular health—reached 251.5 micrograms per cubic meter on Tuesday evening.
This level is more than 16 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe limit.
Experts have linked the deteriorating air quality to a combination of stagnant winds, high humidity, and emissions from local sources, including vehicle and industrial pollution.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that low wind speeds have caused pollutants to become trapped near the ground, while high humidity levels have further aggravated the situation.
As a result, visibility in the region has sharply declined, prompting Delhi Airport to implement contingency procedures because of dense, fog-like conditions.
Amid worsening air quality, authorities imposed a complete ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi and its neighbouring areas late Monday night.
Additionally, non-essential diesel trucks have been barred from entering the city, and restrictions have been placed on the operation of older vehicles.
Authorities have advised residents to use air purifiers indoors, wear N95 masks outdoors, and limit physical activity in highly polluted areas to minimise health risks.
However, despite these recommendations, pollution masks are rarely seen on the streets of the Indian capital.
