Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Smog Strikes Again

Delhi's air quality has reached alarming levels, with a recent Air Quality Index (AQI) of 299, just two points away from the ‘very poor’ category. On December 1, residents woke up to thick smog, a stark reminder of the persistent pollution woes that plague the national capital. This AQI follows a brief improvement noted earlier in the week, where it dropped to 279. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data highlights that 23 monitoring stations across the city recorded ‘very poor’ air quality.

Visuals from prominent areas like ITO, India Gate, and Anand Vihar show a toxic layer of smog enveloping the city. While some areas like NSIT Dwarka saw better air quality with an AQI of 195, places like Nehru Nagar and Rohini faced the worst conditions. Despite these fluctuations, Delhi recorded its lowest average AQI from January to November this year, standing at 187, an improvement compared to previous years.

To put this into perspective, last year's average AQI was 201, while 2022 saw it at 199. In contrast, the average AQI in 2019 was 203, and in 2018, it was 213. Notably, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, is excluded from this data. This year, the air quality only reached the ‘severe’ category for three days, a significant decrease from last year’s 11 days above 400.

Authorities attribute this improvement to effective pollution control measures. For instance, the average PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations have been at their lowest in the past two years. On November 29, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, responding to the worsening air quality conditions.

Under the new guidelines, strict measures for ‘severe’ AQI conditions were activated. Decisions regarding the operation of public and private offices will be made by local governments, allowing for a work-from-home option for many employees. Central government offices will also follow suit, emphasizing the need for flexibility in work arrangements to protect public health.

As Delhi battles with pollution, it is crucial for residents and authorities alike to stay informed and proactive in addressing this ongoing crisis. The city's air quality remains a pressing concern that requires immediate and sustained action.