The Supreme Court mandated that restrictions under GRAP-IV remain in place even if the AQI drops below 450. Additionally, states in NCR were ordered to establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations of anti-pollution measures.
The national capital, Delhi, and its surrounding areas are reeling under hazardous air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the “severe plus” threshold. On Monday morning, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 481, with Dwarka peaking at 499, according to official data. Independent monitors like Swiss-based IQAir reported even higher numbers, with levels 17 times the acceptable standard and some areas touching 1,743. This marks the sixth consecutive day of hazardous air, plunging visibility to just 150 meters.
The pollution crisis has far-reaching consequences beyond health. Real estate developers warn that the construction ban under GRAP-IV will delay housing projects, exacerbating costs for both developers and buyers. Public life is also severely disrupted, with restricted mobility, reduced office capacity, and halted commercial activities.
As Delhi grapples with one of its worst pollution crises, experts emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures and collaborative efforts between states. Long-term solutions, such as transitioning to cleaner fuels, mechanizing stubble removal, and expanding green cover, are essential to prevent such crises in the future.
For now, Delhi’s residents can only hope for winds of change—literally and figuratively—to clear the toxic air.
Supreme Court Intervenes
The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance, criticizing the delay in enforcing GRAP-IV restrictions. “Some sense of urgency needs to be there,” the court remarked, pulling up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for waiting for weather improvements instead of acting proactively. The bench also directed the Centre to procure real-time stubble-burning data using satellite technology to enable prompt action.
The court mandated that restrictions under GRAP-IV remain in place even if the AQI drops below 450. Additionally, states in NCR were ordered to establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations of anti-pollution measures.
Blame Game Over Pollution
The deteriorating air quality has reignited political blame games. Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused the BJP-led central government of inaction on stubble burning in states like Uttar Pradesh, where incidents have reportedly increased from 1,500 to 2,500 in two years. Rai contrasted this with Punjab, governed by his Aam Aadmi Party, where cases of stubble burning dropped from 47,000 to 7,500 in the same period.
On the other hand, BJP leaders blamed the AAP-led Delhi government for poor dust control measures and lax governance. BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP’s handling of pollution control, while distributing masks to residents struggling with the toxic air.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi called for a united, apolitical approach to address the crisis, stating, “The entire north India is in a medical emergency. We must prioritize solutions over rhetoric.”
Health Emergency
Health experts have termed the situation a public health emergency. Prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and long-term complications. Hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory distress, and many residents are relying on air purifiers and masks to cope.
Impact on Transportation
The dense smog has disrupted air travel and rail services. As many as 14 flights, including five on Monday morning, were diverted to Jaipur and Dehradun due to near-zero visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Over 370 flights were delayed, and 11 were cancelled, adding to the chaos. Railway services were also affected, with trains like the Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and Shramjeevi Express delayed by up to three hours.
Schools Shift Online
Amid the choking conditions, schools across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have shifted to online classes. Following Supreme Court directives, all physical classes for students up to Class 12 have been suspended. The court emphasized the health hazards posed by the current air quality, urging authorities to prioritize student well-being.
Restrictions Under GRAP-IV
The government has implemented Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes stringent restrictions to curb pollution. Measures include:
- A ban on the entry of trucks, except those carrying essential goods or running on clean fuels (CNG/LNG/BS-VI diesel).
- Suspension of construction and demolition activities across public and private sectors, impacting major infrastructure projects like hospitals, underpasses, and the Barapula Elevated Corridor.
- Governments and private offices are urged to operate at 50% capacity, and vehicle rationing schemes like odd-even are under consideration.
Despite these steps, critics argue that enforcement has been slow and inadequate.
Weather and Visibility Outlook
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts clear skies but low wind speeds for the coming days, conditions unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants. Dense to very dense fog is expected during evenings and nights, further aggravating visibility issues.
Image: Wikimedia
