For the eighth consecutive day, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) remained shrouded in a dense layer of smog, with air quality plummeting to unprecedentedly hazardous levels on November 19. The Air Quality Index (AQI) at numerous monitoring stations touched the alarming 500-mark, categorising it as ‘severe plus,’ prompting widespread disruptions and raising serious health concerns.
Education system transitions to Online mode
As pollution levels soared, educational institutions across Delhi-NCR were forced to adapt. Delhi University (DU) announced that all classes would be held online until November 23, resuming physical sessions on November 25. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) followed suit, declaring a shift to online classes until November 22.
The Delhi government extended this measure to schools, suspending in-person classes for grades 10 and 12, which had previously been exempt.
A circular from the Directorate of Education further directed heads of government and private schools to halt all physical classes to safeguard students’ health. Many institutions in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad also adopted online learning strategies in response to the deteriorating air quality.
The toxic air severely affected transportation. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport reported the delay of 180 flights, with six flights canceled due to poor visibility. Similarly, 22 trains were delayed, and nine were rescheduled, adding to commuters’ woes.
IndiGo Airlines issued an advisory warning of disruptions caused by fog in Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. “Foggy weather is affecting travel conditions, including slow-moving traffic and potential flight delays,” the airline cautioned, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Alarmingly high AQI levels recorded across NCR
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) painted a grim picture of Delhi’s air quality, with several areas recording AQI readings at or near the maximum value of 500. Prominent locations, including Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, and Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, were in the ‘severe plus’ category.
Other regions in Delhi-NCR reported equally hazardous conditions, with Alipur registering an AQI of 494, followed by Narela and Sonia Vihar at 492, and Anand Vihar and Vivek Vihar at 491. North Campus, RK Puram, and Wazirpur recorded AQI readings of 500 early in the morning.
The Supreme Court intervened on October 18, expressing dissatisfaction with the delayed implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The Court directed Delhi-NCR states to immediately enforce Stage 4 restrictions under GRAP, emphasising that all curbs must continue until further orders.
Stage 4 restrictions include:
- A complete ban on truck entry into Delhi unless carrying essential goods or operating on clean fuels like CNG, LNG, BS-VI diesel, or electric power.
- Suspension of non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi unless compliant with clean fuel standards.
- Halting all construction and demolition activities at public infrastructure projects.
- The Court reminded state governments of their constitutional duty to ensure citizens’ right to a pollution-free environment and emphasised the need for proactive action.
In an attempt to mitigate the crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to arrange for artificial rain to disperse the smog.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Secretary issued a detailed advisory to states and union territories, highlighting the health risks posed by air pollution. The advisory recommended strengthening healthcare systems, raising awareness among vulnerable populations, and creating district and city-level action plans to address climate change’s health impacts. Additionally, it called for expanding networks of sentinel hospitals to monitor and respond to pollution-related illnesses.
Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of adverse meteorological conditions and rampant stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. Low wind speeds and stagnant atmospheric conditions have trapped pollutants, preventing their dispersal. Satellite imagery has also indicated large-scale crop residue burning, which contributes significantly to particulate matter in the air.
The smog has left the city paralysed in many ways. Residents report difficulties in breathing, itchy eyes, and persistent coughs. Hospitals have seen a surge in patients suffering from respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly.
While measures like GRAP aim to provide immediate relief, they are far from a permanent solution. Long-term strategies, such as addressing stubble burning, promoting green energy, and expanding public transportation, remain critical to resolving this annual crisis.
