New Delhi woke up amid dense smog this week, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 399, firmly placing the city in the “very poor” category, according https://batteryplay.in/ to the Central Pollution Control Board. Visibility in many areas of the capital has dropped to just a few hundred meters, making even short commutes hazardous for pedestrians and motorists alike. Schools in several districts have either delayed openings or shifted to online classes, while hospitals report a sharp increase in patients suffering from respiratory issues, eye irritation, and throat infections. The health advisory urges residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, to remain indoors and use N95 masks if venturing outside.
Experts point out that Delhi’s winter pollution is a toxic mix of vehicle emissions, dust from ongoing construction, industrial pollutants, and smoke drifting in from the crop-burning fields of neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. The situation worsened this year after Diwali fireworks added a spike in particulate matter, overwhelming the city’s already struggling air filtration systems.
The Supreme Court has intervened, calling the crisis “very serious,” and urged the government to implement stricter measures. Justice P.S. Narasimha recommended virtual hearings for lawyers to prevent exposure to the smog-choked streets. Despite this, residents express frustration at the government’s slow response, noting that temporary measures such as sprinkling water on roads or banning some construction activities are insufficient. Environmentalists warn that without a long-term strategy addressing industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, and agricultural stubble burning, Delhi could continue to face hazardous air levels for several months each year, putting millions at risk.
The city is now grappling not just with pollution but with the broader challenge of climate adaptation and urban planning, highlighting the urgent need for policies that protect both health and the environment.