SMOG in Delhi, NCR Takes Drastic Steps as Air Quality Plummets to “Critical” Levels

Critical Air Quality in Delhi and NCR Continues, ‘Work from Home’ Orders Issued

The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached alarming levels, with the overall air quality remaining in the ‘critical’ category. This concerning situation persists, as reported by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India.

For the past few days, pollution levels in Delhi have consistently registered in the ‘critical’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 at numerous locations in and around the city. On Monday morning, an overall average AQI of 471 was recorded, according to SAFAR.

To combat this severe air pollution, the state government has taken measures, including the implementation of a ‘work from home’ policy for 50% of government staff, which will remain in effect until further notice.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board reveals a startling increase in Delhi’s air quality index, with levels surging by over 200 points since October 27. The most recent peak was recorded on November 3, marking the highest AQI since November 12, 2021. Although there has been some improvement due to slightly better wind speed, a thick and toxic haze still envelops the national capital for the sixth consecutive day.

New Delhi finds itself shrouded in a suffocating smog that has prompted the closure of schools and disrupted the Cricket World Cup, all while authorities scramble to address an ongoing pollution crisis that plagues the Indian capital on an annual basis.

“Regrettably, with the arrival of November, a sense of apprehension settles in as the air takes a noxious turn,” expressed Prachi Bhuchar, a long-time resident. “We’ve called Delhi home for more than 15 years, but each passing year makes it increasingly challenging to endure, as living conditions deteriorate.”

Read more.

The city’s air quality deteriorated last week due to the entrapment of particles from nearby crop burning brought about by colder temperatures, resulting in the formation of a hazardous haze that persisted for the fourth consecutive day on Monday.

In response to the worsening air quality ahead of Diwali and concerns about further deterioration, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has penned a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. In this letter, Minister Rai urges the restriction of only CNG, electric, and BS VI-compliant vehicles in Delhi-NCR to mitigate the pollution crisis.