Delhi is grappling with an alarming surge in air pollution, reaching unprecedented levels that have led to the declaration of a medical emergency in northern India.
Delhi Faces Medical Emergency as Air Pollution Soars to Severe Plus Levels
Delhi Faces Medical Emergency as Air Pollution Soars to Severe Plus Levels
Delhi's air quality deteriorates rapidly, prompting urgent government action and public outcry
In recent days, air pollution in India’s capital, Delhi, has escalated dramatically, causing grave concern among residents as the city is enveloped in a dense layer of smog. Reports indicate that pollution levels peaked at 1,500 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) around 15:00 IST (09:30 BST), a staggering figure that is 15 times higher than the threshold deemed safe for breathing by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The deteriorating air quality has already disrupted flight operations and compelled authorities to close schools while suspending construction activities across the city. This alarming rise in pollution comes shortly after Lahore, Pakistan, recorded an AQI exceeding 1,000, signaling a growing environmental crisis in the region.
Experts have cautioned that the situation may worsen in the following days, stressing the potential necessity for more stringent pollution control measures. According to WHO guidelines, any AQI measuring above 300 is hazardous for human health. Delhi's pollution control authority designated the urban air as "severe plus" after measurements surpassed 450 on Monday morning.
In response to the crisis, the city has implemented several measures, including a ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, as well as mandating that offices allow 50% of their workforce to operate remotely. The government has also prohibited activities related to coal, firewood, and the use of diesel generators for non-emergency purposes.
During the winter months, from October to January, Delhi and surrounding regions frequently confront hazardous air quality due to a confluence of factors, including cold temperatures, dust, low wind speeds, vehicle emissions, and the burning of crop residue. Despite annual pollution control initiatives, the city’s air quality continues to pose severe challenges.
On Monday, Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi remarked that the entire northern region of India is facing what she termed a "medical emergency," highlighting the unchecked stubble burning practices prevalent in neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. She criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its inaction over the past five years, while the BJP has directed blame towards the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the city’s pollution woes.
As Delhi residents struggle to breathe, many took to social media to express their frustrations. One user lamented about waking up with an itchy and painful throat, stating that even two air purifiers failed to render the indoor air quality breathable. Another urged for a peaceful mass protest, declaring, "The air we breathe is lethally toxic."
The community continues to seek action amid the cloud of smog, as the government reassesses its strategies to combat this escalating environmental crisis.
The deteriorating air quality has already disrupted flight operations and compelled authorities to close schools while suspending construction activities across the city. This alarming rise in pollution comes shortly after Lahore, Pakistan, recorded an AQI exceeding 1,000, signaling a growing environmental crisis in the region.
Experts have cautioned that the situation may worsen in the following days, stressing the potential necessity for more stringent pollution control measures. According to WHO guidelines, any AQI measuring above 300 is hazardous for human health. Delhi's pollution control authority designated the urban air as "severe plus" after measurements surpassed 450 on Monday morning.
In response to the crisis, the city has implemented several measures, including a ban on the entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi, as well as mandating that offices allow 50% of their workforce to operate remotely. The government has also prohibited activities related to coal, firewood, and the use of diesel generators for non-emergency purposes.
During the winter months, from October to January, Delhi and surrounding regions frequently confront hazardous air quality due to a confluence of factors, including cold temperatures, dust, low wind speeds, vehicle emissions, and the burning of crop residue. Despite annual pollution control initiatives, the city’s air quality continues to pose severe challenges.
On Monday, Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi remarked that the entire northern region of India is facing what she termed a "medical emergency," highlighting the unchecked stubble burning practices prevalent in neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. She criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its inaction over the past five years, while the BJP has directed blame towards the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the city’s pollution woes.
As Delhi residents struggle to breathe, many took to social media to express their frustrations. One user lamented about waking up with an itchy and painful throat, stating that even two air purifiers failed to render the indoor air quality breathable. Another urged for a peaceful mass protest, declaring, "The air we breathe is lethally toxic."
The community continues to seek action amid the cloud of smog, as the government reassesses its strategies to combat this escalating environmental crisis.
