Delhi chokes under toxic smog as AQI hits 451 ahead of Diwali; GRAP Stage-II measures enforced

New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Tuesday, with the national capital’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 451 at 8 am, pushing the city into the hazardous pollution category ahead of Diwali.

A thick blanket of toxic smog engulfed several parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), raising concerns over public health as pollution levels climbed to alarming proportions.

Several monitoring stations across the capital reported severe air pollution, with Rohini recording an AQI of 429, Punjabi Bagh 424 and Bawana 408.

The deterioration in air quality has once again brought the spotlight on the capital’s recurring winter pollution crisis, with vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, road dust and other sources contributing to the deteriorating conditions.

With pollution levels worsening across the NCR, authorities have enforced Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), introducing additional measures to prevent further deterioration in air quality.

Under Stage-II restrictions, agencies have been directed to intensify mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling, particularly along heavy-traffic corridors and pollution hotspots. The measures are aimed at reducing dust particles that contribute significantly to particulate pollution.

Delhi Police have also stepped up enforcement at the Ghazipur border, conducting checks following the implementation of restrictions on vehicle entry. The move is part of the wider effort to regulate polluting vehicles entering the national capital and curb vehicular emissions.

The worsening air quality ahead of Diwali is particularly concerning, as the festival’s firecracker emissions could further aggravate pollution levels.

Weather conditions during the winter months, including low wind speeds and temperature inversion, can trap pollutants close to the ground, allowing toxic particulate matter to accumulate over the city.

An AQI of 451 falls in the severe category under India’s official National AQI classification. Such levels pose a serious health risk, particularly to children, older people and those suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Residents have been advised to minimise prolonged outdoor exposure, avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors and take precautions against exposure to polluted air.

With Diwali approaching, the immediate challenge for authorities is to ensure effective implementation of pollution-control measures and prevent the city’s air quality from deteriorating further.