Delhi is once again grappling with severe air pollution as dense smog descended upon the city on Wednesday morning, significantly reducing visibility and pushing the air quality index (AQI) into the ‘Very Poor’ category. The effects of winter, which typically exacerbate the city’s pollution levels, have become apparent as the blanket of smog covered the national capital, causing widespread disruption across multiple sectors, including air and rail traffic.
As of 7 am, Delhi’s AQI stood at 355, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and it worsened throughout the morning, climbing to 370 by 10 am. These levels of pollution are considered hazardous to health, especially for individuals with respiratory issues, the elderly, and young children. The dense smog, a result of a combination of factors such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and lower temperatures that trap pollutants near the ground, drastically impacted visibility.At the city’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the situation was particularly dire. At 8:30 am, visibility was reported to be zero, making it impossible for pilots to operate safely. This reduced visibility led to flight delays and diversions, as airlines struggled to manage operations under these challenging conditions. By 10 am, visibility at the airport had slightly improved to 50 meters, but it remained well below the required standards for safe flight operations.The dense fog also affected rail services across the region. Rail traffic coming into Delhi from various directions experienced disruptions due to poor visibility, with trains operating under speed restrictions to prevent accidents. Sources from Indian Railways indicated that loco pilots approaching Delhi were advised to slow down to ensure safe passage, leading to delays in services. Passengers traveling by train were also affected, with some experiencing delays in reaching their destinations.The heavy smog, along with the high AQI, has sparked concern among residents and health experts alike. With the onset of winter, the city’s air quality often takes a turn for the worse, with pollution levels typically spiking due to weather conditions that trap pollutants in the air. The city has already witnessed a significant rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in recent years, and the worsening air quality has only added to the health burden. Residents are being advised to limit outdoor activities, especially in the morning and evening when pollution levels tend to peak, and wear N95 masks to protect themselves from inhaling harmful particulate matter.Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with efforts being made to curb pollution and improve air quality in the long term. Measures such as the Odd-Even vehicle scheme, promoting cleaner energy sources, and tackling stubble burning in neighboring states are all part of a broader strategy to address the issue of pollution. However, the ongoing smog episode highlights the urgent need for immediate action and stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.As Delhi continues to struggle with the effects of poor air quality, it’s clear that both short-term and long-term solutions will be required to mitigate the severe health and environmental impacts of pollution. With the smog continuing to linger, residents are urged to stay indoors as much as possible, avoid strenuous activities, and monitor air quality levels regularly to protect their health.
