13 November, 2024; Delhi-NCR is currently grappling with severe air pollution as a thick layer of smog envelops the region, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the ‘Very Poor’ category. With the AQI at a concerning 399, residents are facing hazardous conditions, and the air quality is only expected to worsen. Several areas in the national capital are experiencing air quality in the ‘Severe’ category, with the AQI breaching the 400-mark, making the atmosphere dangerously polluted.
Low Visibility and Breathing Difficulties
The persistent smog has led to significantly reduced visibility, with residents complaining of difficulty in breathing. The thick haze is affecting daily life, particularly in high-traffic areas and residential zones. Commuters are finding it challenging to navigate through the fog, and several reports indicate an increase in health complaints such as coughing, breathlessness, and eye irritation.
Medical professionals are advising people, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors. The government has issued advisories urging people to wear N95 masks when stepping outside and to limit outdoor activities as much as possible.
Flight Operations Disrupted
The dense smog is not only impacting ground-level activities but also disrupting air traffic. Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport have been severely affected, with visibility levels being too low for safe takeoff and landing. Several incoming and outgoing flights have been delayed or diverted due to the hazardous air conditions. Authorities have urged passengers to check with airlines for updates before traveling to the airport.
Worst Affected Areas
Certain parts of Delhi-NCR are bearing the brunt of the worsening air quality. Aya Nagar, Anand Vihar, and Delhi University’s North Campus have recorded some of the worst air quality levels in the city. These areas have consistently reported AQI levels in the ‘Severe’ category, with the number rising above 400. The alarming levels of pollution have prompted health officials to declare a public health emergency in some of the affected regions.
Immediate Measures and Long-Term Solutions Needed
The Delhi government has implemented various measures to tackle the pollution, including issuing health advisories, promoting the use of public transport, and urging people to limit their outdoor activities. However, experts argue that short-term measures alone will not solve the pollution crisis. There is an urgent need for long-term solutions, such as stricter regulations on industrial emissions, better waste management, and initiatives to reduce vehicular pollution.
As Delhi-NCR continues to battle this air quality crisis, it’s clear that addressing the root causes of pollution will require coordinated efforts from the government, industry, and the public. Until then, the residents of the national capital will have to endure the smog and its harmful effects on their health.
