Delhi choked by thick fog as air quality plummets to 'very poor' with AQI reaching 307

On Monday morning, a thick layer of fog enveloped Delhi, significantly reducing visibility and causing alarm as the city's air quality worsened. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 307, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This decline comes just days before Diwali, raising serious health concerns for residents who often light firecrackers during the festival.

Anand Vihar recorded the highest pollution level, with an alarming AQI of 454, categorized as 'severe.' Other areas, including Dwarka, also reported poor air quality, with readings of 311 at 8:30 am. The ITO area fared slightly better, with an AQI of 232, still within the 'poor' category. This poor air quality can cause breathing discomfort and respiratory issues, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Local footage from the Akshardham Temple showcased the dense fog and low visibility, which has become a common sight during this time of year. A college student from Koorpur expressed frustration, stating, "I struggle to breathe because of the rising pollution levels, especially with the added fog." Residents are increasingly worried about how this air quality will affect their health, especially with winter approaching.

One major contributor to the pollution crisis in Delhi is stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. During autumn, farmers burn crop residue, releasing large amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. On October 20, stubble burning contributed 1.7% to Delhi's PM 2.5 pollution, a figure expected to rise in the coming days. Reports indicate that by Tuesday, this could account for around 7% of the PM 2.5 concentration in the capital.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government is activating strict measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1). Chief Minister Atishi held a high-level meeting with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials, emphasizing the importance of community action. She urged residents to carpool, avoid burning waste, and use the Green Delhi app to report pollution incidents. Despite these measures, critics argue that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has failed to implement effective long-term solutions to combat pollution. Compounding the pollution problem, toxic foam has been observed on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area, alarming residents and environmental activists alike.