Delhi choked by toxic smog; AQI worsens to 461
What's the story
Delhi's air quality has worsened drastically, plunging into the hazardous zone with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 461. All 40 monitoring stations in the city recorded "severe" levels of pollution. The worst hit areas include Rohini (499), Bawana (498), Vivek Vihar (495), Ashok Vihar and Wazirpur (493 each), Narela (492), and Anand Vihar (491).
NCR impact
NCR cities also record alarming pollution levels
The air quality crisis isn't limited to Delhi. Several cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) are also reeling under severe pollution. Noida recorded an AQI of 470, Ghaziabad 460, Gurugram 348 (very poor), and Faridabad 220 (poor). The toxic smog has severely impaired visibility across the region, with dense fog reducing visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport to near zero in some areas.
Weather forecast
IMD forecasts continued foggy conditions in Delhi
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that visibility at IGI Airport could drop to 100 meters due to dense fog. The IMD's forecast includes moderate to dense fog in many areas of Delhi during morning hours on December 14, with shallow to moderate fog expected in the coming days. These weather conditions are likely contributing to the accumulation of pollutants near the surface.
Emergency measures
Stage-IV emergency measures implemented to tackle pollution
In response to the worsening air quality, authorities have invoked Stage-IV emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These include prohibiting BS-IV diesel trucks from entering Delhi unless they are carrying essential goods or services. A complete ban on construction and demolition activities has been imposed, along with shutting down stone crushers and mining operations across NCR.
Public health
Schools and health advisory issued amid pollution crisis
Schools in NCR have been advised to shift to hybrid classes for students of Class VI to IX and Class XI. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also issued a health advisory urging vulnerable groups to stay indoors as much as possible. This comes after Delhi's air quality briefly improved earlier this week before deteriorating again due to toxic smog and dense fog.
Public advisory
Authorities urge residents to limit outdoor exposure
Authorities are advising residents to limit outdoor exposure, reduce physical activity, wear masks if necessary, and use public transport to cut down vehicular emissions. The AQI is calculated on eight pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, among others. An AQI above 401 is classified as "severe" and can pose health risks even to healthy individuals.