Delhi and its surrounding areas face a health emergency as a dense toxic haze engulfs the city. Authorities have shifted schools to online classes and banned construction to limit exposure to hazardous air.
Visibility drops, flights and trains delayed
On Monday morning, the haze severely reduced visibility, causing delays for both flights and trains. The city’s air quality index (AQI), measuring PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants, exceeded safe limits by more than 30 times, according to health guidelines. Prolonged exposure at this level poses serious risks, especially for children and the elderly.
A recurring winter crisis
Toxic air has become a recurring issue in Delhi, particularly during winter. Officials attribute the problem to industrial emissions, heavy vehicle traffic, dropping temperatures, low wind speeds, and seasonal crop stubble burning in neighboring states.
AQI hits extreme levels
Early Monday, Delhi’s average AQI reached 471, reported by the government’s Safar app. India classifies AQI from 101–200 as moderate, 201–300 as poor, 301–400 as very poor, and above 400 as severe. While government apps cap readings at 500, private and international monitors often record even higher values.
Sudden deterioration triggers highest response
The city had shown minor improvement last week, oscillating between “poor” and “very poor,” but pollution levels spiked suddenly since Saturday. On Sunday, India’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) raised the graded response action plan (GRAP) from level III to level IV.
As a result, older diesel trucks cannot enter Delhi, construction activity has been halted, and schools now follow hybrid classes. Younger children are required to study online. India’s top court also advised lawyers and litigants to attend hearings virtually.
Weather and wind worsen smog
CAQM officials said the deterioration stems from high moisture and a shift in wind direction, which traps pollutants and accelerates smog formation. Authorities urged residents, particularly children and people with heart or respiratory conditions, to stay indoors and wear masks when venturing outside.
Severe pollution impacts health
Prolonged exposure to severe AQI can trigger respiratory issues even in healthy individuals. Between 2022 and 2024, over 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illness were recorded in six state-run hospitals in Delhi as pollution levels rose, the federal government told parliament earlier this month.
