Delhi Chokes under Smog as AQI Remains ‘Very Poor’; Citizens Protest amid Health Fear
Delhi’s AQI remained in the ‘very poor’ range at 345, as protests erupted demanding cleaner air. Authorities avoided stricter GRAP-3 restrictions, citing minor improvement despite persistent hazardous pollution levels.
New Delhi woke up once agaon under a dense shroud of haze on Monday morning, as pollution levels in the capital and adjoining areas remained alarmingly high. The Air Quality Index(AQI) stood at 345 at 8 a.m., placing Delhi firmly in the “very poor” category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Sunday, the figure had reached 391, reflecting marginal yet insufficient improvement.
Across the city, AQI readings ranged between 300 and 400, signaling hazardous atmospheric toxicity. Anand Vihar registered 379, while the Delhi AIrport area stood at 307. ITO recorded 375, Punjab Bagh 324, Wazirpur 397, and Rohini 390. Bawana’s air quality breached the ‘severe’ threshold at 412. Neighbouring cities fared no better, Faridabad (312), Ghaziabad (318), Greater Noida (325), Gurugram (328), and Noida (310), all remained engulfed in polluted stagnation.
The AQI scale categorizes 0-50 as good,51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, 401–450 severe, and beyond 450 as severe-plus. At Akshardham, visuals revealed a murky haze, with an alarming AQI of 479. In Lodhi Road, where the AQI was 314, officials initiated water sprinkling operations in an attempt to disperse the smog blanket.
Meteorological predictions suggest that Delhi’s air will persist in the ‘very poor’ category over the coming days.
No GRAP 3 for Now
Despite the suffocating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) has refrained from implementing stricter measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The decision comes after slight transitory amelioration in air quality, with Delhi’s hourly AQI dipping from 391 at 10 a.m. on Sunday to 370 by 4 p.m. and 365 by 5 p.m. The panel stated it would continue to meticulously evaluate the situation.
Under GRAP Stage 3, private BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles face restrictions. Additionally, non-essential construction halts, and schools up to Grade 5 are advised to shift to hybrid or online modes.
Protests Over Pollution
The escalating crisis prompted peaceful demonstrations near India Gate, where residents and children demanded clean air. Protesters held placards reading, “Smog se Azadi!” and “Breathing is killing me.” A child’s sign poignantly read, “I want to stay in Delhi with my friends and go to school! Help us breathe.”
“This is a health emergency, not a blame game. Trial-and-error has failed our children. The government must deliver a clean-air policy now,” declared a protester. Police confirmed detaining some participants to maintain order, as the rally lacked official permission.
