Delhi, the heart of India, finds itself gasping for breath as a deadly combination of dense smog, fog, and plummeting temperatures enshroud the city. With the onset of winter and a drastic drop in visibility, residents are facing the harsh repercussions of severe air pollution compounded by seasonal weather changes. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a three-day Yellow Alert warning for dense fog and smog, highlighting the growing environmental and health concerns.
Cold Waves Intensify: Delhi Shivers as Temperatures Plummet
The capital experienced a biting chill on Thursday as the minimum temperature dipped to 5°C, three degrees below normal. Narela emerged as the coldest area, with temperatures plunging to 4.5°C. Even during the day, the sun struggled to break through the thick blanket of smog, providing only fleeting warmth.
The situation worsened as icy winds from the Himalayas swept across the plains, adding to the chill factor. By the evening, the cold intensified, making life difficult for the city’s residents. The Safdarjung observatory recorded a visibility of 250 meters early in the morning, while Palam airport noted 600 meters.
Smog and Pollution Blanket Delhi: A Crisis Unfolds
Delhi has turned into a veritable gas chamber, with the city’s air quality index (AQI) spiraling into the “severe” category. On Thursday, the AQI soared to an alarming 451, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The smog, a deadly cocktail of pollutants, continued to hang heavy in the air throughout the day, significantly reducing visibility and intensifying health hazards.
Health Risks: Vulnerable Groups Bear the Brunt
The toxic air poses a grave threat to public health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. With pollutants reaching hazardous levels, residents are reporting an increase in breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and chronic coughs.
Key Hotspots: Delhi’s Most Polluted Areas
The following areas reported the highest AQI levels on Thursday:
- Bawana: 484
- Nehru Nagar: 480
- Dwarka Sector-8: 479
- Anand Vihar: 472
- Ashok Vihar: 471
In addition, neighboring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), such as Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram, also recorded dangerously high pollution levels, exacerbating the crisis.
Weather Patterns Worsen Pollution Levels
Experts attribute the worsening pollution to stagnant weather conditions, with low wind speeds failing to disperse harmful pollutants. On Thursday, winds blew at a sluggish 4–8 km/h, allowing particulate matter to accumulate.
- Mixing Depth: Recorded at 980 meters, indicating the layer where pollutants are trapped.
- Ventilation Index: Dropped to 3000 m³/s, significantly below the ideal level for dispersing pollutants.
Sources of Pollution
- Transportation Emissions: Contributed 13.18% to the pollution levels.
- Biomass Burning: Accounted for 1.24% of the total pollutants.
Government Response and Public Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens to take precautionary measures, such as:
- Limiting outdoor activities, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.
- Wearing N95 masks to minimize exposure to particulate matter.
- Using air purifiers indoors to improve air quality.
The CPCB has also recommended a temporary halt to construction activities and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to curb emissions.
IMD Forecast: What to Expect in the Coming Days
The IMD predicts similar weather conditions for the next few days, with the possibility of dense fog and severe smog persisting through the morning hours.
- Maximum Temperature: Expected to hover around 23°C.
- Minimum Temperature: Likely to remain near 6°C.
The wind direction is expected to shift to the southeast on Saturday, which may provide slight relief by dispersing pollutants. However, the overall situation remains critical.
Urgent Call for Action: Combating Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis
As Delhi battles one of its worst environmental crises, there is an urgent need for collaborative action to address the root causes of pollution. Measures such as promoting public transportation, reducing industrial emissions, and implementing stricter waste management policies must be prioritized.
Long-term solutions, including a transition to clean energy sources and widespread adoption of electric vehicles, are imperative to ensure a healthier future for the city’s residents.
