In light of plunging air quality levels, Delhi authorities have mandated hybrid classes for primary school students while also imposing a ban on non-essential construction activities. This decision, taken on Tuesday, aims to combat the severe pollution levels that have afflicted the Indian capital. Reports indicate that Delhi's air quality has reached alarming "severe" levels, a situation that poses health risks even to healthy individuals, but especially to those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Recent observations revealed that on Wednesday, the concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air soared to 438 micrograms per cubic meter, a figure significantly exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This measurement is nearly 30 times higher than the WHO's recommended 24-hour average safe limit of 15 micrograms and about eight times higher than India's national average. Medical professionals have advised residents—particularly children and the elderly—to minimize outdoor activities and wear protective masks when necessary.
Delhi's deteriorating air quality is a recurring issue, especially in winter. Multiple factors contribute to this problem, including low wind speeds, emissions from industrial activities, vehicle exhaust, temperature drops, and the seasonal burning of agricultural waste in nearby states. As part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Delhi government has implemented stage three measures, which encompass a ban on mining operations and stone crushing, alongside restrictions on the movement of vehicles transporting dust-producing materials.
The critical state of air quality has not only raised health concerns but has also led to public protests, with citizens demanding action from the government. This situation has ignited political tensions as well; leaders of the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have criticized the Delhi government for allegedly manipulating air quality data and inadequate proactive measures to safeguard public health. AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj has called for a declaration of a public health emergency, arguing that air quality remains dire regardless of the data presented.
Defending against these accusations, the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasized its commitment to addressing pollution concerns comprehensively. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also clarified that the information on air quality is accessible to the public and that the practice of sprinkling water near monitoring stations is intended solely for dust reduction and not data manipulation. As the government seeks to implement stronger anti-pollution measures, the residents of Delhi are left grappling with the dire environmental challenges that await them this winter season.