Delhi is grappling with a severe air quality crisis as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels, peaking at 474 on Monday. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 4 of its pollution control measures, which bans all construction activities and allows schools to suspend classes due to the hazardous conditions.
The drastic decline in air quality has been attributed to the influx of smoke from stubble burning in Punjab, exacerbated by stagnant surface winds and weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground. Experts warn that such high AQI levels can lead to serious respiratory and cardiac issues, especially among vulnerable populations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an orange alert for Delhi-NCR, predicting the formation of 'super fog' that will severely impair visibility. This follows a pattern of poor visibility throughout the region, worsened by a phenomenon known as 'inversion,' where warm air traps cooler air and pollutants.
As authorities scramble to address the crisis, measures include restrictions on vehicle entry and the potential for online classes for older students. The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for effective pollution control strategies and the impact of agricultural practices on urban air quality.