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Delhi enforces stricter anti-pollution measures as air quality hits severe levels
Delhi authorities imposed tighter pollution controls on Tuesday, including hybrid classes for primary students, a ban on non-essential construction, and restrictions on goods carriers, as the capital's air quality deteriorated to "severe" levels. The move comes amid warnings that the hazardous conditions pose risks even to healthy individuals and severe threats to those with pre-existing illnesses.
Record PM2.5 levels raise health alarms
On Wednesday, Delhi's PM2.5 concentration-fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs-soared to 438 micrograms per cubic meter, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This figure is nearly 30 times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended 24-hour safe limit of 15 and roughly eight times India's national standard.
Medical professionals have urged residents, particularly children and the elderly, to limit outdoor exposure and wear protective masks if venturing outside becomes unavoidable. The toxic smog, an annual winter crisis in Delhi and northern India, stems from a combination of stagnant air, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, plummeting temperatures, and the seasonal burning of crop residue in neighboring states.
Government activates emergency pollution plan
The Delhi government triggered Stage Three of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Tuesday, a protocol designed to curb escalating pollution. The measures include halting mining and stone-crushing operations, banning vehicles transporting dust-generating materials, and other restrictions aimed at reducing particulate matter.
The deteriorating air quality has also fueled public unrest. Over the weekend, residents staged protests in the capital, while political tensions flared over accusations of government inaction.
Political row erupts over air quality data
Opposition leader Saurabh Bhardwaj of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "manipulating air quality data" and failing to safeguard public health. Bhardwaj demanded the declaration of a public health emergency, citing persistently "alarming" pollution levels despite alleged data tampering.
Delhi's BJP-led government rejected the claims. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta asserted that authorities were addressing pollution with "full seriousness and promptness." Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa defended the government's transparency, telling the Hindustan Times that air quality data remains publicly accessible. He clarified that water sprinkling near monitoring stations aimed to suppress dust, not distort readings.
Recurring crisis demands long-term solutions
Delhi's annual winter pollution spike underscores the urgency for systemic interventions. While emergency measures like GRAP provide temporary relief, experts emphasize the need for sustained policies targeting industrial emissions, vehicular standards, and agricultural practices to mitigate the chronic hazard.
