Delhi Pollution: Dense smog engulfs Delhi-NCR as AQI remains 'very poor' for 15th consecutive day - How to minimise health risks

After two weeks of enduring "Very Poor" air quality, Delhi residents faced an even graver situation as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged into the "Severe" category, breaching the critical 400 mark, according to NDTV. Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported Delhi’s AQI as remaining in the "Very Poor" category. Nearby areas such as Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad reported "Poor" air quality, while Faridabad saw a relatively better "Moderate" rating with an AQI of 188.

Back on October 21-22, as Delhi's AQI dropped to the "Very Poor" category, the Central Government’s Air Quality Early Warning System predicted this concerning level would persist for the following six days.?

Now, over 20 days later, the city continues to grapple with poor air quality, well beyond initial forecasts.

In fact, Delhi’s air quality has hovered in the "Very Poor" range continuously since October 30, when it recorded an AQI of 307.??

On Wednesday morning, a dense blanket of smog engulfed Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), severely impacting visibility.?

The smog, mixed with patches of fog and mist, further reduced morning visibility.?

Live data from Swiss air quality monitor IQAir showed Noida reaching an alarming AQI of 1133—well within hazardous territory—with PM2.5 identified as the primary pollutant.?

What is the government doing in response?

The second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently active in Delhi.

Stage 1 of GRAP started on October 15, with Stage 2 following once the AQI reached 'very poor' category.?

GRAP is a tiered strategy to tackle Delhi-NCR’s air pollution based on air quality levels. It has four stages: Stage 1 for "Poor" AQI (201-300), Stage 2 for "Very Poor" AQI (301-400), Stage 3 for "Severe" AQI (401-450), and Stage 4 for "Severe Plus" AQI (above 450).

Under Stage 2, restrictions include a ban on coal and firewood, including tandoors in hotels and street eateries, and limiting diesel generator use to essential services. These restrictions, along with construction limits from Stage 1, apply from 8 a.m. across Delhi and NCR areas in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

It also involves measures like mechanical road cleaning, water sprinkling on designated roads, and strict dust control practices at construction and demolition sites.?

Reducing health risks during your daily commute??

Credit: BCCL

For Delhi residents needing to commute for work or school amid severe air pollution, here are some steps to help protect health and reduce exposure:

Wear N95 masks: Use high-quality masks, such as N95 or KN95, which are more effective against fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Limit outdoor activity: Minimize outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and evening when pollution levels tend to peak. If possible, plan necessary travel during late morning or early afternoon.

Use public transport or carpool: Reducing the number of vehicles on the road can help lower pollution levels over time and decrease your exposure while traveling.

Keep windows closed: While commuting or at home, keep windows shut to prevent polluted air from entering.

Use indoor air purifiers: If available, use air purifiers at home or in classrooms to maintain healthier indoor air quality.

Stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods: Drinking plenty of water and eating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can help your body fight the effects of pollution.

Practice nasal hygiene: Rinsing nasal passages with saline can help clear out pollutants that enter the nose.

Stay updated on AQI levels: Use air quality apps or check local AQI reports to plan travel and outdoor activities around times when pollution is lower.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.