Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous level of 497, categorizing it as ‘severe plus.’ This alarming decline has led the Commission for Air Quality Management to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes stringent pollution-control measures.
As a result, 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city have recorded ‘red’ alerts, indicating critically unhealthy air conditions. Residents have reported experiencing breathing difficulties and other health issues due to the poor air quality. In response to the situation, many schools have shifted to hybrid classes, while businesses are operating at reduced capacity, with offices functioning at 50% of their usual workforce.
Environmentalists have expressed concerns over the effectiveness of GRAP, labeling it a reactive approach that fails to address the underlying causes of air pollution in the region. They argue that without long-term policy changes, such measures will only provide temporary relief. The current air quality crisis has reignited discussions about sustainable solutions to combat pollution in Delhi, as residents continue to grapple with the immediate health impacts of the deteriorating air quality.
