Delhi air pollution causes 66 flight cancellations; AQI remains 'very poor' impacting 2 crore citizens
Delhi's 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality, with AQI readings consistently over 400, has led to over 66 flight cancellations and numerous train delays, largely due to dense fog and high PM2.5 levels. This critically poor air quality affects over 2 crore residents daily, impacting health, visibility, and transportation across the capital. Gradual improvement is only expected with the monsoon rains.
Delhi is grappling with a severe air quality crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently remaining in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories, deeply impacting daily life for over 2 crore residents. Dense fog, combined with high levels of particulate matter, especially PM2.5, has plunged the capital into a hazardous haze. Readings at several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar and Pragati Maidan, have frequently soared above 400, signaling critical pollution levels.
This toxic smog has caused widespread disruption, particularly affecting transportation. Over 66 flights and 63 departures from Delhi Airport have been canceled, with numerous others facing significant delays. Train services, such as the New Delhi Tejas Rajdhani Express, have also experienced delays of up to eight hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the prolonged fog to persistent cold wave conditions, high humidity, and limited wind, all of which trap pollutants close to the ground.
In an effort to combat the escalating pollution, Delhi has activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the most stringent level. This includes a ban on non-state registered BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles, with penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, petrol pumps now require a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for refueling, and construction activities are heavily restricted. These measures aim to curb vehicular emissions, a major contributor to the current air quality woes.
With health concerns mounting and visibility severely reduced, public officials are conducting inspections to ensure adherence to these emergency regulations. While experts predict some gradual improvement in air quality from February and March, a significant reduction in pollution levels is only expected with the arrival of the monsoon rains, which naturally cleanse the air. Until then, Delhi faces an ongoing battle against this pervasive environmental threat.
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