Delhi’s Air Quality Slips Back to ‘Very Poor’ Amid Persistent Winter Smog !

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Delhi‘s Air Quality Slips Back to ‘Very Poor’ Amid Persistent Winter Smog !

PAHARI BARUAH

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at around 335-375, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This marks a return to hazardous levels after a brief respite over the weekend, when stronger winds temporarily improved conditions.

The CPCB classifies AQI as follows: 0-50 ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’. Several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar and Nehru Nagar, reported readings in the ‘severe’ range, exacerbating health risks for residents.

Brief Respite Ends as Local Sources Dominate

Delhi experienced cleaner air on November 30 and December 1, with AQI dropping to the ‘poor’ category due to favourable winds. However, calm conditions and low temperatures have since trapped pollutants, pushing levels back up. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported shallow fog and high humidity, contributing to the stagnation.

A recent analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) underscores that vehicular emissions, not stubble burning, are the primary drivers of daily pollution spikes this winter. Despite farm fires in Punjab and Haryana reaching multi-year lows – partly due to floods disrupting crop cycles – Delhi’s air remained suffocating. At least 22 monitoring stations recorded carbon monoxide (CO) levels above limits on over 30 of 59 days assessed, with hotspots like Dwarka Sector 8 and Jahangirpuri frequently breached.

The CSE report highlights a “toxic cocktail” of PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and CO from vehicles, industry, and local combustion sources. Stubble burning contributed less than 5% on most days, peaking at 22% briefly in November.

Public Outcry and Political Response

Frustration boiled over in November with protests at India Gate, where residents demanded urgent action on the “health emergency.” Demonstrators, including parents and activists, faced detentions, drawing criticism from opposition leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence and called for a parliamentary debate, highlighting impacts on children.

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Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit described the pollution as “slow poison,” blaming vehicular traffic (35%), poor public transport, industrial emissions, and waste burning. He urged stakeholder discussions and investment in infrastructure over “freebies.”

Health and Regional Implications

Experts warn that prolonged exposure shortens lifespans and disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. Delhi’s pollution extends across North India, forming a shared airshed with neighbouring states. Calls grow for coordinated, long-term measures: tighter vehicle norms, cleaner fuels, public transport expansion, and enforcement beyond seasonal fixes.

Despite some progress – Delhi’s January-November average AQI was the lowest since 2018 (excluding 2020) – winter peaks remain a crisis. The Commission for Air Quality Management continues GRAP restrictions, but sustained reforms are needed for lasting change.

As Delhi chokes under another smoggy winter, the focus shifts from blame-shifting to accountable, science-based governance. Residents await meaningful action to reclaim breathable air.

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