New Delhi, December 17, 2024: Delhi’s air quality has sharply deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring past the 400 mark, a level categorized as hazardous. This is the first time in over a month that such severe pollution levels have been recorded in the city. In response to the alarming spike in pollution, the Government of India has imposed the GARP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan-4), which includes a series of emergency measures aimed at controlling the air quality crisis.
Experts attribute the surge in pollution to a combination of factors, including industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and unfavorable weather conditions that have hindered the dispersal of pollutants. The lack of wind and lower temperatures are contributing to the concentration of harmful particles in the atmosphere. As a result, the city has been enveloped in smog, further exacerbating the air quality crisis.
Citizens have been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Health experts have raised concerns over the long-term impact of such pollution on respiratory health. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are working on additional strategies to improve air quality in the coming days.
