New Delhi, December 3, 2024: A thin layer of smog blanketed Delhi, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to fall into the “poor” category, raising alarms over public health. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an overall AQI of 294, with areas like Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh nearing “very poor” levels. Specific hotspots such as Bawana and Jahangirpuri reported “severe” AQI values of 401 and 412, respectively, exacerbating concerns.
The smog has significantly reduced visibility, leaving residents grappling with respiratory discomfort and eye irritation. The Delhi government has deployed anti-smog guns and experimented with drone-based mist spraying in high-pollution zones such as Anand Vihar to combat airborne particulate matter. These drones, capable of releasing a fine mist, are under evaluation for their effectiveness in curbing pollution.
Experts attribute the city’s deteriorating air quality to stubble burning in neighboring states, compounded by local emissions and unfavorable weather conditions. In a bid to curb vehicular pollution, the Delhi government recently launched the “EV as a Service” program to encourage the use of electric vehicles as eco-friendly transportation options.
The Supreme Court has endorsed strict measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), emphasizing the need for inter-state coordination to address the crisis. Despite these interventions, Delhi’s air quality continues to reflect the severe challenges of managing pollution in the capital, highlighting the need for sustained and collaborative efforts.
