Delhi’s air quality has sharply deteriorated this week, pushing the city into yet another **Delhi air pollution crisis that experts are now calling a “public health emergency”. With AQI levels slipping into the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories across several areas, residents are reporting a spike in health issues directly linked to toxic air. The worsening smog has left people struggling for breath, marking one of the toughest phases of the Delhi air pollution crisis.
AQI Dips To Severe Levels Across Delhi
According to the Sameer app, Delhi recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 370 at 9 am on Friday—its eighth consecutive day in the ‘very poor’ category. Over 18 stations, including Chandni Chowk, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Bawana, Narela, and Wazirpur, logged AQI above 400, marking a dangerous rise in the Delhi air pollution crisis. Experts warn that stagnant winter winds and inversion will likely keep pollution in the ‘severe’ bracket for at least six more days.
What’s Driving This Pollution Spike?
The IITM Decision Support System estimated that vehicular emissions contributed over 17% of PM2.5 levels, while stubble burning contributed around 2–3% this week. Even with relatively low farm fires—16 in Punjab, 11 in Haryana, and 115 in UP—the background pollution has surged due to still winter conditions.
Doctors Declare A Medical Emergency
AIIMS experts have sounded a critical alarm, stating that air pollution is no longer a seasonal issue but a round-the-year health threat. Doctors reported a 10–15% rise in respiratory and pollution-linked cases this week, indicating the severity of the Delhi air pollution crisis.
Dr Anant Mohan warned that pollution today affects the lungs, heart, brain, mental health, and even unborn children. Hospitals are seeing overflowing wards filled with patients suffering from burning eyes, breathlessness, COPD flare-ups, and asthma attacks.
80% Households Hit; Public Anger Rising
A LocalCircles survey states that 80% of households in Delhi-NCR have had at least one family member fall ill due to toxic air in the past month. Amid rising frustration, residents—including children—have been protesting at India Gate and Jantar Mantar, demanding long-term action instead of seasonal fixes.
The Supreme Court has also stepped in, urging authorities to postpone outdoor school sports events, saying children cannot be made to “train in gas chambers”.
FAQs
Q1. How severe is the current Delhi air pollution crisis?
The Delhi air pollution crisis has reached emergency levels, with many stations recording AQI above 400.
Q2. What health issues are caused by the Delhi air pollution crisis?
The Delhi air pollution crisis has led to coughing, breathlessness, burning eyes, headaches, and worsening asthma and COPD.
Q3. Can masks and purifiers fully protect against toxic air?
Doctors say masks and purifiers offer limited protection and cannot replace systemic, long-term solutions.
Q4. What steps has the Supreme Court taken regarding pollution?
The SC asked authorities to monitor mitigation monthly and advised postponing school sports events.
