Delhi woke up on Sunday to a thick layer of smog, with air quality dropping to hazardous levels. Visibility was significantly reduced, leaving residents facing serious health threats due to the toxic atmosphere. By Sunday evening, the Air Quality Index (AQI) had shot up to 457, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to convene an urgent meeting. As a result, Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)—the highest level—will be implemented starting Monday.
Worsening Pollution Extends Beyond Delhi On Monday, a leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Manish Sisodia, criticized the central government for failing to manage pollution in North India. He stressed that the air pollution crisis isn't confined to Delhi but is a nationwide issue that requires urgent attention.
"Right now, the whole country is suffering from pollution. This problem must be tackled without political bias, and the BJP must take it seriously. This is not an issue that can be blamed solely on the Aam Aadmi Party. Northern India is severely impacted by stubble burning, and the BJP, as the central ruling party, must acknowledge its responsibility," said Sisodia.
Schools Shut Due to Rising Pollution: A Look at Affected Regions and Safety Measures
Worsening air quality in northern India has forced numerous schools to close, with some regions shifting to online classes. Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra have quickly introduced protective measures, while states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are keeping a close watch on the situation. Here's a breakdown of the air quality index (AQI) levels in impacted states and the steps being taken to ensure student safety.
Meeting Cancelled Due to Lack of Department Heads Following the activation of GRAP Stage-IV, a meeting was scheduled for 12 PM involving key departments. However, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai revealed that no Head of Department attended, leading to the meeting's cancellation. Notices have been sent out to reschedule the meeting for 3 PM.
Manish Sisodia: "Pollution Is a National Issue" Addressing the ongoing pollution, Sisodia reiterated the need to approach the problem beyond political affiliations. He urged the central government to take responsibility for the severe air quality, instead of attributing blame. "North India is facing intense stubble burning, and the BJP has had years to act. What has been accomplished by mere statements?" he questioned.
Flights Disrupted Due to Poor Visibility On Monday morning, 11 flights were diverted from Delhi airport due to low visibility caused by weather conditions and pollution. Of these, 10 flights were redirected to Jaipur and one to Dehradun, primarily because some pilots lacked the necessary CAT III training for operations in poor visibility. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that low-visibility protocols are in place, and passengers were advised to check with airlines for updates. Both SpiceJet and IndiGo warned of potential delays due to the poor conditions, affecting the airport’s roughly 1,400 daily flight operations.
Medical Emergency Declared Across North India Delhi Chief Minister Atishi declared a medical emergency in North India, highlighting that stubble burning continues unchecked. "Cities across UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, MP, and Delhi are suffering from severe pollution levels. Despite the growing intensity of stubble burning over the last five years, the central government has yet to take effective action. This inaction is having a severe impact, particularly on children and the elderly, who are struggling to breathe," Atishi said.
Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates, Many Areas Cross Into Severe Zone
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