Delhi Air Pollution Hits Severe Levels, Schools Go Online

Delhi air pollution reaches severe levels; schools shift online and construction is banned to protect residents from toxic haze.

Toxic Haze Engulfs Delhi: Air Quality Reaches Severe Levels

Delhi is once again facing a severe air pollution crisis, forcing authorities to take immediate action. Schools in the capital and surrounding areas have shifted to online classes, while construction activities have been temporarily halted.

Air Quality Index Skyrockets

On Monday morning, Delhi woke up to a dense toxic haze that affected visibility, delayed flights, and disrupted train services. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures pollutants like PM2.5, surged to 471 — more than 30 times the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Such levels can seriously impact health, particularly in children and the elderly.

Causes Behind the Pollution

The recurring winter smog in Delhi is caused by a combination of factors:

• Vehicle emissions and industrial pollution
• Burning of crop residue in nearby states
• Low wind speeds and dropping temperatures
• High moisture levels that trap pollutants

Government Response and Public Safety Measures

India’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated the highest level of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Key measures include:

• Banning older diesel trucks from entering Delhi
• Halting construction activities
• Advising schools to conduct online classes for younger students
• Encouraging virtual court hearings

Authorities have urged residents, especially children and those with respiratory or heart conditions, to stay indoors and wear masks if going outside. Prolonged exposure to such severe AQI can cause serious respiratory problems even in healthy individuals.

Health Impact

Between 2022 and 2024, Delhi’s state-run hospitals recorded over 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses due to rising pollution levels. Experts warn that without continued action, the situation could worsen in the coming days.