New Delhi, India — Authorities in the Indian capital implemented emergency measures on Monday, including school closures, construction bans, and restrictions on non-essential trucks, as air pollution levels soared to the highest of the season.
The city of 33 million was shrouded in a toxic haze, with air quality reaching “severe” levels, according to SAFAR, the government’s environmental monitoring agency. The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air—capable of penetrating deep into the lungs—was measured at over 50 times the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit in several areas of the city.
Stricter Measures Under GRAP 4
Authorities enforced stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest level of measures against pollution. Schools have moved classes online for all grades except 10 and 12. Non-essential trucks are barred from entering the city, older diesel vehicles have been banned, and all construction activities have been halted. Residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, were urged to stay indoors as much as possible.
Causes and Impact
Air pollution in northern India spikes annually during winter as farmers burn crop residue in nearby states. The smoke combines with industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and coal-burning, exacerbated by cold weather that traps pollutants near the ground. Over the weekend, crop burning in Uttar Pradesh contributed to the worsening air quality in Delhi.
The smog disrupted daily life, with airlines warning of delays due to low visibility. Iconic landmarks were barely visible through the haze, and many residents reported symptoms such as sore throats, headaches, and persistent coughs.
Public Outcry and Long-Term Concerns
Social media users voiced frustration, describing Delhi as “apocalyptic” and a “gas chamber.” Calls for sustainable, long-term solutions to address the public health crisis have grown louder. Critics argue that while measures like water sprinklers and anti-smog guns aim to mitigate pollution’s effects, they fail to address its root causes.
“We need to end crop residue burning and reduce emissions from vehicles and industries,” said Sanjay Goel, a shopkeeper in Delhi.
Studies estimate that pollution-related illnesses cause over a million deaths in India annually. While temporary measures bring some relief, experts and residents alike emphasize the urgent need for systemic changes to combat the country’s chronic air quality issues.