Thick smog continues in Delhi, poses significant health risks

The national capital was covered in a dense blanket of smog on the morning of Nov 14, with no relief in sight. The Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) fell into the "severe" category, as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI of 426 for the capital.

Residents are at serious risk for health problems, as the majority of the city's districts had AQIs above 400. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 470, followed by Wazipur (466), Patparganj (472), IGI Airport (435), Ashok Vihar (469), Alipur (406), and Jahangirpuri (470).

Air quality is categorized into four stages depending on the severity of the problem: "Poor" (AQI 201-300) in Stage I; "Very Poor" (AQI 301-400) in Stage II; "Severe" (AQI 401-450) in Stage III; and "Severe Plus" (AQI > 450) in Stage IV.

The "severe" AQI category can significantly impact those with pre-existing diseases, as well as healthy people.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) predicts that 'severe' air quality will persist on Nov 14, with 'very poor' air quality expected to prevail from Nov 15 to 16.

From 7:00 am to 8:30 am, visibility was just 300 meters due to moderate fog at Palam Airport; by 9:00 am, visibility increased to 400 meters.

Between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, Safdarjung Airport had the lowest visibility, measuring 400 meters.

Poor visibility was also reported at Indira Gandhi International Airport, exacerbated by the extreme pollution.

In a post on X, Delhi Airport said that low visibility operations were underway, assuring passengers that all flight operations were normal. However, it advised passengers to contact their airlines for the most up-to-date information.

Airlines like IndiGo warned passengers of potential flight delays due to slower operations in the fog.

"This morning, winter fog may impact flights to/from Amritsar, Varanasi, and Delhi. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport. Also, allow extra travel time as road traffic may move slower due to low visibility. Thank you for your patience," the airline posted on X.

As pollution levels remained high, toxic foam was observed floating on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj neighborhood of Delhi. On Nov 14, a layer of haze was also seen in the sky.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in New Delhi forecasted mostly clear skies above the city, with morning smog and dense to extremely dense fog, and evening and night smog with mist and moderate fog.

The weather forecast department also reported a slight decrease in Delhi/NCR's minimum temperature in the past 24 hours.

In response to the increasing pollution, Environment Minister Gopal Rai will meet with departmental officials at 11:00 am on Nov 14 at the Green War Room in the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the situation.

In Delhi, an AQI above 400 signifies extreme air pollution, which poses serious risks to human health, the environment, and the economy.

It leads to long-term illnesses like asthma, particularly in the elderly and children, and causes acute respiratory and cardiovascular stress.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, air pollution causes over 1.2 million deaths annually. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung conditions, heart disease, and stroke.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s Health Ministry emphasize that air pollution raises the risk of premature death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Every year, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) faces significant obstacles in reducing PM2.5 levels.

India spent about $36 billion (₹2.5 lakh crore) on treating ailments related to air pollution in 2019, according to the Health Effects Institute.

A study by India's National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) shows that respiratory diseases and air pollution cost India around ₹3.1 lakh crore, or about 5% of its GDP.

Previously, Delhi’s AQI surpassed 400 in November 2021, with some regions recording readings over 450.

Due to climatic conditions, including low wind speed, vehicle emissions, and crop burning, Delhi’s AQI often stays above 400 during winter, according to the CPCB.

One of the highest AQI readings ever recorded in Lucknow was 450 on Nov 14, 2021.

Bihar also regularly experiences AQI readings above 400, particularly in winter, due to construction dust, agricultural burning, and vehicle emissions.