New Delhi, India : The worsening air quality in Delhi and its neighboring regions has prompted urgent measures. On Monday, the Delhi government announced the suspension of in-person classes for grades 10 and 12 due to the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI), which reached severe-plus levels across the National Capital Region (NCR). Several AQI stations, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri, reported AQI readings touching the 500-mark on Tuesday morning, November 19, enveloping the region in dense smog for the seventh consecutive day.
In response to the crisis, Delhi University shifted to online classes until November 23, while Jawaharlal Nehru University announced virtual classes until November 22. The Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for delaying the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 3 and 4 restrictions, which involve bans on construction activities and reducing workforce presence in offices to 50%.
A combination of factors, including falling temperatures, reduced wind speed, vehicular emissions, and farm fires in Punjab, have exacerbated the pollution levels. The CPCB noted severe AQI readings across major locations, with Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI recorded at 494 on Monday evening.
Schools across NCR will remain closed, and GRAP Stage 4 restrictions will continue until further notice. The Supreme Court has directed state governments to form monitoring teams to enforce these curbs effectively.
The crisis underscores the need for coordinated efforts to tackle air pollution, with immediate actions and long-term strategies to safeguard public health.