Pollution chokehold: Capital’s air quality remains ‘severe’ for third day

Delhi continued to choke under a thick blanket of smog on Thursday, as the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category for the third consecutive day.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 404. Out of 37 monitoring stations, 27 registered ‘severe’ pollution levels including Burari (433), Anand Vihar (431), Bawana (460), Wazirpur (452), Chandni Chowk (455), and Mundka (438).

The ‘severe’ category indicates pollution levels that can affect even healthy individuals and cause serious health impacts for those with existing ailments.

Last week, Delhi Health Minister had directed hospitals to ensure adequate stock of medicines, oxygen supplies, ventilators, and ambulances.

The Directorate of Education has instructed all schools in Delhi-NCR to hold hybrid classes for students up to Class V and to suspend outdoor activities, including sports and celebrations, during high pollution days.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recommended that government offices stagger working hours to reduce traffic congestion. Most construction work remains suspended, affecting thousands of daily-wage labourers across the region.

According to the Decision Support System (DSS), stubble burning is estimated to contribute about 10.1 per cent to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels on Thursday, while vehicular emissions account for around 19.3 per cent.

Taking note of the worsening situation, the Supreme Court, on Wednesday, had sought reports from the Punjab and Haryana governments on steps taken to curb stubble-burning.