On Saturday evening, Delhi’s iconic India Gate was shrouded in a dense haze, highlighting the city’s worsening air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the monument reached 303 at 4 pm, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. Visuals captured by local media showed the monument barely visible through the haze as residents continued to move around the area, giving a stark glimpse of the city’s pollution crisis.

The deterioration in air quality comes amid a combination of calm winds, rising humidity, and the usual post-Diwali smog that blankets the national capital every year. Compared to Friday, when the AQI had recorded 218, Saturday’s figures reflect a marked worsening. At Delhi’s primary weather station, Safdarjung, visibility dropped to 900 metres, while Palam recorded visibility of 1,300 metres. Out of the city’s 38 monitoring stations, 26 reported air quality in the ‘very poor’ range, underscoring the widespread nature of the pollution problem. Humidity at 5:30 pm was recorded at 73 per cent, further contributing to the lingering haze.

The early morning data at 2 am on November 2 highlighted that multiple areas across Delhi had crossed dangerous thresholds. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 369, Ashok Vihar 380, Chandni Chowk 390, and Burari 379. Most notably, RK Puram registered an AQI of 414, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Such readings are considered hazardous for sensitive groups and signal serious public health concerns for the broader population.

In response to the worsening situation, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa conducted an on-site inspection of pollution control measures and air quality monitoring systems in Anand Vihar. During his visit, he identified 13 pollution hotspots across the city and assured that the government is taking continuous measures to mitigate pollution in these critical areas.

Sirsa outlined the key factors contributing to these hotspots in a post on X, India’s microblogging platform. The primary causes include:

1. Excessive traffic congestion in urban pockets.
2. Poor traffic management, leading to slow-moving vehicles and increased emissions.
3. Dust from damaged roads in the vicinity, which is stirred up by passing vehicles.

Authorities are now working to address these issues through targeted interventions. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has devised a detailed plan to enforce the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)’s directives. This includes restricting the entry of BS-III and lower standard vehicles as well as commercial vehicles that are not registered in Delhi. The move aims to curb vehicular emissions, which are a major contributor to the city’s smog during the winter months.

Delhi residents have long battled seasonal pollution, exacerbated by factors such as crop-burning in neighboring states, low wind speeds, high humidity, and urban congestion. This year, the combination of these elements has resulted in an early and sharp spike in pollution levels, with landmarks like India Gate becoming almost unrecognizable through the haze.

Health officials advise residents, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor activities and use air purifiers and masks when venturing outside. Schools in affected areas are also advised to limit outdoor classes and sports activities until the AQI improves.

As the capital grapples with the current pollution spike, authorities continue to monitor air quality closely and implement mitigation measures in an effort to protect public health and restore visibility across the city’s streets and iconic landmarks.