New Delhi Chokes Under Third Day of Severe Air Pollution

New Delhi is grappling with its third consecutive day of severely poor air quality, as thick smog blankets the city, Bloomberg reports.

The local government has responded by implementing stringent traffic restrictions and ordering schools to switch to online learning.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which oversees the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the “Severe” category since November 13th due to heavy fog and unfavorable meteorological conditions across the Indo-Gangetic plain. The CAQM’s Thursday order predicts the AQI will remain at the higher end of the “Very Poor” category, prompting the announcement of stricter pollution control measures effective Friday.

These measures include a ban on construction-related activities such as excavation and demolition, as well as road repairs. Additional efforts focus on enhancing road cleanliness through mechanized sweeping and pre-peak-hour dust suppression using water sprinkling. The CAQM also encourages the use of public transport during off-peak hours.

The NCR, home to approximately 33 million people and the world’s second-most populous metropolitan area, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities due to a confluence of factors including vehicle emissions, agricultural fires, and low wind speeds during this season.

The severity of the situation is underscored by a recent survey indicating that nearly half of families in and around New Delhi have sought medical attention for respiratory illnesses linked to the toxic air. A staggering 81% of respondents reported at least one family member suffering from pollution-related ailments.