Smog Still Chokes Delhi: Why the Capital’s Air Is Stuck in the ‘Very Poor’ Zone

Delhi: The air in Delhi showed slight improvement on Monday morning—the city's overall AQI was recorded at 346 at 6:05 am—but the condition still remained hazardous to breathe. Pollution ranged from “very poor” to “severe” in many areas; the situation was especially worrying in Bawana (≈412), Wazirpur (≈397), Jahangirpuri (≈394), and Nehru Nagar (≈386). 

What was the reason for some relief?

According to experts, the increase in wind speed and slight reduction in stubble burning incidents brought some relief as compared to Friday-Sunday. Forecasts from the Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM also predicted moderate winds, leading to a drop in AQI in the morning. But these changes do not appear to be sustainable, and pollution may reemerge. 

Were strict restrictions like GRAP-3 implemented?

The CAQM sub-committee, after a review on Sunday evening, decided that GRAP Stage-3 is currently unnecessary given current trends and weather forecasts; therefore, the measures of Stage-1 and Stage-2 will remain in force. That is, at present there is no blanket ban on non-essential construction, but monitoring and local restrictions will continue. 

What is the condition of other cities of NCR?

The air quality in the National Capital Region was also “very ”poor”—with levels remaining high in Noida (≈335), Ghaziabad (≈302), and Greater Noida (≈314), impacting the health of nearby residents. Many measuring stations showed "very poor/deadly" figures accurately for four consecutive days.

What are people doing, and what steps is the government taking?

Protests against pollution took place at India Gate; the protesters included parents and students, and some were even detained. Officials have promised to intensify actions like awareness, EVM control, local campaigns to stop stubble burning, and vehicle restrictions, but citizens say the lack of concrete political will is only aggravating the situation. 

To conclude, permanent relief seems far away in Delhi at present. Factors like weather and reduction in stubble burning may provide some relief, but unless control policies, operations, and monitoring are intensified, the air of the capital will not be considered “good to breathe.” Citizens are advised to follow the recommendations of masks, moderate physical activity, and air purification.