Delhi Chokes Again as Thick Smog Returns, Panic Rises Over Unbreathable Winter Air

New Delhi: Delhi faced another day of suffocating pollution as thick smog covered the city and nearby NCR regions. Monitoring stations recorded Air Quality Index readings above the severe category in many areas. People reported irritation in eyes, difficulty in breathing, and a heavy smell in the air. The city’s skyline faded behind a layer of dusty brown haze that refused to clear. Roads looked smoky even during the day. For many citizens, stepping outside felt like walking into gas. The situation created fear among parents, students, and workers alike.

Numbers Tell The Story

Several key monitoring stations showed alarming data. Wazirpur recorded an AQI above 420, while Burari and Vivek Vihar crossed 410. Even central areas like ITO and Nehru Nagar slipped into severe levels. According to pollution scales, anything above 400 is extremely unhealthy for all age groups. Experts say that breathing this air for long hours is like smoking multiple cigarettes a day. The pollution peaked around afternoon hours, making outdoor work riskier. Many schools reported children feeling ill in classrooms. Authorities advised avoiding outdoor exercise and morning walks.

NCR Also In Trouble

The situation was no better outside Delhi. Noida recorded AQI near 350, while Greater Noida and Ghaziabad hovered around 330. These levels fall in the very poor range, still dangerous for health. People living in tall buildings reported that even balconies felt hazy and dusty. Office workers wearing masks indoors became a common sight across the region. In markets, roadside vendors struggled to work because dusty air settled on fruits and vegetables. The choking air did not spare highways either, reducing visibility for drivers and increasing accident risks.

Main Reason Behind Smog

Pollution control bodies pointed to PM2.5 and PM10 as the main causes of the haze. These are tiny particles that go deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Meteorologists said that low wind speed trapped pollutants closer to the ground, forming a smoke-like layer. Along with this, stubble burning in nearby agricultural states added more smoke in the air. The burning of crop residue continued in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, filling the atmosphere with harmful chemical particles that travelled toward Delhi.

Stubble Fire Counts Rising

Satellite images showed hundreds of farm fire spots across Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. These fires release massive plumes of smoke that drift into Delhi due to seasonal wind patterns. Experts estimated that nearly one-third of Delhi’s pollution came from these fires alone. Farmers burn residue because they lack affordable alternatives to clear their fields quickly. Government schemes exist, but many farmers say the machines are costly and slow. This yearly cycle repeats and pushes the city into a winter pollution emergency every time.

Vehicles Add To Problem

Vehicles were also a major contributor to the toxic air. Cars, buses, and trucks release harmful exhaust fumes throughout the day. Traffic jams during office hours increased pollution levels further. Many experts suggest that reducing personal vehicle use and shifting to public transport could help. But with public transport still overcrowded, the change is slow. Construction dust, factory smoke, and generator fumes added to the pollution mix. All these factors created a dangerous cocktail in the air that everyone was forced to breathe.

No Quick Relief Ahead

Weather forecasts suggest that the situation may not improve soon. Cold air and slow wind speed will likely keep pollutants trapped for several more days. Doctors advised people to stay indoors, use masks, and keep windows closed during peak hours. Many families purchased air purifiers to protect children and elderly members. Environmental groups called for urgent action, stronger rules, and long-term solutions. Until then, Delhi will continue to struggle for clean air, one breath at a time.