Delhi's air quality was designated "poor" on Wednesday for the first time this season, triggering the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan. The air quality index rose from 179 on Tuesday, considered moderate, to 244 by 2 p.m. Wednesday. Emergency measures include limits on construction, bans on coal and firewood fuel, and reduced traffic congestion.
Gray smog blanketed the city, and residents reported scratchy throats. On Tuesday evening, Dussehra celebrations involved burning effigies and fireworks, traditionally worsening winter air quality. The Commission on Air Quality Management, set up to manage pollution around the capital, issued the directive.
On Nov. 1, the Delhi government plans to roll out its own winter pollution control plan, restricting older vehicles and increasing parking charges. The plan also bans construction and demolition to minimize dust and requires anti-smog water sprinklers. Every winter, Delhi's air quality plummets due to dry, windless conditions trapping dust, vehicle emissions, and agricultural smoke.
Pollutants include nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and fine particulate matter combined with winter fog. Last winter, Delhi endured at least eight days of "severe" pollution with AQI surpassing 400. Levels of fine particulate matter remain far above World Health Organization safe limits.
Pragati K. B. contributed reporting.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing