Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: AQI Hits 500, Schools & Colleges Go Online, Health Advisory Issued | Top 10 Updates

Delhi Air Pollution Crisis:The air pollution crisis in Delhi has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 500 in many areas, categorized as "severe plus."

This has prompted emergency measures, including school closures, online classes, and government advisories to protect public health.

Here are 10 comprehensive updates on the situation:

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1.AQI Peaks at Severe Plus Levels

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that its stations located in major hotspots, such as Anand Vihar, Bawana, and Jahangirpuri, had reported AQI levels of 500.

Other places, including RK Puram, Dwarka, and Munka, reported similarly hazardous levels between 498 and 499.

This is the seventh day in a row where the air across Delhi and the wider NCR is hazardous and where visibility has been greatly reduced due to dense smog.

2. Schools and Colleges Go Online

The Delhi government announced the suspension of in-person classes in all its grades, from Class 10 to Class 12, in light of health concerns.

Delhi University (DU) has shifted all its classes online till November 23. It plans to resume physical sessions on November 25.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has also joined the ranks and has shifted all its classes online till November 22. Exams and interviews will, however, go ahead as scheduled.

The Directorate of Education has issued a circular that requires all the government and private schools to switch on to virtual learning.

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3. Smog Wrap Over Region

A dense layer of smog has engulfed Delhi and its neighbouring cities such as Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram for a week.

4. Proclaimed Medical Emergency Declared

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has declared the situation a "medical emergency." The government asked people to limit their outdoor activities, wear masks, and maintain caution to remain away from toxic air.

5. Supreme Court Steps In

The Supreme Court has ordered Delhi-NCR states to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), the strongest anti-pollution plan, in effect immediately.

6.Health Advisory Notice by Union Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry has directed states and union territories with an advisory on the following points: Establish sentinel hospitals for monitoring illnesses that would be related to air pollution such as asthma and bronchitis.

Conduct awareness programmes at all levels for vulnerable populations like children, elderly people, and people working outdoors.

7. GRAP-4 Rules Are Implemented

As per GRAP-4 guidelines

Vehicular restrictions are being stringent and people are being asked to carpool or opt for public transport.

8. Work-From-Home(WFH)

Orders Sought The government and private offices have been asked to adopt work-from-home to reduce the vehicular rush and outdoor exposure.

Many organizations have already adopted WFH for employees' safety.

9. Adjacent Cities in the Queue

Cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram are experiencing similar air quality issues and have adopted Delhi's measures, including school closures and online classes, administrations in these places also implement GRAP-4 measures.

10. Public Health Concerns Increase

The doctors have informed that there has been an increase in respiratory disorders, eye infections among people because of prolonged exposure to polluted air.

What Should Residents Do?

Avoid outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours in the morning and evening.

Wear N95 masks when going out to reduce inhalation of pollutants. Use purifiers indoors so that indoor air quality can be improved.

Hydrate and consume antioxidant-rich food to fight off the effects of pollution. Above all, follow what the government says.

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