Delhi Engulfed in Smog: Alarming Rise in Pollution, Emergency Measures In Place

Delhi is once again choking under a thick blanket of smog as air quality takes a nosedive, with the AQI hovering above 300 in the 'very poor' category and expected to breach 400 into the 'severe' zone in the coming days. Authorities have activated the Graded Response Action Plan 2, implementing stricter measures to curb the pollution crisis. These include hikes in parking fees, restrictions on generator use, and the deployment of additional CNG and electric buses. Road sweeping and sprinkling have intensified, and dust control at construction sites has been enforced. However, despite the crisis, smog towers remain shut. The situation is set to worsen as farm fires continue to rage in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. In Kaithal, Haryana, authorities have arrested farmers for stubble burning, but they argue that the lack of resources leaves them no choice but to burn crop residues. Adding to the environmental woes, the Yamuna River is coated with toxic foam near Kalindi Kunj. The Delhi government has responded by spraying defoamers in the river, but the larger issue of pollution remains. As winter and festival season approaches, Delhi-NCR faces the grim prospect of prolonged exposure to hazardous air, with emergency measures struggling to contain the crisis.