Air Quality in Delhi NCR Plummets to ‘Severe’ Levels

Delhi and its surrounding NCR region are witnessing yet another alarming decline in air quality, with AQI levels crossing 400 in several areas. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has categorized the air quality as ‘Severe’, prompting schools to reduce outdoor activities and hospitals to increase respiratory care wards. Contributing factors include vehicular emissions, construction dust, stagnant wind patterns, and residual stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. The Delhi government has reintroduced the odd even vehicle scheme and intensified smog tower operations. Citizens are advised to wear N95 masks and use air purifiers indoors. Environmentalists have urged for longer term solutions such as transition to electric transport, enforcing stricter industrial emission norms, and green cover expansion. The situation is likely to worsen without a western disturbance or strong wind flow.