Delhi Chokes on Pollution as Government Plans Meet Public Anger
Delhi NCR’s air pollution has reached hazardous levels, posing serious health risks and prompting government actions to reduce exposure and control emissions.
Delhi NCR’s air quality has reached extremely dangerous levels, with AQI (Air Quality Index) readings in the Severe and Hazardous range. Currently, the AQI is above 450, which is toxic enough to harm even healthy lungs. Experts compare it to smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day.
Doctors warn that the pollution can cause permanent damage to lungs and hearts. Hospitals are seeing a sharp rise in cases of asthma, lung infections, heart attacks, strokes, and other breathing problems. Experts say pollution-related deaths in Delhi have now surpassed the total deaths caused by COVID-19 in recent years.
Every year, pollution rises in October and November due to crop burning in neighbouring states, vehicle and industrial emissions, dust, and weather conditions that trap smoke near the ground. This year, ash from a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia also reached northwestern India, adding to public health worries and affecting visibility at airports, though its direct effect on AQI is limited.
Social media is flooded with videos showing heavy smog, poor visibility for commuters, and airport pilots warning about low visibility. To protect public health, the government has shut schools multiple times and reintroduced the odd–even car rule to reduce traffic emissions.
The Delhi government has also instructed all government and private offices to work at only 50% capacity, with the rest of the staff working from home. Many companies have already shifted to remote work as AQI remains extremely hazardous.
Some people on social media have accused authorities of manipulating AQI readings, saying the official data does not reflect the situation on the ground.
To tackle pollution, the Delhi government has launched a 25-point Air Pollution Mitigation Plan-2025. Key steps include deploying thousands of electric buses and autos, using water sprinklers and anti-smog guns at dusty sites, testing cloud seeding with IITs, real-time AI monitoring of pollution, and a mass tree-planting drive. While the plan is promising, experts and citizens say strict enforcement and better implementation are still needed.
Meanwhile, people are advised to take simple safety measures: stay indoors on bad air days, use air purifiers if possible, wear N95 or N99 masks outside, avoid heavy exercise, keep windows closed, drink plenty of water, and follow AQI alerts. Schools, hospitals, and workplaces should take special care of vulnerable groups.
Delhi faces a worsening health crisis from winter pollution every year. While the new 25-point plan is a step forward, urgent action, strict enforcement, public cooperation, and clear communication are needed to save lives.
