Delhi-NCR Is Overtaken by Toxic Air: Despite Limitations, Pollution Rises to Severe Levels

Delhi-NCR's air pollution has reached dangerous proportions. The capital is engulfed in a thick layer of pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surpassed 400 in a number of areas of the region. Pollution keeps rising as temperatures fall, making daily living more challenging for locals.

Although this year's AQI exceeded 400 even in the early stages of the cold season, it is not the first time that winter has delivered dangerously high pollution levels. People, particularly youngsters and older adults, are finding it difficult to breathe in many areas due to the poisonous nature of the air. Respiratory complaints are on the rise, according to hospital reports.

Restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been put into place, but not much has changed. According to Noida authorities, the AQI has been found to be between 450 and 500 in several regions.

Some of the most polluted areas are Knowledge Park, Sector 125, Sector 62, and Sector 116. The air at the pollution control department's own office is dangerous to breathe. Residents have had to put up with dangerously contaminated air for the last ten days as AQI levels have continuously stayed between 350 and 450.

Thousands of cars that had exceeded the legal age limit—10 years for diesel vehicles and 15 years for gasoline vehicles—had their registrations revoked by officials. CCTV cameras and human inspections are used to impose the penalties for vehicles found on the road without the required pollution certificates.

Nevertheless, no appreciable decrease in pollution levels has been noted in spite of these measures. People are still complaining of breathing problems, burning eyes, and sore throats. Although authorities say they are penalizing construction sites that violate dust-control regulations and sprinkling water on roads, the total effect is still insufficient.

Air quality is still getting worse due to poor maintenance, flying dust at construction sites, and damaged roads. AQI values might soon surpass 500, according to experts, which would result in additional limitations, such as a total prohibition on some cars entering Delhi. The situation is the same in Ghaziabad.

In many places, AQI levels have remained above 400, which is quite inconvenient. By implementing GRAP regulations and sending out monitoring teams, officials are attempting to reduce pollution from industrial zones. Patients with breathing issues, particularly those with asthma or other lung disorders, have sharply increased, according to hospital reports.

Because pollution levels are at their greatest early in the day, health experts urge locals—especially morning walkers—to avoid going outside. They advise using masks as needed and staying outside only after the sun has intensified. Long-term exposure to such contaminated air can reduce life expectancy by four to five years for residents of Delhi-NCR, according to numerous studies.

The effects are considerably more severe for people who work outside most of the time, such drivers, delivery drivers, and street sellers. Every winter, emergency solutions are put in place, but authorities are frequently accused of neglecting the problem after the weather clears rather than planning ahead for the next season. Pollution hotspot identification and removal could be very beneficial, yet these jobs are still neglected.

Delhi-NCR may continue to experience this public health emergency each winter unless authorities and citizens take more forceful, coordinated action.