Delhi struggles to breathe: Eight flights diverted; schools In Gurugram Noida shift to online mode

PTC Web Desk: Delhi and its surrounding areas woke up to another day of choking smog on Tuesday, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit the hazardous mark of 500 in many locations. According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Delhi’s overall AQI stood at a staggering 494 at 6 am, placing it in the "severe plus" category.

Of the 35 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, most reported the maximum AQI of 500. The "lowest" AQI was recorded at NSIT Dwarka at 480, highlighting the pervasive nature of the pollution.

Transport disruptions due to dense smog

The dense smog led to significant disruptions in transport across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an ‘orange’ alert for dense fog for the second consecutive day. Reduced visibility caused delays for at least 22 trains and led to the diversion of eight flights on Tuesday morning.

IndiGo Airlines issued a late-night advisory cautioning passengers about the foggy weather affecting travel in Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. The airline urged passengers to stay updated on flight statuses to avoid inconvenience.

Delhi enforces GRAP Stage 4

In response to the hazardous air quality, the Delhi government implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Monday. This is the highest level of the anti-pollution strategy, introduced alongside the measures from the first three stages.

Key GRAP-4 measures

Vehicle Restrictions: Delhi-registered BS-IV or older diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are now banned. Trucks and light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they carry essential goods or provide critical services.

Workforce Reductions: Public and private offices have been instructed to operate at 50% capacity, with the rest of the workforce working from home.

School Closures: Physical classes across schools have been suspended, with learning shifting online.

Emergency Proposals: The Delhi government is considering additional steps, such as shutting non-essential commercial activities and implementing odd-even vehicle usage based on registration numbers.

Educational Institutions Shift Online

The hazardous air quality has severely impacted students in Delhi-NCR, with schools and universities suspending physical classes. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced that all physical classes for students up to Class 12 are suspended, with online education taking over. Leading universities, including Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), will also conduct online classes until November 22.

In Gurugram, schools have been directed to shut down physical classes for students up to Class 12 until November 23 or further notice. Similarly, Ghaziabad, which recorded an AQI of 450, has shifted to online education. Schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar have also followed suit, halting all in-person classes.

SC Takes On Delhi Government

The Supreme Court on Monday directed Delhi and NCR states to enforce GRAP-4 measures without delay. A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih reprimanded the authorities for the delayed implementation of emergency measures.

Strict Compliance Ordered

The apex court ordered states to form monitoring teams immediately to ensure compliance with GRAP-4. It emphasized that measures must remain in place even if the AQI falls below 450, warning that they cannot be relaxed without the court's approval.

The choking smog has disrupted daily life across Delhi and neighbouring regions. With air quality deteriorating to "severe plus" levels, residents are grappling with health risks and operational challenges. Public health experts have warned about the long-term consequences of exposure to such toxic air, urging the government to intensify pollution control measures.