India's capital territory has declared a public health emergency as the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 400, entering the "Hazardous" category across the National Capital Region.
Emergency Measures (GRAP Stage IV)
Immediate Actions
- Schools closed until further notice
- Construction banned - all non-essential projects halted
- Vehicle restrictions - odd-even scheme enforced
- Industries closed - non-essential manufacturing stopped
Public Health Advisories
- Stay indoors - especially children and elderly
- N95 masks mandatory for outdoor workers
- No outdoor exercise - gyms recommended
- Air purifiers - use HEPA filters indoors
Current AQI Readings
| Location | AQI | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 425 | Hazardous |
| Gurugram | 380 | Hazardous |
| Noida | 395 | Hazardous |
| Faridabad | 410 | Hazardous |
Contributing Factors
Agricultural Burning
- Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana
- Wind direction carrying smoke to Delhi
- Peak season - post-harvest burning
Meteorological Conditions
- Low wind speed preventing dispersion
- Temperature inversion trapping pollutants
- Fog formation compounding visibility issues
Local Sources
- Vehicle emissions - 10M+ vehicles in NCR
- Construction dust - massive infrastructure projects
- Industrial pollution - power plants and factories
- Waste burning - illegal garbage disposal
Health Impact
Hospitals reporting:
- 40% increase in respiratory cases
- Emergency admissions for asthma/COPD
- Eye irritation complaints widespread
- Heart patients advised to stay indoors
Government Response
Short-term
- Water sprinkling on roads
- Dust suppression at construction sites
- Strict enforcement of vehicle norms
- Artificial rain consideration
Long-term Plans
- Crop residue management - machines for farmers
- EV adoption - electric vehicle incentives
- Metro expansion - public transport priority
- Green buffers - forest cover increase
When Will It Improve?
Meteorologists predict:
- Western disturbance expected by weekend
- Wind speeds to increase to 15-20 km/h
- Partial clearing possible in 48-72 hours
- Seasonal pattern likely through February