With Delhi's air quality index (AQI) reaching the 'severe' category, touching 411 on Friday, the city has enforced stringent measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These steps aim to tackle the escalating air pollution crisis, which poses severe health risks and disrupts daily life.

Vehicle Restrictions and Entry Bans

To curb emissions, the Delhi government, following directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), has banned BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (LMVs) within city limits. Additionally, diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered outside Delhi with emission standards of BS-III or below are barred from entering the city.

Exemptions apply to vehicles transporting essential commodities, providing critical services, or operating on cleaner fuels like EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Vehicles under All India Tourist Permits are also not subject to these restrictions. Violators face hefty fines of ₹20,000, with over 84 enforcement teams and 280 personnel monitoring compliance.

Staggered Office Timings

To reduce congestion, Chief Minister Atishi introduced new staggered office timings:

• Central Government Offices: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Delhi Government Offices: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
• MCD Offices: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena approved the schedule but criticized delays in implementing such measures, which were discussed earlier during the DDMA pollution control meetings.

Efforts to Enhance Public Transport

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced measures to boost public transport usage:

• 106 additional shuttle buses deployed for commuters.
• Delhi Metro to operate 60 extra trips daily.
• 40 dedicated buses arranged for government officials to discourage private vehicle use.

Schools Shift Online

In response to hazardous pollution levels, primary school classes up to Grade 5 will transition to online learning starting next week. Private schools are adapting by utilizing smart boards and apps to ensure continued education.

Pollution Sources and Air Quality Monitoring

Stubble burning remains a significant contributor, accounting for 33.3% of Delhi’s pollution on Thursday, with vehicular emissions adding 11.9%. Dust and industrial emissions also worsen the air quality. Monitoring data from the Sameer app highlights PM2.5 particles as the primary pollutant.

Out of 39 monitoring stations, 18 reported 'severe' air quality, including Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri. Real-time data pegged AQI levels at 432 on Thursday morning, marking one of the season's worst readings.

Broader Health and Environmental Crisis

The rise in pollution levels has led to severe public health concerns. Long-term exposure to poor air quality can cause respiratory illnesses and exacerbate pre-existing conditions, with even healthy individuals at risk during severe AQI levels.

Delhi’s pollution woes are compounded by winter temperature inversions, low wind speeds, and emissions from stubble burning in neighboring states. These factors trap pollutants closer to the ground, causing hazardous smog.

Future Outlook

Despite slight improvements in AQI levels, Delhi’s air quality remains under significant stress. Authorities continue to implement emergency measures, and the Supreme Court is set to review the situation on November 18. As Delhi grapples with this annual crisis, the need for long-term systemic solutions becomes increasingly urgent.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and use air purifiers to mitigate health risks during this period of severe pollution.