Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

Ashutosh Mishra covers the severe air quality crisis in Delhi and NCR, impacting respiratory health and visibility. Cities like Noida and Gurugram are also affected by toxic air blamed on stubble burning and other issues.

Air pollution choking New Delhi has ground outdoor work to a halt and disrupted air travel in the Indian capital.

After reaching a peak, Delhi’s AQI has remained in the ‘severe’ category for the fourth day in a row. Covered in a thick blanket of fog and pollution, the poor visibility has even caused many school to remain closed for the past few days.

Agencies and governments expressly responsible for quelling the crisis have chosen to pass the blame to everyone but themselves

The GRAP 3 curbs in Delhi include ban on demolition and construction activities, and entry of certain vehicles inside Delhi-NCR, among other curbs, to prevent further deterioration of air quality.