Delhi's Winter Woes: Air Quality Hits Hazardous Levels as Temperature Drops

As temperatures plummet, the national capital faces a dangerous combination of severe cold and deteriorating air quality, posing serious health risks to residents.

India Gate Pictured in Winter Morning

As the city braces for another harsh winter, Delhi’s air quality has plunged to hazardous levels, creating a worrying public health crisis. The winter season in the capital is often accompanied by severe air pollution, but this year, the situation has worsened. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently remained in the "severe" category, making outdoor activities a danger for residents.

Experts attribute this drastic decline in air quality to a mix of factors: rising temperatures, stagnant air conditions, and a surge in vehicular emissions. The increase in vehicular traffic as well as the burning of crop residue in neighbouring states are contributing to the smog, which blankets the city during the winter months. The combination of low temperatures and poor air quality creates a toxic environment, exacerbating respiratory problems for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Smog Covered Streets of Old Delhi

With Delhi's AQI soaring to dangerous levels, the government has warned residents to limit outdoor exposure and take precautions like wearing N95 masks, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when pollution levels peak. Local health departments have issued advisories urging people to stay indoors and avoid strenuous physical activities.

Public health experts are calling for immediate and more stringent measures to tackle the growing air quality crisis, urging the government to enforce stricter emissions standards, improve public transportation systems, and promote green initiatives to combat pollution. However, many citizens feel that the steps taken so far are insufficient to address the worsening pollution problem.

As the season progresses, experts fear the combination of severe cold and smog could lead to a significant increase in cases of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, and other lung-related diseases. For many, this winter is not just a time of seasonal chill but a reminder of the urgent need for action to protect the environment and the health of Delhi’s residents. Soaring air pollution in India’s capital, New Delhi, has reached severe levels causing state officials to limit movement and revive plans to stimulate artificial rain to clear toxic smog.

Winters And Alarming AQI of Delhi NCR