Delhi Pollution Emergency
Delhi’s polluted air has been unbearable for the residents for over a week now, who are only able to survive through the hazy and toxic atmosphere. The city experienced its worst air quality of the season on December 14, although the denizens say that it is even worse than the AQI monitors show, burning eyes, stinging nose, and constant discomfort in the air.
The Delhi government has reacted to the situation by ordering all government and private offices to work in a 50% work-from-home arrangement, with the labour department’s support. Companies that do not comply with this order will face fines. So, the people of Delhi have to put on their masks, close their windows, and set up their home offices!
Health, police, public transport, electricity, and other essential services have been granted exemption from this rule.
On December 14, Delhi recorded one of the worst AQI levels of the season, reaching 441 in the evening.
By midnight, pollution levels crossed the ‘severe plus’ threshold, with AQI hitting 460, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Residents reported burning sensations in eyes, noses, and throats and constant discomfort, suggesting air quality could be worse than official AQI readings.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Grap IV, the highest tier of anti-pollution measures, in response to the crisis.
Grap IV restrictions aim to:
Lower emissions
Reduce outdoor activities
Eliminate major pollution sources
Limitations under Grap IV include:
Factories: Restricted operations
Construction sites: Work curtailed
Vehicular traffic: Regulated
The measures convey a clear message from the government: no increase in pollution will be tolerated.
In a move to support livelihoods during the ongoing air pollution crisis, the Delhi government has announced a compensation of ₹10,000 for registered construction workers affected by the construction ban imposed under anti-pollution curbs. The measure aims to ease financial hardship while prioritising public health and worker safety.
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
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