Delhi’s Breath Still Heavy: Minor AQI Relief Fails to Dispel the Smog

Delhi might have seen a faint silver lining in its pollution-filled skies, but the air residents breathe remains far from safe. After days of suffocating smog, a minor improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) has brought some respite, yet pollution levels continue to hover in the “very poor” to “severe” range across most parts of the capital.

I miss breathing - Delhi’s silent cry

Overview

Recent readings show Delhi’s average AQI fluctuating between 350 and 380, with several areas such as Anand Vihar, Vivek Vihar, and Wazirpur still breaching the 400-mark, categorised as “severe.”

While this is marginally better than the previous week’s readings, experts caution that the improvement is temporary and mostly driven by changing wind patterns and a short burst of dispersion, not by a reduction in emissions.

According to the CPCB's data at 6 am on Monday, Bawana recorded the highest AQI at 412, followed by Wazirpur at 397, Jahangirpuri at 394, and Nehru Nagar at 386.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 which imposes stricter controls such as halting construction and banning diesel generators remains on standby, as the overall citywide average has not consistently crossed the emergency threshold. Authorities hope weather conditions will continue to support slight improvement before tougher restrictions are needed.

Reasons Behind Persistently Poor Air Quality in Delhi

Despite a decrease in the AQI, the capital continues to face a pollution crisis due to multiple overlapping causes.

• Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana continues to send plumes of smoke drifting into Delhi’s air basin.

• Vehicular emissions - especially from outdated diesel vehicles and idling traffic - remain a leading contributor to PM2.5 particles.

• Construction dust and industrial output add to the load, creating a toxic blend of pollutants.

• Weather conditions in early winter low wind speed, temperature inversion, and high humidity trap particulate matter near the surface, keeping pollution locked in.

In essence, Delhi’s air remains a cocktail of persistent emissions and stubborn meteorological challenges.

Health Impact: The Unseen Crisis

Even at “very poor” levels, the city’s air poses serious health risks. Doctors warn that prolonged exposure can cause breathing discomfort, throat irritation, coughing, and can worsen asthma or heart disease.Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are the most vulnerable, but even healthy adults may experience fatigue or eye irritation during long exposure.

Public health experts are calling this a “silent emergency” -not as visible as a flood or fire, but equally damaging over time.

Citizens Respond with Precaution

Many Delhi residents have adapted to the grim routine of pollution season. Air purifiers are selling briskly again, and mask usage has made a comeback on the streets. Schools are monitoring AQI levels daily, with outdoor activities suspended when readings spike.

AQI- Delhi's Report

Citizens have also been urged to do their bit by using public transport, avoiding open burning of waste, and reducing unnecessary vehicle idling. However, most agree that individual actions, while important, cannot offset the scale of emissions produced regionally.

Authorities Cautiously Watching

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has kept GRAP Stage 3 restrictions on hold for now, citing slightly favourable wind patterns and the potential for further improvement.But officials have warned that if pollution levels rebound, the curbs could be activated at short notice. Stage 3 typically bans construction activity, restricts truck entry into the city, and limits the use of diesel generators - steps that have significant economic impacts.

For now, the government is balancing public health with economic stability - a difficult act when the air itself remains hazardous.

The Road Ahead: From Crisis to Correction

Experts agree that short-term reliefs are not enough. Delhi’s recurring air emergency points to a systemic issue that demands year-round attention rather than seasonal firefighting.Long-term solutions include transitioning to cleaner fuels, strengthening public transport, managing construction dust more effectively, and working closely with neighbouring states to curb crop-residue burning.

As one environmental researcher put it, “Every year we wait for winter to act - but by then, the damage is already done.”

Conclusion: A City Still Gasping

The recent drop in the AQI gives a bit of relief, but Delhi's fight for clean air is nowhere near done. The smog might lighten up for a day or two, but the danger is still very real with every breath we take. Until we see stronger, consistent, and joint efforts instead of quick fixes, people in the capital will keep living under a haze that just won't go away.