Rekha Gupta govt's big decision as Delhi battles 430+ AQI amid 'severe' air pollution

As Delhiites suffering from worst air quality, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken decisive action to reduce pollution exposure among employees working from offices. In a major step, both government and private offices in the capital will now operate at only 50 per cent capacity, with the remaining employees instructed to work from home.

This preventive action intends to control the open-air activities and reduce the number of vehicles on the road, which is one of the main reasons why the city’s air quality is getting worse.

Stage IV measures shifted to stage III

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The CAQM stated that actions previously reserved for the ‘severe’ category (Stage IV) will now be enforced under Stage III, including: Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to curb diesel generator usage

Deploying more personnel at traffic congestion hotspots.

Issuing pollution alerts across media platforms.

Expanding CNG and electric public transport fleets with increased frequency.

Introducing differential fares to promote off-peak travel.

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Delhi's air quality deteriorates further

Visibility has dropped across multiple parts of the city as toxic smog thickens. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), many locations recorded hazardous AQI levels like: Jahangirpuri 446, ITO 446, Wazirpur 444, Anand Vihar 432, Mundka 430, Ashok Vihar 428, Bawana 424, Chandni Chowk 424, Alipur 409, Sector-125, Noida 421 ,Sector-62, Noida 401, Ghaziabad 355, Greater Noida 342.

Most Delhi localities continue to record AQI between 300 and 400, while several pockets have crossed 400, entering the ‘severe’ category. Officials warn that conditions may worsen if wind speeds remain low.

Health issues caused by poor air quality

Here are some health issues caused by rising air pollution:

• Short-term high-level exposures: Irritation in eyes, nose, throat and skin. cough, breathing difficulty, wheezing, chest discomfort, chest pain, headache, giddiness, limb weakness and facial deviation.
• Long term exposure: Staying long to even lower level of air pollution can result in chronic illnesses of respiratory and cardiovascular systems, lung cancer and premature deaths.
• Exposure during pregnancy may have consequences for child in womb.
• Those with pre-existing illnesses of respiratory cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems are at higher risk
• People with poor nutritional status; those living in poor housing, using fossil fuels for cooking, heating/ lighting purposes are at risk.

Read Also: Do’s and don’ts amid rising AQI levels across Delhi-NCR: Key takeaways from latest health advisory