Winter’s wrath has descended on Delhi NCR with a vengeance, unleashing severe pollution and bone-chilling cold that have left millions struggling to breathe. The regional AQI stands at a staggering 480, with ‘hazardous’ air forcing people into self-imposed lockdowns.
Visibility dropped to under 50 meters in central Delhi due to toxic smog, leading to chaos at transportation hubs. The cold wave brought temperatures down to 2.5°C, frost blanketing cars and parks. Health experts link the spike in pneumonia and COPD cases directly to this deadly duo.
GRAP restrictions are in full swing: schools closed till further notice, private vehicles restricted, and industries shuttered. ‘Every breath feels like inhaling poison,’ lamented a daily wager from Noida, epitomizing the plight of outdoor workers.
Meteorologists point to stagnant winds and crop residue fires as key culprits, with thermal inversions trapping emissions. The central government has deployed anti-smog towers and water sprinklers, but their impact remains limited.
Community initiatives like carpooling and indoor yoga gain traction, but systemic change is imperative. As NCR battles this environmental Armageddon, the focus shifts to sustainable reforms to prevent future winters of discontent.