Toxic Smog Engulfs Delhi: AQI Around India Gate & Kartavya Path in ‘Severe’ Category

New Delhi: A thick blanket of toxic smog enveloped large parts of the national capital on Sunday, with air quality slipping into the ‘Severe’ category at several locations, including India Gate and Kartavya Path. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the area touched 407, raising serious health concerns for residents and visitors. Visuals from central Delhi showed iconic landmarks barely visible under dense haze, as visibility dropped sharply and the city struggled under one of the worst pollution spells of the season. Severe Pollution Across Delhi-NCR Several monitoring stations across Delhi-NCR recorded AQI levels in the Very Poor to Severe range. Areas such as Anand Vihar, ITO, Wazirpur, Rohini, and Ghazipur continued to report alarmingly high pollution levels, with particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 far exceeding safe limits. Environmental experts attribute the worsening air quality to a combination of low wind speed, temperature inversion, vehicular emissions, construction dust, and pollution drifting in from neighbouring regions. GRAP-IV Restrictions Enforced In response to the deteriorating situation, authorities have enforced Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the strictest set of emergency measures. These include: Ban on construction and demolition activities Restrictions on non-essential diesel vehicles Increased checks on industrial emissions Enhanced water sprinkling and mechanised road sweeping Officials said the measures aim to prevent further deterioration and protect public health. Health Advisory Issued Health experts have warned that air quality in the Severe category poses risks to all individuals, even those without pre-existing conditions. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory distress, eye irritation, cardiovascular complications, and aggravated asthma. Residents have been advised to: Avoid outdoor physical activity Wear protective masks if stepping out Use air purifiers indoors Follow official advisories Schools and parents are also closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over children’s exposure. Outlook Remains Grim Meteorological agencies have indicated that unfavourable weather conditions may persist in the coming days, offering little immediate relief. While slight improvement is possible if wind speeds increase, authorities cautioned that pollution levels could remain high unless sustained measures are enforced. Delhi continues to grapple with recurring winter smog, highlighting the urgent need for long-term structural solutions to address air pollution beyond emergency responses.