Health

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Friday described the severe air pollution in northern India as a "national emergency," urging a collective response to address the crisis. He emphasized that the pollution is not only a public health issue but also an environmental and economic disaster. "Air pollution in North India is a national emergency—a public health crisis that is stealing our children's future, suffocating the elderly, and ruining countless lives," Gandhi said. He called for a unified approach, stressing that cleaning up the air will require a national effort, not political blame games. As Delhi's air quality remains in the "severe" category, Gandhi underscored the urgency of tackling the pollution to protect public health and India's global reputation.

A new survey by LocalCircles has revealed that 75% of families in the Delhi-NCR region are grappling with pollution-related health issues, with many suffering from respiratory problems like sore throats, coughs, and asthma. The survey, which involved over 21,000 residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, highlights the severe health impact of deteriorating air quality. The findings also show an alarming rise in the use of air purifiers and a significant increase in health complaints, as the region’s air quality remains in the 'severe' category.

In response to Delhi’s worsening air quality, the Aam Aadmi Party government has directed 50% of its employees to work from home, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a "severe" level of 422. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, announced the move, citing the need to reduce pollution. The government has also introduced staggered office timings for all government employees, with revised schedules in place until February 2025. The city has activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes measures such as banning non-essential trucks and halting construction at public projects. Additionally, Rai has written to the Centre requesting approval for artificial rain to combat the crisis.

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Delhi government over the delay in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), despite the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels in the city. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed concern over the alarming rise in pollution, stressing that Stage 4 measures should have been activated earlier. The Delhi government introduced the strict anti-pollution measures on Monday, which include a ban on the entry of heavy vehicles and the suspension of physical classes in schools. As Delhi’s AQI soared above 1,500, reaching a "hazardous" level, the court emphasized that no relaxation of these measures would be permitted, even if the AQI drops below 450.

Delhi has moved to GRAP Stage 4 anti-pollution measures as air quality worsens, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 457 on Sunday evening, placing it in the "severe plus" category. Under these measures, diesel-run medium and heavy goods vehicles are banned, and non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless they meet cleaner fuel standards. Schools are shifting classes 6 to 9 and Class 11 online, while offices in NCR are advised to operate at 50% capacity. The primary pollutants remain PM2.5, with stubble burning contributing 25% to the pollution.