Air pollution in Delhi reached "severe" levels on Wednesday, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 422 at 6 am. The city is covered in thick smog, making it hard for people to breathe. Visibility dropped at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, causing delays for 119 flights and the cancellation of 6 flights, according to Flightradar.
The toxic air has led to schools shutting down physical classes and a ban on construction work in the city. However, the AQI has slightly improved compared to Tuesday, when it was 494.
Delhi's minimum temperature fell to 12.2 degrees Celsius, the coldest of the season so far, due to cold northwesterly winds, as reported by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Toxic foam was also seen floating on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj, showing ongoing water pollution.
Many areas in Delhi, like Rohini, Anand Vihar, and Ashok Vihar, reported AQI levels above 450 early Wednesday morning. In response, Delhi-NCR is under Stage 4 pollution control measures as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These include banning most trucks from entering the city unless they are carrying essential items or run on cleaner fuels like CNG or electricity. Non-essential light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are also restricted unless they meet similar fuel standards. Construction on public projects has also been halted.
On Tuesday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai asked the central government to approve artificial rain to help reduce pollution. He also requested a meeting with experts from IIT Kanpur and central agencies to discuss solutions.
"The smog is covering North India, and artificial rain is the only way to clear it. This is a health emergency," the minister said. He urged Prime Minister Modi to take action, calling it his moral responsibility to address the crisis.
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