Delhi’s rising AQI is no longer just an environmental issue, it has become a full-scale public health emergency. Repeated shifts into “Severe” and “Severe+” categories show that existing legal and regulatory mechanisms are not strong enough to prevent long-term damage to public health, productivity, and quality of life.
Below is a clear, updated and simplified overview of the recent AQI trends, major causes, government measures, and the serious consequences of this hazard.
Rising AQI in Delhi: Recent Official Trends
India’s AQI Classification
- Good: 0–50
- Satisfactory: 51–100
- Moderately Polluted: 101–200
- Poor: 201–300
- Very Poor: 301–400
- Severe: 401–450
- Severe+: Above 450
Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), restrictions are applied in stages based on these levels.
Recent AQI Pattern (2024–Early 2025)
- In October 2024, Delhi’s average AQI remained largely in the Moderate to Poor range.
- By November 2024, several areas moved into the Very Poor and Severe categories.
- On multiple days in mid-November 2024, AQI crossed 450–500, triggering GRAP Stage IV (Severe+).
- During December 2024 and January 2025, AQI frequently fluctuated between Poor and Very Poor, with intermittent Severe days.
- Even in early 2025, air quality continued to shift between GRAP Stages I to III, showing persistent instability.
Delhi’s annual PM2.5 average has remained at more than 2.5 times India’s own safe limits and nearly 20 times higher than WHO guidelines, placing it among the most polluted urban regions globally.
What Is Majorly Causing This Hazard?
Delhi’s air pollution is caused by a combination of local and regional sources:
A. Vehicular Emissions
- Cars, two-wheelers, buses and trucks emit PM2.5, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
- Transport contributes nearly one-third of Delhi’s fine particulate pollution.
B. Road Dust and Construction Dust
- Road dust alone accounts for over one-third of PM2.5 and more than half of PM10 pollution.
- Poorly regulated construction activities significantly worsen air quality.
C. Industrial and Power Plant Emissions
- Factories, brick kilns and thermal power stations in NCR release sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
D. Waste Burning and Biomass Combustion
- Daily burning of garbage, leaves and plastic in open areas adds enormous toxic load.
- On some high-pollution days, waste and biomass burning contribute more than 50% of particulate pollution.
E. Stubble Burning in Neighboring States
- Crop residue burning during October–November in nearby states sends dense smoke towards Delhi.
- On peak days, it may contribute 40–45% of PM2.5 levels.
F. Landfill Fires
- Fires at large dumping sites release hazardous gases and thick smoke.
G. Weather and Geography
- Winter temperature inversion, low wind speed and Delhi’s landlocked position trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying smog.
What Steps Can the Government Take to Combat Air Pollution?
A stronger legal and administrative response is essential. Key steps include:
A. Treat Air Pollution as a Public Health Emergency
- Pollution should be legally recognised as a health crisis, not merely an environmental violation.
- Health-based AQI triggers should mandate school closures, work-from-home orders, outdoor activity bans, and public advisories.
B. Strict Enforcement of Existing Laws
- Stronger use of:
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- CAQM Act and GRAP
- Heavy, unavoidable fines for dust violations, waste burning and industrial non-compliance.
C. Vehicle Control Measures
- Faster removal of old, high-emission vehicles.
- Expansion of metro, electric buses and public transport.
- Introduction of low-emission zones and congestion pricing.
D. Construction and Dust Regulation
- Mandatory dust suppression systems at all sites.
- Immediate stop-work orders for violations.
- Digital monitoring and penalties for repeat offenders.
E. Zero-Tolerance for Waste Burning
- Strict criminal and municipal penalties for open burning.
- Mandatory scientific waste processing and segregation.
- Expansion of waste-to-energy and composting plants.
F. Stubble Burning Control Through Law + Incentives
- Enforce bans with penalties.
- Provide affordable machinery and financial incentives to farmers for non-burning methods.
G. Health Protection at the Legal Level
- Mandatory emergency hospital preparedness during severe AQI.
- Distribution of protective masks to vulnerable populations.
- Real-time public health advisories through official platforms.
What Could Be the Possible Results of This Hazard?
A. Serious Health Consequences
- Rising cases of asthma, bronchitis and chronic respiratory disorders.
- Increased heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.
- Long-term exposure linked to lung cancer, diabetes and premature death.
- Significant rise in emergency hospital admissions during severe smog periods.
B. Impact on Vulnerable Groups
- Children suffer from underdeveloped lung capacity.
- Pregnant women face higher pregnancy complications.
- Elderly and chronically ill people face higher mortality risk.
C. Social and Economic Damage
- School and workplace closures during severe pollution.
- Productivity loss due to illness.
- Rising medical expenses and pressure on public hospitals.
D. Constitutional and Legal Impact
- Clean air is increasingly recognised as part of the Right to Life.
- Growing public interest litigation demanding stricter enforcement.
- Increasing judicial pressure on governments for long-term solutions.
Glossary: Key Air Pollution & Legal Terms (Simple Table)
| Term | Meaning (In Simple Words) |
|---|---|
| AQI (Air Quality Index) | A number that shows how clean or polluted the air is. Higher AQI means more health risk. |
| PM2.5 | Very tiny air particles that go deep into the lungs and bloodstream; most harmful to health. |
| PM10 | Dust and smoke particles that affect the nose, throat and lungs. |
| Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) | Harmful gases from vehicles and power plants that worsen breathing and form smog. |
| Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) | A toxic gas from burning coal and industrial fuel that irritates the lungs. |
| GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) | Government emergency plan that starts restrictions when AQI becomes poor or severe. |
| Temperature Inversion | A weather condition that traps polluted air near the ground and prevents dispersion. |
| Biomass Burning | Burning of organic matter like crop waste, wood and leaves. |
| Stubble Burning | Burning of leftover crop residue after harvesting, mainly in winter months. |
| Emission | Release of harmful gases or particles into the air from vehicles, factories or power plants. |
| Thermal Power Plant | A power station that produces electricity by burning coal or fossil fuels. |
| PUC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) | Certificate showing whether a vehicle meets pollution standards. |
| Right to Clean Air | A legal right derived from the Right to Life to breathe healthy air. |
| Public Health Emergency | A situation where pollution seriously threatens public health and needs immediate action. |
Delhi’s air pollution is no longer seasonal inconvenience, it is a chronic public health disaster. While multiple laws exist, their enforcement remains fragmented and reactive. Without a stronger, health-centered, legally binding air quality framework, the crisis will continue to burden future generations with irreversible damage.
To know more about the laws regarding air pollution, you may check out this resource.
