Delhi continues to face severe pollution, with air quality levels recently reaching hazardous levels. On November 18, 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was reported at an alarming 484, categorized as "severe plus." In some areas, such as Rohini and Anand Vihar, AQI readings exceeded 450. The Swiss organization IQAir also ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally, with PM2.5 levels more than 130 times the WHO's recommended limit.

Delhi continues to face severe pollution, with air quality levels recently reaching hazardous levels. On November 18, 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was reported at an alarming 484, categorized as "severe plus." In some areas, such as Rohini and Anand Vihar, AQI readings exceeded 450. The Swiss organization IQAir also ranked Delhi as the most polluted city globally, with PM2.5 levels more than 130 times the WHO's recommended limit.

In comparison, other northern states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are also experiencing significant pollution due to unfavorable weather conditions, farm fires, and industrial emissions. However, Delhi's pollution is exacerbated by its dense urban setup and vehicle emissions. Visibility in the region has dropped significantly, and measures like school closures and construction bans have been implemented to mitigate the crisis.

Other Indian cities, like Kolkata and Mumbai, generally experience better air quality during this season but still grapple with unhealthy levels during localized pollution events. Internationally, cities like Karachi also face similar challenges but usually report slightly better air quality compared to Delhi during peak pollution seasons.

Pollution levels across India, including states and union territories, vary significantly depending on local factors like urbanization, industrial activity, and weather patterns. Here's a comparison of the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data:

Delhi

Delhi consistently records high AQI levels due to vehicular emissions, construction dust, and stubble burning in neighboring states. In November 2024, its AQI frequently exceeds 300, categorizing it as "very poor" to "severe," particularly during the winter months when weather conditions exacerbate pollution.

Other States and Union Territories

1. Mumbai, Maharashtra: The AQI is generally in the "moderate" category (100-200) but rises to "poor" (200-300) during peak traffic and industrial activity.

2. Chennai, Tamil Nadu: AQI is typically "moderate" or "satisfactory," with coastal winds aiding in dispersing pollutants.

3. Bengaluru, Karnataka: Known for better air quality compared to other metros, its AQI often stays in the "satisfactory" range (50-100).

4. Kolkata, West Bengal: Similar to Delhi, Kolkata faces AQI levels in the "poor" to "very poor" range due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities.

5. North-East States: Cities like Shillong generally enjoy "good" air quality (AQI below 50) due to abundant greenery and limited industrial activities.

6. Rajasthan and Haryana: AQI fluctuates between "moderate" and "poor," with dust storms contributing significantly.

General Trends

Northern India, particularly the Indo-Gangetic Plain, experiences severe pollution in winter due to stubble burning, low wind speeds, and temperature inversions.

Coastal states benefit from better air quality due to natural ventilation by sea breezes.

Key Insights

National initiatives like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim to reduce pollution in the worst-affected areas.

Cities like Delhi and Kolkata are more prone to severe air pollution, while smaller cities and those with abundant greenery, such as Shillong, maintain better air quality.

For live updates and detailed comparisons across states and union territories, you can refer to the Central Pollution Control Board's AQI data portal.

To combat severe air pollution across states and union territories, especially in hotspots like Delhi, the following measures and actions need to be implemented:

Immediate and Short-Term Measures

1. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

Enforce bans on construction and demolition during high pollution periods.

Stop the use of diesel generators and impose restrictions on vehicular traffic during severe AQI levels.

Introduce odd-even schemes for vehicles to reduce congestion and emissions.

2. Stubble Burning Management:

Provide incentives to farmers for adopting eco-friendly alternatives like bio-decomposers and mechanized residue management.

Enforce stricter penalties for stubble burning violations.

3. Traffic and Transportation Management:

Encourage public transport by increasing the frequency and availability of buses and metro services.

Develop bicycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly zones to reduce vehicular emissions.

4. Dust Control:

Mandate sprinkling water on roads and construction sites.

Cover construction materials to prevent particulate matter from becoming airborne.

Medium and Long-Term Measures

1. Transition to Clean Energy:

Promote renewable energy sources like solar and wind, reducing dependence on coal-based power plants.

Implement subsidies and incentives for electric vehicle adoption, coupled with an expansion of charging infrastructure.

2. Industrial Emission Control:

Install real-time monitoring systems in industries to ensure compliance with pollution norms.

Transition polluting industries to cleaner technologies.

3. Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure:

Plant trees along roads and in urban spaces to act as natural air purifiers.

Develop green belts around industrial zones.

4. Awareness Campaigns:

Educate citizens about pollution and their role in reducing it, such as minimizing waste burning and conserving energy.

Encourage community participation in environmental conservation initiatives.

5. Policy and Legislation:

Strengthen laws around environmental protection and enforce them rigorously.

Provide financial and technological support to states for implementing clean air strategies.

6. Interstate Collaboration:

Create a collaborative framework among neighboring states to manage regional issues like stubble burning and cross-border emissions.

Technological Innovations

Use air purifiers in critical zones and public spaces.

Develop early warning systems for pollution spikes to allow preemptive measures.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Continuous AQI monitoring to assess the effectiveness of measures.

Publish transparent reports on pollution levels and mitigation progress to keep citizens informed.

These measures require a mix of immediate enforcement, long-term policy planning, and collective efforts by governments, industries, and citizens. International examples like Beijing’s air quality improvement offer valuable insights into achieving significant pollution control.