Delhi's visibility drops as rain sweeps through the city

On December 29, 2024, Delhi experienced a rapid decline in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 223, categorizing it as very poor. This deterioration comes shortly after a brief improvement due to heavy rainfall over the previous days, which helped to temporarily alleviate pollution levels. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported varying AQI levels across different regions of Delhi, with areas like Jahangirpuri and Rohini registering some of the highest degrees of air quality degradation. Just a day prior, on December 28, heavy rainfall significantly reduced pollution, contributing to the AQI dropping to the moderate category at 179, a stark contrast to the current levels. It was noted that the AQI fluctuated significantly, highlighting the ongoing air quality challenges faced by the capital city during the winter season. Residents of Delhi woke up on the morning of December 29 to find a layer of fog covering the city, coupled with low temperatures, which typically exacerbate pollution levels. The CPCB had previously revoked certain emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, citing favorable weather conditions as the reason for the lifting of restrictions on pollution sources. However, with the rainfall subsiding, the return to very poor air quality levels emphasizes the precariousness of environmental conditions in urban areas. Continuous monitoring has become essential as authorities urge residents to limit outdoor activities to safeguard their health, especially vulnerable populations vulnerable to pollution. Meteorological forecasts have indicated the likelihood of additional rainfall in the upcoming days, which has led to some hopes that pollution levels may improve once again. Nonetheless, the recurring pattern of high pollution levels along with weather changes brings to light the need for long-term strategies to effectively manage air quality in Delhi. The increasing incidences of such air quality conditions indicate an urgent need for governmental and community mobilization to combat pollution effectively throughout the year. The situation calls for robust initiatives to engage both policymakers and community members to collectively work towards sustainable outcomes regarding air quality. As the situation unfolds, ongoing public awareness campaigns are crucial to inform residents about health risks associated with poor air quality. The health implications of consistently high AQI levels are alarming, prompting calls for action from environmentalists and health advocates. They emphasize the importance of implementing varied approaches to tackle air pollution both in the short term through immediate actions and in the long-term through legislative measures and community engagement.