Mask Delhi Mask: Air Quality Plummets to 'Severe' For First Time This Season; Flight Ops Hit

New Delhi: Delhi is grappling with a sharp deterioration in air quality, as city's AQI has plunged to 'Severe' category (418) for first time this season. hazardous pollution levels are causing widespre discomfort, with residents urged to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. toxic haze has also affected flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Authorities have issued visories, urging people to take precautions, especially vulnerable groups such as children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, as city battles this seasonal air pollution crisis.  

On Wednesday, AQI in Delhi soared to 418, marking a massive spike. In contrast, 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4 pm on Tuesday stood at 334. By 9 am Wednesday, air quality h alrey reached 'very poor' category, with a reing of 366.  

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'. Of 36 monitoring stations in Delhi, 30 reported air quality in 'severe' category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

10 Flights Diverted Due to Zero Visibility at IGI

Low visibility at Delhi's airport led to diversion of 10 flights and several delays, according to airport officials. Among diverted flights, one was redirected to Jaipur and anor to Lucknow. This disruption followed a report from India Meteorological Department (IMD) that very dense fog began forming around 5:30 am, enveloping various parts of capital in a thick haze. 
 

On or hand, residents have reported low visibility on ros, making travel difficult, and many are experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, a runny nose, breathlessness, and persistent coughing due to deteriorating air quality.  

Supreme Court on Delhi Air Pollution

Supreme Court on Monday said that right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of Indian Constitution and no religion encourages any activity that creates pollution. Questioning authorities for ir failure to implement ban on firecrackers in Delhi during Diwali , a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih furr said that if firecrackers are burnt in this fashion, it also affects fundamental right to health of citizens. "

right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere is a fundamental right of every citizen, which is protected by Article 21 of Constitution of India. Prima facie, we are of view that no religion encourages any activity that creates pollution or compromises health of people. If firecrackers are burnt in this fashion, it also affects fundamental right to health of citizens," said bench.

Will Delhi Schools Be Closed Amid Alarming Air Pollution Levels?

Amid deteriorating AQI, Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) called for immediate closure of all schools up to Class 5, citing severe health risks posed to children. party also aimed at Aam Ami Party (AAP) government for failing to dress city's growing pollution crisis, labelling Delhi a "gas chamber" and accusing ministration of neglecting public health.

BJP also lambasted Delhi government over its response to hazardous air quality, stating that AAP ministration h "utterly failed" to manage pollution crisis in city. "Delhi is now a gas chamber where people are choking and suffering from respiratory issues," a BJP leer said.