Mon Nov 18 14:15:28 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on ‘Severe Plus’ Air Quality; Flights Diverted, Schools Shut

**New Delhi, November 18, 2024** – A thick blanket of toxic smog enveloped Delhi on Monday, plunging the city’s air quality into the “severe plus” category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a staggering 484 – the worst reading of the season. The hazardous conditions forced the implementation of stringent pollution control measures, including a ban on most truck entries, a halt to construction on public projects, and the shift to online classes for most schools.

Visibility plummeted to dangerously low levels, causing significant disruptions to air travel. At least 15 flights were diverted to other cities, and over 100 flights experienced delays at Delhi airport due to poor visibility. Airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo issued warnings to passengers about potential flight disruptions.

The crisis has driven a surge in demand for air purifiers and masks, with traders reporting a significant increase in sales. One dealer reported a doubling of daily sales, while others noted increases ranging from 70% to over 100%.

The deteriorating air quality is largely attributed to stubble burning in neighboring Punjab, which reported a record 1,251 new farm fire cases on Monday, bringing the season’s total to 9,655. While this represents a 71% decrease compared to the same period last year, the immediate impact on Delhi’s air remains severe.

The Delhi government’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, stated that only artificial rain or strong winds could clear the smog, criticizing the Centre’s inaction on the government’s request for such intervention. The Supreme Court also questioned the Delhi government about the delay in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The hazardous air quality prompted calls for work-from-home options and staggered working hours for central government employees. Doctors issued warnings about the serious health risks posed by the toxic smog. The situation in Delhi underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive and effective long-term solutions to combat air pollution. The AQI, according to IQAir, even reached a peak of 1743 at one point during the day.

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