North India Gripped by Toxic Smog and Dense Fog; Delhi-NCR Activates GRAP-IV

North India, including Delhi-NCR, is engulfed in toxic smog and dense fog, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke GRAP Stage-IV. Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor,' with AQI levels around 374. In response, the Delhi Cabinet approved initiatives, including a Rs. 100 crore allocation for water body rejuvenation, to combat pollution. Concurrently, dense fog and cold waves are affecting Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, leading to weather alerts and low temperatures.

North India is currently experiencing severe environmental challenges, marked by a pervasive layer of toxic smog and dense fog. The national capital, Delhi-NCR, is particularly affected, with air quality categorised as 'very poor.' Visuals from areas like ITO showed an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 374, while India Gate registered an AQI of 354. In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all measures under GRAP Stage-IV, signifying an emergency level response to air pollution.Amidst this crisis, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has taken significant steps to enhance the fight against pollution. Key approvals include a Rs. 100 crore allocation dedicated to the rejuvenation of water bodies across Delhi. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated these initiatives aim for a 'decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution,' fostering a cleaner urban environment. The Chief Minister has underscored the critical role of water body rejuvenation in pollution control, directing full financial support to complete the work within the year, targeting 160 water bodies under the Delhi Government's jurisdiction out of approximately 1,000 in total.Beyond Delhi, other parts of northern India are grappling with harsh weather. Dense fog and cold waves are prevalent, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts. Haryana's Ambala is under an orange alert with a forecast minimum temperature of 11°C. Uttar Pradesh cities like Ayodhya and Kanpur are under yellow alerts, with minimum temperatures around 10-11°C, while Moradabad also faces dense fog and an orange alert. Health warnings highlight that even short-term exposure to air pollution can trigger neurological problems, underscoring the severity of the situation.