North India Plunges into Toxic Smog, Dense Fog; Delhi-NCR Activates GRAP-IV

Parts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, are grappling with severe air pollution, dense fog, and cold waves. Delhi's AQI reached 'very poor' levels, leading to the invocation of GRAP Stage-IV. The Delhi Cabinet approved measures to combat pollution, including a Rs 100 crore allocation for water body rejuvenation. Other northern states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh also experienced harsh weather, with IMD issuing various alerts for dense fog and low temperatures, impacting cities like Ambala, Ayodhya, Kanpur, and Moradabad.

North India is currently experiencing a severe environmental crisis marked by toxic smog, dense fog, and intensifying cold waves. Delhi-NCR, in particular, is heavily affected, with a thick layer of smog pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the 'very poor' category; readings around ITO were 374 and India Gate 354. Consequently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV to mitigate the hazardous conditions.In response to the deteriorating situation, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved a series of significant decisions aimed at strengthening the fight against pollution and improving environmental governance. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced initiatives, including a crucial allocation of Rs 100 crore for rejuvenating 160 water bodies under the Delhi government's domain, out of approximately 1,000 in total. This measure is expected to play a vital role in pollution control, with a directive to complete the work within the year.Beyond Delhi, other parts of northern India are also facing harsh weather. Haryana's Ambala witnessed dense fog, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert with a forecast minimum temperature of 11°C. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh saw dense fog enveloping cities like Ayodhya (yellow alert, 11°C minimum), Kanpur (yellow alert, 10°C minimum), and Moradabad (orange alert, 11°C minimum), intensifying the cold wave across the region. The article also highlights that even short-term exposure to air pollution can trigger neurological problems.