Delhi Chokes As AQI Turns Hazardous: Precautionary Measures You Should Follow

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This morning, national capital residents woke up to dense fog and an air quality emergency. Several monitoring stations, like Anand Vihar and Akshardham, reported AQI readings well above 450, with some even approaching the "hazardous" bracket (above 500).

That means the air isn't just 'uncomfortable' - it's toxic:

Smog so thick it cuts visibility to 5-10 m.

Measures Taken So Far

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• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and other states has activated GRAP Level IV (the highest alert level) in Delhi-NCR.
• Schools are shifting to hybrid or online modes for certain classes to reduce children's exposure.
• Engagements in outdoor games and activities have been suspended in consideration of public health, mainly for children and people with respiratory diseases.

In other words, "The breath you are taking at this moment contains a serious threat to your health."

What the government is doing - and what the GRAP levels mean

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is the emergency air pollution control plan for Delhi. Restrictions become more severe with a deterioration in the Air Quality Index:

• Stage I-II: Basic bans and dust controls
• Stage III: Broader restrictions on construction, older vehicles, and school routines
• Stage IV: Emergency actions, such as hybrid education, construction stoppage, and stricter controls on vehicles, are initiated during severe or worse AQI.

Precautionary Measures You Can Take Right Now

Whether you're at home, heading out, or planning errands, little choices matter:

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1. Keep outdoor time minimal

If your lungs 'feel heavy' after a few minutes in the outdoor air, this is your body's way of telling you something. Staying indoors is your best option in this case.

2. Wear the right mask

A basic cloth mask will not work in an environment where the AQIs are 450+ in your area. Filtered masks such as N95 or better masks (N99/P100) will work much better in removing

3. Air quality inside matters too

• Close doors/windows during early morning and late evening when smog is at its peak.
• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter if you have one.

4. Hydrate and rest your lungs

Drinking liquids, warm soups, and lighter exercises help relieve stress on your respiratory system.

5. Special care for sensitive people

Children, elderly, and people with asthma or COPD, and pregnant women - stay indoors if possible.

6. Check real-time AQI before going out

Govt and independent platforms like AQI.in or IQAir help you pick safer windows if you must step out.

Why This is Happening

Winter in North India combines a few bad actors:

• A lack of wind speed and temperature inversion can cause pollutants to be concentrated in a localised area close to Earth's surface.
• Emissions from vehicles and construction dust just keep pumping out particles.
• Additionally, burning crop residue in other states affects our air quality.

The fog and water vapor mix these pollutants into a smog soup. Taken all together, this is why December is all too often our worst month for air quality. Therefore, that's why December often becomes our worst month for air quality.

Bottomline

The air quality in current times is not just 'bad' but 'dangerous.' And with a possible shift in climatic behaviour or a reduction in polluters, we can hope to see an end to this, thus far unhealthy pattern. Activities at schools, outdoor games, and work have all been suspended accordingly. Think of the air in terms of a smoker's smoke you're always stuck in - because, for today, at least, this is what level of danger we are considering.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.