As winter arrives Delhi sky has turned grey with a thick blanket of toxic smog The Air Quality Index in many areas has crossed into the Very Poor and Severe categories making it hard for people to breathe. Every year as cold winds start blowing the national capital faces the same terrifying health emergency.
To fight this crisis authorities have rolled out the Winter Action Plan. This includes strict rules like banning polluting vehicles halting certain construction works and enforcing the No PUC No Fuel rule at petrol pumps. Emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP have also been activated to control dust and smoke.
However questions remain on whether these steps are enough. Stubble burning from nearby states heavy traffic emissions and chilly weather trap the pollution close to the ground. While the government is trying hard with antismog guns and electric buses common citizens are left suffering facing burning eyes and heavy coughs. Will these seasonal steps finally clear Delhi air or is it just a temporary fix for a deep rooted problem Only time will tell as residents brace for months of hazardous air.
