Smog Envelops Delhi as AQI Soars Over 700

Introduction

Delhi woke up to a thick, toxic blanket of smog on Friday morning, with the city registering an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of over 700, placing it in the “hazardous” category. ([Hindustan Times][1])
Authorities and experts warn that this level of pollution poses serious health risks — especially to children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

What’s Causing the Smog?

Multiple factors have combined to create the severe smog situation:

• Stubble burning in neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has contributed significantly, with recent data showing the contribution of such fires to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels climbing to nearly 37%. ([Hindustan Times][2])
• Low wind speeds and calm weather have prevented the usual dispersal of pollutants, allowing dust and smoke to linger over the city. ([Hindustan Times][1])
• Local emissions including vehicles, industry and household heating also added to the pollution load, compounding the problem.

Areas Worst Hit & Visibility Concerns

Some neighbourhoods in Delhi recorded especially alarming readings. For example:

• Bawana reported an AQI of 784.
• Chandni Chowk recorded 730. ([Hindustan Times][3])
  Visibility across many parts of Delhi dropped sharply, with the skyline obscured and the sun barely visible in some areas. Residents reported difficulty breathing and discomfort while moving about outdoors.

Health Warnings & Public Response

Health officials issued urgent warnings:

• Everyone is advised to minimise outdoor activity, especially during early mornings and late evenings when pollution peaks.
• People with asthma, lung or heart disease are urged to stay indoors or wear N95 masks if venturing outside.
• Schools and hospitals are on alert; parents of young children are being cautioned about outdoor exposure.

In response, student groups and public health activists staged protests near Jantar Mantar, demanding stronger action from both the central and Delhi governments to tackle the long-term air crisis.

Government Measures & What’s Being Done

The local government has announced some immediate steps:

• Monitoring of pollutant levels has been intensified and public alerts issued for vulnerable groups.
• Construction activities in some areas may face temporary curbs to reduce dust emissions.
• Officials are investigating enhanced enforcement of anti-burning rules in neighbouring agricultural regions.

However, many experts said that storming action now will not reverse the pollution overnight. The effect of stubble burning and stagnant air often takes several days to clear fully.

Why This Pattern Repeats

Delhi’s smog seasons have become annual phenomena. Key reasons include:

• Post-harvest stubble burning each November in the neighbouring states creates vast plumes of smoke that drift into the capital.
• Winter weather conditions — especially cooler nights and weak winds — cause pollutants to remain trapped close to the ground.
• Rapid urbanisation plus vehicular and industrial emissions add a consistent load of pollutants into the air.

The combination of these factors makes Delhi particularly vulnerable to severe smog episodes in the late autumn and early winter months.

In Summary

• Delhi registered a dangerously high AQI above 700, indicating “hazardous” air quality.
• Major contributors: stubble burning (21-37%), dust, low winds and local emissions.
• Areas such as Bawana and Chandni Chowk recorded the worst readings.
• Health alerts issued; citizens urged to limit outdoor exposure.
• Short-term measures are being taken, but long-term action remains critical.

Conclusion

The toxic smog blanketing Delhi is not merely an inconvenience — it is a serious public-health emergency.
As the city grapples with poor air, residents must take precautions and authorities must accelerate both immediate relief and sustainable reforms.
Until the winds pick up and the skies clear, Delhi will remain under the shadow of its annual pollution crisis — reminding everyone that clean air is far from guaranteed, even in the national capital.