Delhi's air quality has plummeted to "severe" levels for the first time in 2025, triggering a political storm between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 428 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as "severe," indicating that the air quality will affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases.
The sharp deterioration in air quality prompted the central government to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. This involves a series of stricter anti-pollution measures. Non-essential construction and demolition activities are now banned, excluding essential projects such as healthcare, metro, railways, and defense. Industries and brick kilns not using approved clean fuels are also ordered to shut down. Restrictions are placed on the use of diesel generators for non-emergency purposes. Older vehicles, including BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers, are also banned.
In addition to construction and vehicle restrictions, schools up to Class 5 have been directed to shift to hybrid or online modes, giving students and parents the option of remote learning. Enhanced dust control measures, including mechanized sweeping and frequent water sprinkling, will also be implemented.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) attributed the sudden spike in pollution levels to calm winds, a stable atmosphere, and unfavorable meteorological conditions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Data from the CPCB's Sameer app revealed that 34 out of 39 active stations in Delhi recorded "severe" AQI levels. Bawana, Wazirpur, Mundka, and Punjabi Bagh were among the worst-hit areas.
As the city grapples with the health emergency, a familiar blame game has erupted between AAP and BJP. AAP leaders have criticized the BJP-led central government for failing to take adequate steps to curb pollution. They accuse BJP ministers of being preoccupied with campaigning in Bihar while Delhi residents choke on "poisonous air". AAP also alleges that the BJP is manipulating pollution data and suppressing information to downplay the severity of the crisis.
The BJP, in turn, has blamed the AAP government in Punjab for the rising levels of stubble burning, accusing them of not doing enough to prevent it. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that Delhi is suffering because of stubble burning in Punjab, despite the Supreme Court's strictures against it. The BJP also accuses AAP of hypocrisy, pointing out that AAP had promised to tackle pollution effectively but has failed to deliver.
The political wrangling comes as Delhi residents face serious health risks due to the severe air quality. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high levels of pollution can lead to respiratory illnesses, heart problems, and other health complications. The situation is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
