2 weeks Ago By Priya Pareek
New Delhi: Northern India's iconic landmarks are vanishing under a toxic shroud as smog blankets cities, choking both residents and monuments. The air quality in Delhi, home to structures like India Gate and Akshardham Temple, has plunged to "Severe," with pollution levels hitting 430 on the AQI scale. The Supreme Court has ordered strict compliance with GRAP Stage IV measures, including halting construction activities, shutting industrial operations, and limiting vehicular movement.
Despite these efforts, the Court emphasised that restrictions must remain in place until the air quality significantly improves. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Delhi Chokes In Delhi, the Akshardham Temple and surrounding areas are shrouded in thick smog, pushing air quality into the "Severe" category.
Visibility has dropped to just 300 meters in parts of the city, and flights are heavily disrupted. Residents voiced concerns over aging vehicles and agricultural stubble burning, urging stricter measures to combat these recurring issues. A resident said, "Delhi has become a dangerous place.
We are facing problems in going out. We cannot step out of the house without a mask. The diseases are increasing day by day.
..Stubble burning by the farmers is also responsible for this.
.." Smog engulfed the Red Fort, India Gate and surrounding areas as the air quality deteriorates to 'Very Poor' category in several parts of the national capital, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A resident said, "Old cars cause more pollution so the use of those cars should be restricted and the farmers should avoid stubble burning. The athletes are also facing breathing issues..
." Delhi University announced a shift to online classes until November 23, with physical classes resuming on November 25. With 15 of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations reporting AQI levels of 500, authorities are under mounting pressure to implement emergency measures.
Dipankar Saha, former head of the CPCB’s Air Laboratory Division, described the situation as an “air emergency,” underscoring the need for immediate action to reduce pollution levels. Smog Engulfs Mumbai Mumbai hasn’t escaped unscathed either, with a veil of smog blanketing areas like Bandra Reclamation. Mumbaikars woke up to a thick layer of smog this Saturday morning, as moderate air quality levels persisted across the city.
At 8 AM, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 194, indicating a moderate level of pollution. The smog had engulfed several parts of the city, with visuals showing hazy, fog-like conditions that reduced visibility. A resident said, ".
..Pollution is increasing day by day.
It is a concerning matter. The people go for morning walks and being exposed to pollution at this hour is concerning..
." The Central Pollution Control Board attributes a significant portion of this pollution to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. Coupled with vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and cold weather trapping pollutants, the crisis has forced Delhi to ban non-essential construction, shift primary schools to online classes, and deploy dust suppressants.
Hospitals report a surge in respiratory issues, especially among children Where Is Taj Mahal? Meanwhile, in Agra, the Taj Mahal appears ghostly under a thin fog, with air quality in the "Moderate" range, though still cause for concern. A thick smog engulfed the Taj Mahal, significantly diminishing visibility and leaving the iconic monument barely discernible through the haze. Tourists and locals captured striking visuals, showing the world-renowned symbol of love shrouded in pollution, its ethereal silhouette barely breaking through the dense fog Noida Gets Hazier Amid a thick haze of smog and hazardous air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has extended the closure of physical classes for schools in Noida until November 25.
All classes, from nursery to 12th grade, will shift to online mode as per the directive issued by District Magistrate Manish Verma. This decision comes as the region battles “severe plus” air quality levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the 500 mark in several areas. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
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