Delhi's pollution crisis prompts odd-even return, school closures: 10-point explainer

Delhi pollution crisis: The odd-even traffic rule is set to make a comeback in Delhi from November 13 to 20.

Delhi-NCR finds itself grappling with the grim reality of toxic air pollution for the fifth consecutive day today prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to convene a high-level meeting to combat this severe crisis head-on. The city's air quality has plunged into the 'severe' category, prompting the government to unveil a series of measures aimed at clearing the hazardous smog that has engulfed the region.

Here is a 10-point explainer on the Delhi pollution crisis:

1. Odd-Even Rule Returns:

- The odd-even traffic rule is set to make a comeback in Delhi from November 13 to 20. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced this measure to tackle the soaring pollution levels.

- The odd-even rule allows vehicles with registration numbers ending in an odd digit to ply on Delhi roads on odd-number days and those with even digits on even-number days.

- The rule will be enforced immediately after Diwali. The extension of this rule beyond November 20 will be reviewed, according to the minister.

2. Construction Activities Halted:

- The authorities have imposed a total ban on construction activities, encompassing public projects like roads and bridges. This decision is in line with Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

3. School Closures:

- Schools will remain shut for all classes until November 10, except for Class 10 and 12, due to upcoming board exams. Previously, only classes up to Class 5 were suspended in response to the worsening air quality.

4. Restriction on Certain Vehicles:

- The ban on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles will continue, with exceptions for LNG and CNG trucks carrying essential commodities entering Delhi.

5. Work From Home

- A decision regarding a 'work from home' formula for 50 percent of staff in government and private offices in Delhi is pending.

6. Alarming Air Quality Index (AQI):

- The current AQI in Delhi stands at a staggering 488, well above the upper limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

- Highly affected areas include RK Puram (466), ITO (402), Patparganj (471), and New Moti Bagh (488).

7. The Peril of Breathing:

- With the AQI hovering around 500, the quality of air that Delhi's residents and those in neighbouring cities are inhaling is equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day.

8. A Global Pollution Hotspot:

- Delhi, along with Kolkata and Mumbai, is listed among the world's most polluted cities, according to data from Swiss Group IQAir.

- Health experts emphasize that the recommended AQI for any healthy individual should be less than 50.

9. The Culprits:

- Seasonal factors, including low temperatures, a lack of wind, and stubble burning in neighbouring states, have collectively contributed to the surge in air pollutants.

10. Health Implications:
- An AQI of 0-50 is considered good, but anything between 400-500 poses a danger to both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions.

- Many of Delhi's 20 million residents have reported irritation in their eyes and itchy throats as the air takes on a dense, grey hue, with some monitoring stations recording an AQI exceeding 550.