New Delhi Chokes on Hazardous Smog: Schools Close, Curbs Enforced

Waking up to a thick, gray blanket of smog. That's what happened in New Delhi on Monday. Air pollution hit its peak this season, leaving the city of over 33 million people gasping for fresh air. Schools shut their doors, construction sites froze, and big trucks were banned from the roads. The pollution was so bad it even delayed flights! The Air Quality Index rose to truly hazardous levels. Some places saw pollution exceeding the World Health Organization's safe limits by 50 times. The smog was so thick that it made famous landmarks and towering buildings barely visible. And get this—it's expected to stick around all week! Farmers from nearby states like Uttar Pradesh burned their fields over the weekend, leading to smoke clouds that blew into Delhi. The cold weather trapped this smoke, making things worse. Coal power plants, car emissions, and industrial activities added to the mess.The government stepped up with "GRAP 4, " their strictest measures. This meant schools closed, older diesel vehicles were banned, and construction work halted. But even with these emergency steps, many folks went on with daily life, like their morning walks in Lodhi Garden. People took to social media to complain about their sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Some even called Delhi a "gas chamber. " Others said it was like living in an "apocalyptic" world. They wanted the government to do more than just temporary fixes. Pollution in India is no joke. It leads to over a million deaths every year. Critics point out that while the government uses tools like water sprinklers and antismog guns, these don't really solve the root of the problem. Experts warn that unless big changes happen, like reducing industrial pollution and vehicle emissions, and stopping crop burning, the smog will just keep getting worse. They say there needs to be a combined effort among states to solve this long-term issue.