Delhi woke up under a thickening blanket of smog on Saturday as the national capital’s air quality once again slipped into the ‘very poor’ category. According to real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) hovered between 310 and 523 at several monitoring stations, with Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri among the most polluted areas.

Meteorologists attribute this renewed decline to a combination of stagnant winds, plunging temperatures, and the seasonal winter inversion that traps pollutants close to the ground. “The wind speed has dropped below 10 kmph, reducing pollutant dispersion,” said an IMD official. A mix of vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, and crop residue burning in neighboring states continues to add to the toxic haze covering the Delhi-NCR region.

Health experts have warned that exposure to such poor-quality air is nearly equivalent to smoking multiple cigarettes a day. Prolonged inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can trigger asthma attacks, worsen chronic respiratory diseases, and cause cardiovascular stress. Hospitals across the city have reported a noticeable uptick in patients complaining of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reactivated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The measures include suspension of non-essential construction activity, restrictions on older diesel vehicles, and advisories urging residents to work from home where feasible. Officials have hinted that if conditions worsen, Stage IV emergency measures could also be imposed.

Despite these curbs, environmental groups have urged deeper, long-term interventions. “We need consistent year-round action, not just seasonal shutdowns,” said an environmental policy analyst, emphasizing stricter vehicle emission norms, waste management, and support for farmers to prevent stubble burning.

Authorities continue to urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, wear N95 masks when stepping out, and use indoor air purifiers. Weather forecasts suggest that light winds and persistent smog may keep air quality in the "very poor" zone over the next few days. Delhi’s annual battle with winter pollution remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable urban and agricultural practices. Until then, the capital’s residents will continue to breathe cautiously under a cloud of grey.