Editorial. Delhi needs urgent action to mitigate air pollution crisis

The toxic blanket of smog that smothers the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas from October to January is as normalised in these parts as the onset of winter. Air quality dips sharply as winter temperature and low wind speed worsen the cumulative effect of vehicular pollution, stubble burning, industrial and construction activity and firecracker use.

This year is no exception with the Air Quality Index (AQI) worsening from ‘very poor’ to severe’ category, levels that would trigger health emergencies elsewhere in the world. The WHO has repeatedly warned of acute respiratory and cardiovascular risks from such exposure. Despite this, the response from the local administration has ranged from apathetic to actively misleading. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP III), designed