Despite the implementation of comprehensive anti-pollution measures, Delhi's air quality remains alarmingly poor, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 345 on Friday morning. The "very poor" classification highlights the continuing struggle to mitigate the capital's air pollution crisis as winter sets in, exacerbating smog and respiratory issues.

Authorities have rolled out measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including restrictions on construction activities, limitations on vehicle movement, and promoting public transportation to reduce vehicular emissions. However, the city remains engulfed in hazardous levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), especially during early morning and evening hours.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged citizens to cooperate with ongoing measures, emphasizing the importance of reducing personal vehicular usage and adhering to advisories. “Despite our intensified efforts, we need greater public participation to combat this crisis effectively,” Rai stated during a press briefing.

Health professionals continue to warn residents about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and a decline in overall immunity. Schools and colleges have been advised to curtail outdoor activities, and citizens have been encouraged to wear masks and use air purifiers indoors.

Environmentalists argue that while immediate measures like GRAP are essential, long-term strategies such as transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving public transportation infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of industrial emissions standards are crucial to addressing the root causes of pollution.

As the winter season intensifies, all eyes are on the government’s ability to enforce policies and the public’s willingness to adopt eco-friendly practices to ensure better air quality for Delhi's 32 million residents.