The characterization of Delhi's environment as a "gas chamber" is a common expression used by officials, the Supreme Court of India, and news media to describe the severe, hazardous air pollution crisis that engulfs the capital region, particularly during the winter months. This term highlights the extremely high levels of toxic pollutants that make the air literally "unbreathable" and pose a major public health emergency.

The characterization of Delhi's environment as a "gas chamber" is a common expression used by officials, the Supreme Court of India, and news media to describe the severe, hazardous air pollution crisis that engulfs the capital region, particularly during the winter months. This term highlights the extremely high levels of toxic pollutants that make the air literally "unbreathable" and pose a major public health emergency. 
Key Aspects of the Crisis

Hazardous Air Quality Index :-
(AQI): -
During peak pollution episodes, the AQI in Delhi often crosses into the "severe" (401-450) or "severe plus" (451-500+) categories, significantly exceeding the safe limit (0-100) and the WHO's recommended particulate matter levels by up to 20 times or more.
Health Impacts: -
Breathing the air during these periods has been equated to smoking multiple packs of cigarettes a day. Residents experience symptoms like burning eyes, coughs, and breathlessness, leading to an increase in respiratory problems. Vulnerable populations, especially children and the poor who cannot afford air purifiers or masks, are most at risk of long-term damage.
Causes: 
The crisis is a result of multiple factors that converge in the winter:
Stubble Burning: -
Smoke from agricultural crop residue burned by farmers in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana is a major seasonal contributor.
Vehicular & Industrial Emissions: -
Emissions from the high number of vehicles and industries in the NCR region are significant year-round pollutants.
Dust: -
Construction and road dust add substantially to the particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM 10) in the air.
Climatic Conditions: -
Stagnant winds, cooling temperatures, and a weather phenomenon called temperature inversion trap pollutants close to the ground, preventing them from dispersing.
Official Response: -
Authorities typically implement emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which can include shutting down schools, banning non-essential construction, restricting certain vehicle types (e.g., the "odd-even" scheme), and banning fireworks. The Supreme Court of India has also actively intervened, urging governments to find long-term, permanent solutions. 
Despite recurring government interventions, the problem persists annually, leading to public protests and ongoing debate among political parties about who is responsible for the inaction. 
'Like a gas chamber': the air pollution throttling Delhi 

MJF Lion ER YK Sharma 

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