New Delhi: Delhi continues to face hazardous air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in the ‘very poor’ category for the second consecutive day. At 6 a.m., the overall AQI reached 386, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
A thick layer of smog blanketed parts of the city, significantly lowering visibility and leading to the strict enforcement of GRAP Stage IV measures.
AQI levels across various areas of Delhi reflected the crisis: Okhla Phase 2 (388), Alipur (407), Rohini (423), ITO (382), Ashok Vihar (339), Wajipur (432), Shadipur (387), Mundka (426), Jahangirpuri (437), Narela (472), DTU (352), R.K. Puram (462), Anand Vihar (423), Pusa (377), and Punjabi Bagh (417). Several locations approached or surpassed the “severe” threshold of 400.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted a slight increase in minimum temperatures in the Delhi-NCR region, ranging from 7°C to 9°C, with maximum temperatures between 21°C and 23°C.
The IMD warned that smoggy conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, potentially intensifying the cold wave. Early mornings could bring reduced visibility and colder temperatures.
Although the AQI has improved slightly from the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ category, significant improvement is unlikely due to unfavorable weather. Prolonged exposure to such air quality poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Wind speeds recorded on Saturday evening were low at four km/h, complicating the dispersion of pollutants. As poor air quality may continue due to the cold wave and adverse weather conditions, authorities are advising residents to limit outdoor activities and follow anti-pollution measures.
The CPCB has highlighted the health risks associated with AQIs above 400, warning that persistent pollution levels could have severe consequences for all residents.