Air Quality In Delhi Dips Sharply; Several Areas Record ‘Severe’ Pollution Levels

Delhi’s air quality took a significant hit on Friday morning, with the city recording an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 305, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Wazirpur and Mundka reported the worst levels, with the AQI soaring to 422 and 419, respectively.

A spell of dust-laden winds and deteriorating atmospheric conditions during the pre-monsoon period has sharply impacted air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).

CPCB data shows that air quality in several NCR cities also worsened.

Gurugram reported an AQI of 294, followed by Faridabad at 288, Ghaziabad at 283, Greater Noida at 256, and Noida at 289—all falling within the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ categories.

In Delhi, multiple localities recorded troubling pollution levels.

Wazirpur and Mundka were the most affected, falling into the ‘severe’ category.

A total of 21 areas in the Capital had AQI values ranging from 300 to 400, indicating widespread air quality concerns.

Pollution Spikes In Key Areas

Prominent areas such as Anand Vihar (362), DTU (365), Dwarka Sector 8 (388), Jahangirpuri (353), Siri Fort (355), and Ashok Vihar (328) also recorded notably high pollution figures.

Twelve other regions, including Bawana (289), Lodhi Road (277), IGIA (240), Najafgarh (271), RK Puram (265), and Burari Crossing (243), reported AQI levels between 200 and 300, placing them in the ‘poor’ bracket.

The sudden spike in pollution has been partially attributed to a dust surge and strong winds that swept through Delhi on Wednesday night.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cloud system passing over the region led to gusty winds blowing at 30–40 km/h, especially in Palam.

These winds lifted fine dust particles into the air, worsening both air quality and visibility.

An IMD official confirmed that visibility dropped sharply from 4,500 metres to 1,200 metres within two hours.

A thick haze blanketed the city on Thursday morning, and residents reported reduced visibility and noticeable air pollution.

Authorities have urged the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activities and use protective gear if stepping outside.

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