Delhi-NCR Chokes Under Dense Smog As Air Quality Plummets To Hazardous Levels

The Delhi-NCR region is once again blanketed in a heavy layer of smog, with pollution levels soaring to dangerous heights.

Official data reveals that out of 39 air quality monitoring stations across the capital, only seven recorded readings below the danger threshold, while the majority fell within the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ categories.

Air quality across most neighbourhoods in Delhi remains deeply concerning.

Locations such as RK Puram (335), Rohini (352), Sonia Vihar (350), Wazirpur (377) and Vivek Vihar (373) all reported AQI levels well above 300. These readings indicate extreme pollution across several parts of the city.

Other areas, including Sirifort (338), Shadipur (330) and Pusa (333), also recorded severe air contamination.

Neighbouring Noida is facing a similar plight, with readings of 304 at Sector 62, 306 at Sector 116, and 299 at Sector 125, keeping the air quality firmly in the ‘very poor’ range.

The situation in Ghaziabad appears even more distressing.

Loni recorded an AQI of 344, and Vasundhara touched 358, both falling into the ‘severe’ bracket.

Health specialists have cautioned that prolonged inhalation of such toxic air can lead to asthma, chronic cough, respiratory infections, eye irritation, and migraines.

Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and senior citizens, have been advised to remain indoors and limit physical activity.

A dense haze continues to obscure visibility, making driving conditions hazardous during morning and evening hours.

The skyline has vanished behind layers of smog, and commuters are struggling through low visibility.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted no significant improvement in the immediate future. It cited weak wind patterns and falling temperatures as the main reasons preventing pollutants from dispersing.

Authorities have appealed to citizens to reduce private vehicle use, carpool, and choose public transport wherever possible.

Construction companies have also been reminded to comply with dust-control regulations.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s average AQI on Sunday was 366, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Three monitoring stations, however, recorded ‘severe’ levels with readings above 400.

CPCB measurements revealed PM2.5 concentrations at 189.6 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 levels at 316, both dramatically higher than the safe limits.

These fine pollutants, small enough to enter the lungs and bloodstream, pose a serious health hazard to residents.

A Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report identified air pollution as Delhi’s leading health risk in 2023. It accounted for nearly 15 per cent of all recorded deaths in the city.

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