Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates To Severe Levels Amid Smog And Cold

Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category on Friday morning, with several areas recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 450. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classified this level as ‘severe plus.’ At 8 am, the overall AQI in Delhi stood at 434.

Monitoring stations in Rohini, RK Puram, Sirifort, Dwarka Sector 8, and Wazirpur reported AQI readings exceeding 450. These figures highlight the city’s ongoing struggle with poor air quality amid cold weather and a thick layer of smog.

PM2.5 Levels Pose Health Risks

On Thursday, Delhi’s AQI plunged into the severe-plus category, with a 24-hour average AQI of 451. PM2.5 levels were alarmingly high, with 32 out of 35 monitoring stations recording severe-plus readings. Some areas recorded AQI readings as high as 470.

PM2.5 particles, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, are particularly hazardous as they can penetrate deep into the lungs, posing serious health risks.

GRAP Stage IV Measures in Effect

Delhi remains under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcing stringent anti-pollution measures. These include a ban on construction activities and restrictions on non-essential polluting vehicles entering the city.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Friday, warning of dense fog in some areas. On Thursday, the maximum temperature was 23°C, slightly above normal, while the minimum temperature was 5°C, three degrees below normal.

Efforts to combat pollution continue, but Delhi residents face severe health challenges as the smog persists.

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