Smog Tightens Its Grip On Delhi As Air Quality Slips With Falling Temperatures

With the onset of cooler weather, Delhi’s air quality has taken a marked downturn, sparking unease among both residents and environmental specialists.

A dense smog layer has begun to settle over the city, pushing several areas into poor air quality territory.

Figures recorded on Tuesday morning placed the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 201, categorised as ‘Poor’.

Across much of the capital, readings varied between 200 and 300, signalling a steady slide in air conditions as winter draws near.

Even the India Gate, one of Delhi’s best-known landmarks, lay obscured under a greyish haze, with visibility falling and health warnings mounting, particularly for young children, the elderly, and those suffering from respiratory ailments.

Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggest the situation is unlikely to improve soon.

On Monday, the city registered an AQI of 189, up from 167 on Sunday, both considered ‘Moderate’.

However, projections from the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System indicated that pollution levels would tip into the ‘Poor’ bracket by Tuesday, the first such decline since 11 June, when the AQI touched 245.

Between 14 and 16 October, forecasters expect Delhi’s air to remain in the ‘Poor’ zone, possibly swinging between ‘Poor’ and ‘Very Poor’, depending on weather conditions and emission levels.

Under national air quality norms, an AQI score between 0–50 is deemed ‘Good’, 51–100 is ‘Satisfactory’, 101–200 is ‘Moderate’, 201–300 is ‘Poor’, 301–400 is ‘Very Poor’, and anything above 400 is ‘Severe’.

Environmental campaigners are advising citizens to limit outdoor exposure, wear protective masks, and avoid strenuous activity during hours of peak pollution.

With festivities approaching and winter conditions deepening, officials are likely to step up anti-pollution drives to curb the capital’s worsening air crisis.

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