Delhi Battles Toxic Air As AQI Breaches 400 In Several Localities

Air pollution levels in the national capital deteriorated sharply as dense smog and cold conditions blanketed large parts of northern India.

The worsening air quality pushed Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) dangerously close to the ‘severe’ category, triggering renewed health concerns for residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses.

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, operated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the city’s AQI climbed steadily through the day, reaching 410 by 11 PM, officially breaching the ‘severe’ threshold.

Although pollution levels showed marginal improvement overnight, they remained alarmingly high. The AQI stood at 396 at around 6:30 AM on Sunday, still within the near-severe range.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app revealed extremely poor air quality across several parts of the capital during the early morning hours.

Some of the worst-affected locations included Chandni Chowk (455), Wazirpur (449), Rohini (444), Jahangirpuri (444), Anand Vihar (438) and Mundka (436), all firmly in the ‘severe’ category.

Residents in these areas reported reduced visibility, throat irritation and breathing discomfort, with many limiting outdoor activities due to the hazardous conditions.

The sharp rise in pollution coincided with challenging winter weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of dense to very dense fog, further reducing visibility and compounding the impact of pollution.

Orange alerts, the second-highest warning level, were issued for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Chandigarh, cautioning about possible disruptions to road, rail and air traffic.

Meteorologists described the conditions in Delhi as a ‘cold day’, with temperatures struggling to rise. The maximum temperature hovered around 17 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dipped to nearly 8 degrees Celsius.

Thick layers of smog lingered throughout the day, blurring skylines and adding to public discomfort.

Unfavourable Meteorology Traps Pollutants

Experts attributed the spike in pollution levels to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature inversion.

These factors prevent pollutants from dispersing, trapping them close to the ground and worsening air quality.

As winter tightens its grip, such conditions are expected to persist, increasing the likelihood of recurring pollution episodes across the region.

Delhi continues to grapple with severe air pollution every winter, highlighting the urgent need for sustained mitigation measures and long-term solutions.

Environmental experts stress the importance of stricter emission controls, improved public transport, cleaner fuel usage and regional coordination to address the problem effectively.

With air quality remaining in the near-severe zone, authorities and residents alike face mounting challenges as the city navigates another polluted winter season.

Also Read: Dense Fog And Hazardous Air Quality Persist In Delhi-NCR