Delhi-NCR Chokes Under Thick Smog As AQI Crosses 400 At Eight Monitoring Stations

Delhi-NCR woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Tuesday as air quality deteriorated ahead of Diwali, with the capital’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 330 at 8 AM.

Jahangirpuri recorded the highest reading at 451, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Eight monitoring stations recorded AQI levels above 400. Rohini registered 431, Punjabi Bagh 424, while DTU and Bawana recorded 409 each. Other areas reported high pollution levels, including Mundka at 397, Pusa at 387, North Campus at Delhi University at 384 and Chandni Chowk at 354.

Under CPCB classifications, an AQI of zero to 50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’.

The pollution affected neighbouring Noida and Gurugram, where thick haze reduced the visibility of high-rise buildings.

With Diwali approaching on November 8, rising pollution levels have raised concerns about further deterioration across the region.

Delhi recorded its first ‘very poor’ AQI of the season on Monday, with the reading rising from 312 at 9 AM to 331 by Tuesday morning, according to the CAQM.

The commission invoked Stage 2 GRAP measures across Delhi-NCR, including mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, anti-smog guns and higher parking charges to curb pollution.

Stage 1 measures came into force on October 21 after air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category.

The Supreme Court has allowed green firecrackers on November 7 and 8 during 6-7 AM and 8-10 PM. A complete ban will resume on November 9.

Also Read: GRAP Stage-II Restrictions Enforced Across Delhi-NCR As AQI Reaches 324