Delhi-NCR Shivers As Thick Smog Blankets Capital; AQI Remains At 377

Delhi’s air quality remained in the very poor category for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, as thick smog blanketed several parts of the capital and residents experienced a winter chill. The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 377 at 8 AM.

PM2.5 remained the dominant pollutant, while several areas reported alarming pollution levels. Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 456, followed by Jahangirpuri at 450, placing both in the severe category.

Mundka and the area near IIT Delhi also reported high readings of 436 and 438, respectively.

Of Delhi’s 59 air quality monitoring stations, 20 recorded severe pollution, while 33 remained in the very poor category. The remaining stations reported poor air quality.

Other areas with high readings included Rohini and DTU, both at 436, Vivek Vihar at 435, RK Puram at 428, Sonia Vihar at 424 and Siri Fort at 419.

Bawana and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium both recorded an AQI of 411.

Stage II GRAP restrictions took effect across the NCR on November 2, after Delhi’s average AQI reached 324, entering the very poor category for the first time this season.

The early warning system predicts very poor air quality until at least November 6. With Diwali approaching, CAQM has enforced Stage II measures across the region to curb pollution.

Stage I GRAP measures began on October 21, when Delhi’s AQI reached 244. They include promoting public transport, checking PUC certificates and restricting older diesel and petrol vehicles.

Authorities have also curbed coal and firewood use at roadside eateries and restricted diesel generator sets.

Rising pollution has heightened concerns across Delhi-NCR as winter approaches.

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