Delhi-NCR Shrouded In Thick Smog As Air Quality Plummets To ‘Severe’

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to dense smog on Thursday morning, as air quality sharply deteriorated, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 356.

Among the 39 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, four reported ‘severe’ levels, while several others neared the same category, highlighting the persistence of hazardous atmospheric conditions across the city.

Visuals from different parts of Delhi and NCR showed drastically reduced visibility on roads, residential areas, and public spaces, raising concerns over health and daily commuting.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management’s SAMEER app, Delhi’s AQI stood at 358 at 7 AM on Thursday, signalling a reversal from the slight improvement observed the previous day, when the AQI had eased to 334 from 354, helped by comparatively stronger winds.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted foggy conditions in the early hours, but said surface winds would prevent prolonged fog formation.

The northwest winds will blow at 10 kmph in the morning, increase to 15 kmph in the afternoon, and then drop below 10 kmph from the west during the evening and night.

These fluctuations in wind speed will disperse the fog and may improve visibility during daylight, although air quality will remain a critical concern.

The Delhi government has implemented new regulations under its graded response action plan (GRAP) to tackle worsening air quality.

‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule Comes Into Effect

From Thursday, the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule comes into force, allowing only vehicles with valid pollution certificates to refuel.

Authorities will permit entry only to BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi, while they continue to ban trucks carrying construction materials. They also prohibit construction activities and have pledged to take strict action against violators.

The capital continues to grapple with severe pollution, prompting the administration to roll out both emergency and long-term measures aimed at controlling vehicular emissions, dust, waste, and traffic congestion.

Residents are advised to minimise outdoor activity and follow health precautions as smog persists across the region.

Also Read: Delhi’s Air Quality Shows Slight Improvement; Pollution Remains ‘Very Poor’