Delhi-NCR continued to struggle under a dense layer of smog on Friday, marking the seventh straight day of ‘very poor’ air quality.
The toxic haze reduced visibility across the region and heightened health concerns for residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 373 in the morning, firmly placing the city in the ‘very poor’ category.
The thick smog, visible across major roads and residential areas, underscored the persistence of alarming pollution levels.
Data from the Sameer app, developed by CPCB, revealed that 13 of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations registered AQI readings in the ‘severe’ range.
Wazirpur emerged as the worst-affected area, clocking a hazardous AQI of 442.
While only three stations— IHBAS Dilshad Garden (255), Lodhi Road (286) and Mandir Marg (278)—reported air quality in the ‘poor’ category, the majority of monitoring locations recorded readings well above the ‘very poor’ threshold.
Pollution Hotspots Hit ‘Severe’ Levels
Several well-known pollution hotspots showed dangerously high concentrations of particulate matter.
Localities such as Anand Vihar (412), Bawana (430), Burari Crossing (404), Jahangirpuri (433), Mundka (435), Narela (408), RK Puram (406) and Rohini (421) all slipped into the ‘severe’ category, indicating levels that can cause health effects even in healthy individuals and severely impact those with pre-existing conditions.
The toxic air was not restricted to the national capital. Across the National Capital Region (NCR), pollution levels remained high.
Ghaziabad recorded the worst air quality in the region with an AQI of 431, placing it in the ‘severe’ range. Noida followed closely with an AQI of 400, while Greater Noida recorded 377, categorised as ‘very poor’.
Gurugram fared slightly better but still reported a troubling AQI of 294, at the higher end of the ‘poor’ category.
Meteorologists and pollution experts warned that stagnant weather conditions are likely to prevent pollutants from dispersing, meaning residents should not expect significant improvement in the coming days.
Authorities have urged people to minimise outdoor exposure. Health officials advised wearing protective masks, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and using air purifiers indoors where possible.
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