Dense Fog And Severe Pollution Choke Delhi-NCR; AQI Crosses 450

A combination of winter chill, severe air pollution, and dense fog on Tuesday created a dire situation across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

Authorities have issued alerts for extremely dense fog for two consecutive days. The Air Quality Index has crossed 450 in several areas, raising serious health concerns.

The situation worsened significantly, with visibility dropping to zero in many locations on Monday night.

Severe disruptions in road, rail, and air traffic delayed commuters and increased safety risks.

According to data from air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, the AQI stood at 451 in Anand Vihar, 433 in Ashok Vihar, 446 in Rohini, 449 in Wazirpur, and 432 in Chandni Chowk.

Other areas reported alarming levels: 411 at DTU Delhi, 410 at Siri Fort, 401 at Shadipur, 426 at Punjabi Bagh, and 421 at Sonia Vihar.

Bawana recorded 368, Alipur 379, and Vivek Vihar 380. All readings fall under the ‘very poor’ category, deemed extremely hazardous to human health.

The neighbouring cities of Noida and Ghaziabad experienced similarly hazardous conditions.

In Noida, AQI levels reached 433 in Sector-1, 388 in Sector-125, and 372 in Sector-62. Ghaziabad reported an AQI of 459 in Vasundhara, with Sanjay Nagar at 393, Indirapuram at 382, and Loni at 360. The entire NCR continues to remain under severe pollution.

The India Meteorological Department forecast ‘extremely dense fog’ during the morning hours of December 30. It said ‘dense fog’ would persist until the afternoon.

The maximum temperature reached 21°C, while the minimum dropped to 8°C, with humidity levels at 100 per cent, worsening the fog.

Authorities have issued dense fog warnings for the morning of December 31. Light rain or drizzle on January 1 may help relieve pollution and fog.

Also Read: AQI Past 400 As Smog And Fog Disrupt Flights, Trains And Road Traffic In Delhi