Smog Engulfs Delhi As Air Quality Slips Into Very Poor Category

A thick blanket of smog covered Delhi on Sunday morning, pushing air quality deeper into the ‘very poor’ category and once again underscoring the capital’s persistent pollution challenge.

According to official data, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 391 at 6:05 AM, leaving residents grappling with reduced visibility and deteriorating breathing conditions.

While Delhi hovered on the brink of the ‘very poor’ category, neighbouring Noida witnessed even harsher conditions, with air quality slipping into the ‘severe’ bracket and the AQI touching 415.

Data from the Sameer app, developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), showed that out of 39 active air quality monitoring stations in the city, 20 reported ‘severe’ air quality.

Some of the worst-affected areas included Anand Vihar, which recorded an AQI of 445, followed by Shadipur at 443, Wazirpur at 443, Jahangirpuri at 430 and Chandni Chowk at 415.

Other parts of the capital also reported alarming pollution levels. ITO recorded an AQI of 402, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category, while NSIT Dwarka showed comparatively better air quality with an AQI of 214, though it still fell under the ‘poor’ category.

Understanding AQI Levels

As per CPCB classification, an AQI between 51 and 100 is considered ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and readings above 400 are categorised as ‘severe’.

With large parts of Delhi recording AQI values close to or above 400, health experts have repeatedly warned vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure.

On Saturday, Delhi’s air quality had already slipped into the ‘severe’ bracket during the day.

Official bulletins showed the AQI at 385 at 4 PM, categorised as ‘very poor’. Pollution levels continued to rise through the evening, climbing to 390 by 6 PM and reaching 391 by 10 PM, reflecting a steady deterioration.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Sunday morning, warning of dense fog and cold wave-like conditions across Delhi and surrounding regions.

Meteorological experts cautioned that a series of western disturbances expected to affect north India could keep pollution levels elevated over the next few days by limiting the dispersion of pollutants.

In view of the prevailing conditions, the IMD reiterated its yellow alert, advising residents to remain cautious amid moderate to dense fog across Delhi and adjoining areas.

The combination of stagnant weather conditions and high emissions is likely to prolong the city’s air quality crisis in the coming days.

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