A thick blanket of haze has once again engulfed the national capital, as Delhi’s air quality continues to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the third consecutive day. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 375.
Delhi Air Quality Index Today: What the Numbers Reveal
The CPCB’s Sameer app reported alarming pollution levels across multiple parts of Delhi. Areas such as Alipur (421), Jahangirpuri (404), and Wazirpur (404) recorded AQI levels that fell into the ‘severe’ category, where the air is deemed hazardous for both healthy individuals and those with respiratory issues.
Out of the 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, most recorded readings between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories, indicating widespread deterioration in the city’s air.
For reference, the CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows:
Meteorologists and pollution experts say that low wind speeds and cooler temperatures are the key culprits behind the toxic air. These conditions prevent the dispersion of pollutants, trapping them close to the surface.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi, the wind speed dropped below 8 km/h from the northwest during Monday evening and night hours, drastically reducing the movement of pollutants.
The situation worsened after Diwali celebrations on 20 October, which saw the burning of firecrackers across many parts of the city. The spike in emissions, combined with stagnant weather conditions, has since pushed Delhi’s air quality from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ and occasionally into the ‘severe’ range.
Haze Over the City: How Delhi Looked on Tuesday Morning
Residents across several neighbourhoods woke up to dense haze and reduced visibility on Tuesday. Landmarks such as India Gate and the Connaught Place skyline were barely visible in the morning hours. Commuters reported irritation in the eyes and throat, while doctors warned of potential respiratory distress among vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly.
What Experts Say About the Ongoing Smog Crisis
Environmental experts have repeatedly urged authorities to enforce strict pollution-control measures, especially against stubble burning and vehicular emissions.
“The capital is experiencing a dangerous cocktail of low temperatures, stagnant air, and post-festive pollutants,” said a senior CPCB scientist, adding that any further drop in temperature could worsen the situation.
The Delhi government has already implemented several measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes curbs on construction activities and restrictions on polluting vehicles.
However, experts suggest that long-term interventions, such as cleaner fuel adoption and regional coordination with neighbouring states, are the only sustainable solutions.
Delhi Air Pollution Forecast: What Lies Ahead
Forecasts by the AQEWS indicate that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next few days, with a slight improvement expected only if wind speeds pick up. Until then, residents are advised to:
Inputs from agencies
Delhi Air Quality Index Today: What the Numbers Reveal
The CPCB’s Sameer app reported alarming pollution levels across multiple parts of Delhi. Areas such as Alipur (421), Jahangirpuri (404), and Wazirpur (404) recorded AQI levels that fell into the ‘severe’ category, where the air is deemed hazardous for both healthy individuals and those with respiratory issues.
Out of the 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, most recorded readings between the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories, indicating widespread deterioration in the city’s air.
For reference, the CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
Meteorologists and pollution experts say that low wind speeds and cooler temperatures are the key culprits behind the toxic air. These conditions prevent the dispersion of pollutants, trapping them close to the surface.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi, the wind speed dropped below 8 km/h from the northwest during Monday evening and night hours, drastically reducing the movement of pollutants.
The situation worsened after Diwali celebrations on 20 October, which saw the burning of firecrackers across many parts of the city. The spike in emissions, combined with stagnant weather conditions, has since pushed Delhi’s air quality from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ and occasionally into the ‘severe’ range.
Haze Over the City: How Delhi Looked on Tuesday Morning
Residents across several neighbourhoods woke up to dense haze and reduced visibility on Tuesday. Landmarks such as India Gate and the Connaught Place skyline were barely visible in the morning hours. Commuters reported irritation in the eyes and throat, while doctors warned of potential respiratory distress among vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly.
What Experts Say About the Ongoing Smog Crisis
Environmental experts have repeatedly urged authorities to enforce strict pollution-control measures, especially against stubble burning and vehicular emissions.
“The capital is experiencing a dangerous cocktail of low temperatures, stagnant air, and post-festive pollutants,” said a senior CPCB scientist, adding that any further drop in temperature could worsen the situation.
The Delhi government has already implemented several measures under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes curbs on construction activities and restrictions on polluting vehicles.
However, experts suggest that long-term interventions, such as cleaner fuel adoption and regional coordination with neighbouring states, are the only sustainable solutions.
Delhi Air Pollution Forecast: What Lies Ahead
Forecasts by the AQEWS indicate that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next few days, with a slight improvement expected only if wind speeds pick up. Until then, residents are advised to:
- Avoid early morning walks or outdoor exercises.
- Use N95 masks when stepping out.
- Keep windows closed to limit indoor pollution.
- Use air purifiers where possible.
Inputs from agencies
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