New Delhi: A dense layer of smog settled over the capital yet again on Friday, pushing Delhi’s air quality deep into the “very poor” bracket and reducing morning visibility across several neighbourhoods. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) placed the citywide Air Quality Index at 323 at 8 am, signalling another day of hazardous breathing conditions for residents.
Capital smothered under thick haze
Large swathes of east and north Delhi woke up to a heavy blanket of pollution, with familiar hotspots registering some of the worst readings. Ghazipur, Akshardham, and surrounding corridors saw thick grey skies through the early hours, while commuters reported difficulty navigating through the haze.
At Anand Vihar, one of the capital’s most persistent pollution zones, the AQI reached 348, while Wazirpur climbed to 358, both firmly in the “very poor” range. Sonia Vihar recorded a reading of 343, reflecting little respite for residents in the Yamuna belt.
Bawana—which saw an AQI of 325—emerged among the most polluted locations in the morning round of monitoring. In comparison, NSIT Dwarka stood out as one of the relatively cleaner pockets with an AQI of 269, though it still fell under the “poor” category.
Smog persists despite marginal improvement
While officials noted that the capital has seen a slight uptick in air quality compared to severe episodes earlier in the season, the improvement has not been sufficient to lift the smog blanket. The haze continued to stretch across key arterial roads, monuments and residential clusters, leaving residents wary about prolonged outdoor activity.
The Akshardham stretch in particular remained engulfed in a thick layer of pollutants, with an AQI of 348, mirroring the broader crisis affecting the NCR.
What the numbers mean
India’s AQI scale categorises pollution into six bands, each representing the intensity of pollutants and their potential health impact:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
According to the CPCB, the “very poor” range can trigger respiratory distress even among healthy individuals, while those with asthma, heart conditions, or other vulnerabilities experience heightened symptoms. Health experts warn that repeated exposure during winter months magnifies long-term risks.
Government reviews response measures
Amid worsening conditions, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday to assess the effectiveness of pollution-control measures currently in force. Discussions focused on curbing local emissions, reinforcing restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and coordinating with neighbouring states on stubble-burning patterns.
Officials said the administration is monitoring pollutant levels closely, though no new emergency curbs were announced following the meeting.
Residents brace for another grim weekend
With weather systems expected to remain calm and wind speeds low, forecasters warn that pollutants are likely to stay trapped near the surface, prolonging the smog spell. For many in the city, masks have again become a necessity, and morning joggers have shifted their routines indoors.
For now, Delhiites face yet another winter day under a thick, toxic canopy—one that shows few signs of lifting soon.
