New Delhi: Delhi woke up on Monday to another day of hazardous air, as pollution levels remained alarmingly high across the national capital. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the city’s average Air Quality Index standing at 452 at around 8 am, firmly placing it in the “severe” category.
The situation showed little improvement from the previous day, when pollution levels had already crossed dangerous limits. On Sunday afternoon, the AQI was recorded at 461, highlighting a continuing spell of toxic air over the city.
A heavy blanket of smog settled over large parts of Delhi, reducing visibility and making outdoor movement uncomfortable for residents. Key areas, including Anand Vihar, reported extremely poor conditions, with monitoring stations there registering an AQI of 409. Prominent locations such as Kartavya Path, Akshardham, AIIMS and Yashobhoomi were also enveloped in thick haze through the morning hours.
CPCB readings indicated that multiple neighbourhoods were experiencing critically polluted air. Aya Nagar reported an AQI of 406, Chandni Chowk stood at 437, while RK Puram recorded 477. In Dwarka Sector 8, pollution levels were measured at 462. Industrial areas were among the worst affected, with Wazirpur touching an AQI of 500, the upper end of the scale.
Health experts continue to warn that prolonged exposure to such conditions can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly among children, the elderly and those with pre-existing illnesses. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities as the capital awaits relief from changing weather conditions or pollution-control measures.
