New Delhi: Delhi residents woke up to another day of deteriorating air quality on Wednesday, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 335, firmly placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The pollution levels, recorded at 9 a.m., are a grim reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges the capital faces every winter, when a toxic blend of vehicular emissions, construction dust, and stubble burning from neighboring states combine to create hazardous breathing conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 21.8°C in the city—3.4 degrees Celsius higher than the seasonal average—accompanied by early morning mist and high humidity levels. Relative humidity stood at 91% at 8:30 a.m., potentially contributing to the trapping of pollutants near the surface.
The IMD has forecast mainly clear skies for the remainder of the day, with maximum temperatures expected to reach around 33°C. However, the absence of strong wind patterns is likely to worsen air stagnation, hampering the dispersion of pollutants.
Air quality experts warn that with AQI readings above 300, sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions face increased health risks. Extended exposure to such air can lead to breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and even long-term respiratory ailments.
According to the CPCB’s classification system, AQI levels between 301 and 400 fall into the ‘very poor’ range, meaning the air can cause discomfort even among healthy individuals with prolonged exposure. An AQI above 400 is categorized as ‘severe’.
With the festive season approaching and seasonal crop burning expected to intensify in parts of Punjab and Haryana, authorities are urging residents to limit outdoor activities, use masks when necessary, and consider air purifiers indoors.
Meanwhile, government agencies continue to implement pollution-control measures, including restrictions on construction activities, increased checks on vehicular emissions, and plans to deploy anti-smog guns in high-risk zones.
Despite these efforts, Delhi continues to struggle with one of the worst air quality records among major global cities—a crisis that spikes annually and has become a recurring public health emergency.
