Delhi: Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category on Monday, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording dangerously high pollution levels across various parts of the city. Despite this, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rain and partly cloudy skies later in the evening, offering a slight reprieve to the capital’s residents.
At 8:30 AM, the humidity level was recorded at a high 94%, while the minimum temperature stood at 17.3°C, marginally higher than the seasonal average. The city is expected to experience a maximum temperature of around 29°C during the day.
However, the air quality continues to be a significant concern. According to the CPCB’s Sameer app, areas like Bawana and Anand Vihar recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) values in the “severe” category, with readings of 401 and 431, respectively. This indicates that residents in these areas are at serious health risk, especially those with pre-existing conditions like respiratory or heart diseases.
Of the 38 monitoring stations spread across the city, 23 registered an AQI above 300, falling under the “very poor” category. The AQI values are significantly higher than what is considered safe, indicating a persistent air quality crisis in the national capital.
On Sunday, Delhi’s air quality showed a slight improvement, briefly dipping into the “poor” category, although it remained “very poor” for most of the day. The city’s minimum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 15.8°C, marking the lowest October temperature in two years.
Understanding AQI Levels
The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating increasingly hazardous air quality. A reading between 0-50 is considered “good,” while values between 51-100 are categorized as “satisfactory.” Anything above 300 falls under the “very poor” and “severe” categories, posing a serious threat to health, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
As pollution continues to grip the city, experts are urging residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. The authorities also recommend frequent use of air purifiers indoors to mitigate the impact of the toxic air.
With light rain expected to hit the capital later in the evening, there is hope for temporary relief from the stifling smog, though experts caution that the respite may be short-lived.
