New Delhi: Delhi witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality on Sunday, with pollution levels escalating into the ‘severe’ category despite the strict enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the city and the wider National Capital Region.
Residents woke up to a blanket of dense smog that reduced visibility in several parts of the capital during the early morning hours. Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that the city’s average Air Quality Index stood at 461 around 7 am, indicating extremely poor air conditions.
Areas in Delhi such as Ghazipur, ITO, and Anand Vihar remained engulfed in thick haze, with air quality readings continuing to breach safe limits. Bawana reported the worst conditions, recording an AQI of 497, followed closely by Narela at 492 and Okhla Phase II at 474. Even the relatively less affected areas struggled, with NSIT Dwarka registering an AQI of 411.
Anand Vihar continued to be among the most polluted zones, where toxic smog lingered and the AQI touched 491. Other locations, including Ashok Vihar (493), DTU (495), ITO (483), and Nehru Nagar (479), also reported alarmingly high pollution levels.
Environmental experts warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions could pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and follow advisories as efforts continue to curb pollution levels in the capital.
