Delhi: The national capital is grappling with worsening air quality as severe cold wave conditions combine with dense fog to create hazardous atmospheric conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in most parts of Delhi has crossed 300, entering the ‘very poor’ category, with Anand Vihar recording a staggering AQI of 400.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures plunged to 3.2°C at Safdarjung on Tuesday, prompting an Orange alert for continued cold wave conditions in Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region (NCR).
The city has also been engulfed by thick fog, significantly reducing visibility and causing disruptions in road and rail transport. Experts warn that the combination of stagnant air due to the cold wave and vehicular emissions is contributing to the spike in pollution levels.
Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activity, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are expected to implement measures to curb pollution in the coming days.
The current conditions highlight the recurring winter pollution crisis in Delhi, where climatic factors like low wind speed, cold temperatures, and fog exacerbate the concentration of pollutants in the air, leading to prolonged periods of hazardous air quality.
