Delhi: Residents of the national capital woke up to dense smog on Monday as air pollution intensified across Delhi, pushing the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) to an alarming 417 — firmly placing it in the ‘severe’ category.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer air monitoring platform showed that air quality conditions deteriorated sharply across most parts of the city. Out of the monitored locations, 25 stations reported ‘severe’ pollution levels, while air quality at 14 stations was classified as ‘very poor’. Readings from one monitoring station were unavailable at the time of reporting.
The industrial area of Wazirpur emerged as the most polluted zone in the capital, recording an AQI of 474, close to the upper end of the scale. Such levels pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiac conditions.
Under CPCB standards, AQI readings above 400 are considered ‘severe’ and are associated with respiratory distress even among healthy individuals. By comparison, an AQI below 50 is categorized as ‘good’ and poses minimal health concerns.
Forecasts suggest little immediate relief. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS), pollution levels are expected to remain in the ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ range over the next two days. Looking further ahead, air quality is likely to stay ‘very poor’ for much of the coming week, raising concerns about prolonged exposure.
Weather conditions are also contributing to the situation. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures may drop to between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius — conditions that often trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during early morning and late evening hours, and to follow health advisories as the capital continues to grapple with hazardous air quality.
