Delhi: Delhi woke up to hazardous air on Sunday as pollution levels worsened across the city, pushing the Air Quality Index deep into the ‘severe’ zone while dense fog and cold wave conditions continued to grip the national capital.
Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board showed the citywide AQI touching 439 at 7 am, deteriorating further from already poor readings recorded late Saturday night. The prolonged exposure to such conditions has triggered fresh health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups including children, senior citizens and those with breathing or heart-related illnesses.
Monitoring stations across Delhi painted a grim picture, with pollution readings breaching dangerous thresholds in most neighbourhoods. Anand Vihar was among the worst-affected areas with an AQI close to 490, while Punjabi Bagh, Wazirpur, Dwarka Sector 8 and Ashok Vihar also reported values well above 460. Other locations such as ITO, Chandni Chowk, RK Puram, Bawana and Narela similarly remained in the highest pollution bracket.
Under national air quality standards, any AQI reading above 400 is classified as ‘severe’, a category associated with serious health risks even for healthy individuals.
Fog and Cold Compound the Crisis
Visibility across large parts of the city remained poor through the morning as thick fog lingered. The India Meteorological Department said cold wave conditions continued, with minimum temperatures ranging between 5°C and 7°C, falling below the seasonal average. While moderate fog was reported in many areas, dense fog persisted at isolated locations, further affecting early morning movement.
Emergency Measures Reintroduced
In view of the worsening pollution trend, the Commission for Air Quality Management on Saturday reimposed the strictest set of curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi and the National Capital Region. These measures are typically activated when pollution levels reach ‘Severe+’ conditions.
In its order, the CAQM said the decision was taken unanimously to prevent further deterioration of air quality and would remain in force alongside restrictions already implemented under earlier stages of the action plan. Pollution control boards and enforcement agencies have been directed to intensify monitoring and preventive steps across the region.
Authorities have once again appealed to residents to minimise outdoor exposure, adhere to health advisories and take precautions as the city continues to battle a dangerous mix of toxic air, low temperatures and limited visibility.
