New Delhi: The national capital woke up to a blanket of smog on Saturday, with air pollution levels reaching the ‘very poor’ category at most monitoring stations, as temperatures dropped to a season-low of 5.6°C. The Air Quality Index (AQI) across the city settled at 333, significantly exceeding safe limits and raising health concerns.
Out of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations, 35 recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, while only four reported readings in the ‘poor’ range. Mundka emerged as the most polluted area, registering an AQI of 381, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Other hotspots included RK Puram (364), Punjabi Bagh (348), Chandni Chowk (348), Rohini (374), Bawana (375), and Anand Vihar (366). Meanwhile, stations like NSIT Dwarka (260), Mandir Marg (256), and IGI Airport (263) fell under the ‘poor’ category.
CPCB classifies air quality as ‘good’ (0–50), ‘satisfactory’ (51–100), ‘moderate’ (101–200), ‘poor’ (201–300), ‘very poor’ (301–400), and ‘severe’ (401–500).
Sources of Pollution
Data from Delhi’s Decision Support System (DSS) highlighted that vehicular emissions contributed the largest share of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), at 15.3%. Industrial emissions accounted for 7.6%, residential burning 3.7%, construction dust 2.1%, and waste burning 1.3%. Pollution inflow from neighbouring districts also added to the crisis, with Jhajjar contributing 14.3% of pollutants entering the city.
AQI readings fluctuated throughout the past week, beginning at 279 on Sunday, spiking to 372 on Tuesday, and slightly easing to 327 on Friday, though the city largely remained in the ‘very poor’ bracket. Mohammad Rafiuddin, Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), noted, “Delhi stayed in the ‘very poor’ category on most days last week.”
Impact and Response Measures
With stubble burning decreasing, local emissions from vehicles, construction, and residential activities have become the primary drivers of pollution. Authorities have implemented Stage II measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which include:
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Strict dust control at construction sites
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Restriction on entry of vehicles below BS-IV standards
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Staggered office timings to reduce traffic congestion
Officials have urged strict enforcement of these measures and encouraged citizens to use public transport, avoid private vehicles when possible, and wear masks to reduce exposure.
As the mercury remains low and smog lingers, Delhiites are advised to take precautionary steps, particularly children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, as pollution levels continue to pose serious health risks.
