Delhi air quality worsens, Narela hits 418 AQI.
Delhi’s air quality turns ‘very poor’, with Narela recording the highest AQI at 418, alarming residents.
The India Meteorological Department warns low winds under 10 kmph are preventing pollution from dispersing, worsening Delhi’s air quality.
New Delhi woke up on Monday morning under a thick, grey haze as air pollution continued to grip the city, keeping the air quality in the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 366, signaling hazardous levels of pollutants that pose serious health risks.
Among the city’s monitoring stations, Narela recorded the highest AQI at 418, placing it in the ‘severe’ category. Other locations across the capital also showed alarming figures, with seven stations reporting AQI readings classified as ‘severe’. The CPCB categorizes AQI levels from 0 to 50 as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 The readings from Narela and other hotspots highlight how toxic the air has become, and residents are being urged to take precautions, avoid outdoor activities when possible, and use masks or air purifiers to minimize exposure.
Forecasts suggest that Delhi’s air quality will remain in the ‘very poor’ category over the next three days. Beyond that, the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) predicts that pollution levels may fluctuate between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ over the following six days. Experts warn that the combination of low wind speeds, ongoing emissions from vehicles and industries, and seasonal factors such as crop residue burning in neighboring states could prolong the smog, making the air unhealthy for all residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) pointed out that the current average wind speed in Delhi is below 10 kmph, creating an environment that prevents pollutants from dispersing. This stagnation of air circulation allows particulate matter, dust, and harmful chemicals to accumulate, worsening respiratory stress and contributing to visibility issues across the city.
Temperature readings also added to the winter gloom, with Delhi recording a minimum temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius. While the cooler weather is typical for this time of year, the combination of low temperatures, heavy pollution, and stagnant winds is exacerbating the public health challenge. Authorities continue to monitor air quality and advise residents to stay informed through official channels, limit outdoor exposure, and take necessary precautions.
As Delhi grapples with one of its worst pollution episodes in recent times, health experts reiterate that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can lead to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular issues, emphasizing the need for immediate action at both individual and community levels. The city’s residents are bracing for days of smog-filled skies, making it imperative to prioritize health and safety amidst the persistent environmental crisis.