Delhi struggles as air pollution nears ‘severe’ levels
Delhi’s air quality is expected to stay ‘very poor’ Saturday, with forecasts warning it could worsen even further.
New Delhi woke up to a thick, choking blanket of smog on Saturday morning, as the national capital’s air quality index (AQI) surged to 397, teetering on the edge of the ‘severe’ category. Residents were met with hazy skies, reduced visibility, and a sense of unease as the city grappled with some of its worst air pollution in recent times.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data revealed that of the numerous monitoring stations spread across Delhi, 21 reported AQI levels in the ‘severe’ category, with readings crossing the 400-mark. Areas that typically see heavy traffic and industrial activity were among the worst affected, highlighting the chronic nature of the capital’s pollution problem.
Wazirpur recorded the highest AQI at a staggering 445, closely followed by Vivek Vihar at 444, Jahangirpuri at 442, and Anand Vihar at 439. Ashok Vihar and Rohini both reported an AQI of 437. Other areas such as Narela (432), Pratapganj (431), and Mundka (430) were not far behind, while Bawana, ITO, and Nehru Nagar each registered 429. These numbers reflect dangerously high pollution levels, significantly beyond what is considered safe for human health.
Chandni Chowk and Punjabi Bagh recorded AQI readings of 423 each, while Siri Fort and Sonia Vihar each measured 424. Burari Crossing showed 414, Karni Singh Shooting Range 409, and North Campus and RK Puram both reported 408. Okhla Phase 2 also saw hazardous levels with an AQI of 404.
To put these numbers in perspective, the CPCB categorizes air quality with a scale where 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘poor’, 301-400 is ‘very poor’, and 401-500 is ‘severe’. With multiple parts of the city registering AQI above 400, residents were breathing air that is officially deemed ‘severe’ and poses serious health risks.
Health experts have long warned that exposure to such high levels of air pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions, trigger asthma attacks, cause throat and eye irritation, and have long-term cardiovascular consequences. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during episodes like this.
The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday and may deteriorate further over the weekend. Experts have cautioned that conditions could slip into the ‘severe’ category by Sunday, raising concerns about public health and the urgent need for remedial measures. Residents are being advised to limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers indoors, and wear N95 masks if venturing outside.
Schools and colleges have reported lower attendance, with many students staying home due to the smog. Outdoor exercise and sports activities have been curtailed, and there is an increasing demand for emergency healthcare services to treat pollution-related ailments. Local authorities have also issued advisories to restrict open burning, manage construction dust, and enforce stricter vehicular emissions norms to mitigate pollution.
Air pollution in Delhi is a recurring issue, driven by factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and seasonal crop stubble burning in neighboring states. During winters, cooler temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, creating dense smog that lingers for days. The current situation is a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with clean air and the urgent need for coordinated action from authorities and citizens alike.
As Delhi grapples with hazardous air, residents face a grim weekend ahead, navigating life under a grey haze that hides the sun and makes breathing a constant challenge. The rising AQI serves as a stark call to action, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions to combat the capital’s chronic air pollution problem and protect the health of millions living in the city.