NEW DELHI: Air quality in the Indian capital deteriorated significantly on Saturday after a brief improvement earlier in the week. Many areas reported pollution levels classified in the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. Residents awoke to thick smog that severely reduced visibility across the city.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that Dhaula Kuan recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 252, categorized as ‘poor’. Meanwhile, Akshardham and Anand Vihar saw alarming AQI levels of 410, placing them firmly in the ‘severe’ range. ITO wasn’t far behind, reporting an AQI of 379, which also fell into the ‘very poor’ category.
The deterioration was particularly evident when comparing figures from Friday and Thursday. By 4 PM Friday, the city’s 24-hour average AQI had surged to 332, up from 234 the day before. Earlier in the day, at 11 AM, the AQI was already climbing, recorded at 320, rising from 218 during the same hour the previous day.
By the afternoon, the situation worsened further, with several neighborhoods reporting severe levels of pollution. Notably, by 2 PM, Jahangirpuri posted an AQI of 403, while Anand Vihar registered at 405. The decline continued into the evening, with Bawana hitting an AQI of 423, while Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Narela, Anand Vihar, Rohini, DTU, and Nehru Nagar recorded similarly high levels.
Weather officials attributed the spike in pollution to stagnant wind conditions brought on by an incoming western disturbance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that wind speeds remained low during early morning hours, only briefly rising to 10 km/h from the southwest later in the day. Experts believe that a series of western disturbances could prolong elevated pollution levels in the coming days.
In light of the worsening air quality, the weather department has issued a yellow alert, cautioning citizens about moderate to dense fog in the area. The minimum temperature on Saturday is expected to hover between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius, dipping slightly to between 5 and 7 degrees on Sunday.
As residents of Delhi face yet another episode of hazardous air quality, health experts urge caution. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, should take necessary precautions. The city’s ongoing struggle with air pollution remains a pressing issue, drawing attention not just to Delhi but to countless other Indian cities grappling with similar challenges.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-air-quality-severe-fog-cold-and-high-pollution-levels-grip/articleshow/126198572.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-12-27 07:45:00
