NewKerala.com

Delhi-NCR Gripped by Severe Cold Wave and Hazardous 'Severe' Air Pollution

Delhi-NCR is experiencing a severe cold wave with temperatures potentially dropping to 4°C, intensified by high humidity. Simultaneously, air pollution has reached hazardous levels, with AQI crossing 400 in areas like Anand Vihar, placing air quality in the 'severe' category. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired a review meeting to assess pollution action plans, emphasizing long-term solutions. Health experts warn of increased respiratory risks and advise limiting outdoor exposure.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Cold Wave and Severe Air Pollution: AQI Crosses 400

  • Cold wave with min temp of 4°C
  • AQI crosses 400 in 'severe' category
  • High humidity intensifies chill
  • Review meeting held on pollution action
3 min read

Delhi-NCR hit by double whammy of biting cold and high air pollution

Delhi-NCR battles a cold wave with temps as low as 4°C and 'severe' air pollution with AQI over 400. Health alerts issued.

"stressing the need for sustained, long-term measures rather than short-term fixes. - Union Minister Bhupender Yadav"

New Delhi, Jan 13

People across Delhi-NCR are facing a double whammy of biting cold and severe air pollution on Tuesday. While the India Meteorological Department has issued orange and yellow alerts due to an ongoing cold wave, the Air Quality Index remains at dangerously high levels in several areas.

According to the IMD, a cold wave is likely to persist throughout January 13 and 14 across Delhi-NCR. During this period, the maximum temperature will hover around 20 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. The situation has been further aggravated by extremely high humidity levels, which have reached 97 to 98 per cent during the morning hours.

The combination of cold winds and high humidity has intensified the chill, making the weather feel harsher than the actual temperature. Although a slight temperature rise is expected from January 15, with the minimum temperature likely to increase to around 6 degrees Celsius, moderate to dense fog is forecast during the early morning and night hours, potentially affecting visibility and transportation.

Meanwhile, the air pollution situation remains a major concern. Data from monitoring stations operated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards indicate that the AQI has crossed the 400 mark in several parts of the national capital, placing air quality in the 'severe' category. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 411, Rohini 397, Chandni Chowk 380, Bawana 378, Wazirpur 375, and Ashok Vihar 366.

Other areas also reported alarming AQI levels, with Alipur at 322, R.K. Puram at 365, Vivek Vihar at 366, Sonia Vihar at 334, and Shadipur at 309. Even locations with comparatively lower pollution, such as Sri Aurobindo Marg, recorded an AQI of 274, which still falls under the 'poor' category.

In neighbouring NCR cities, air quality remained equally concerning. Noida recorded AQI levels of 357 in Sector-1, 339 in Sector-116, 340 in Sector-125, and 307 in Sector-62. In Ghaziabad, Indirapuram recorded an AQI of 324, while Sanjay Nagar stood at 309.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC) Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the Delhi government's action plans for tackling air pollution across the NCR, stressing the need for sustained, long-term measures rather than short-term fixes.

The meeting, part of the Centre's annual review mechanism, was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State (EFCC) Kirti Vardhan Singh, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Delhi government and allied agencies.

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can significantly increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Doctors have advised people to avoid outdoor activities unless absolutely necessary, wear protective masks, and take adequate precautions against the cold. Authorities have also urged residents to follow pollution control guidelines and remain cautious during this critical period.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The cold is one thing, but this pollution is a silent killer. My father has asthma and we've had to rush him to the clinic twice this week. These annual review meetings feel like a ritual. We need concrete, year-round solutions for stubble burning, construction dust, and vehicle emissions. Enough is enough.
A
Aman W
Working in Connaught Place and living in Noida. The commute is hellish with the fog and this toxic air. The government talks about long-term measures, but what about right now? Can we get more frequent public transport so people don't have to wait outside? Or subsidise better masks?
S
Sarah B
Just moved to Gurgaon from London. The weather whiplash is real. The cold is manageable with layers, but the pollution is something else entirely. I've invested in multiple air purifiers for our apartment. It shouldn't be this hard just to breathe clean air. My heart goes out to families who can't afford these devices.
V
Vikram M
It's the same story every winter. Cold wave + pollution = public health emergency. While I appreciate the Minister stressing long-term plans, we also need effective short-term relief during these peak crisis days. Can we have more smog towers? Or enforce work-from-home for corporates? Small steps can reduce exposure.
K
Kavya N
The humidity making the cold feel worse is absolutely true. And with pollution this high, you can't even open windows to get some sunlight. Feeling trapped. We all share the blame too – more of us need to use public transport and carpool. Jaan hai toh jahaan hai.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50