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Delhi-NCR Chokes as Dense Fog, 'Very Poor' AQI of 312 Blankets City

Delhi-NCR experienced dense fog and a significant drop in air quality, with the overall AQI reaching 312, categorised as 'very poor'. Areas like ITO, Anand Vihar, and Mundka recorded even higher AQI levels, surpassing 330. While some parts like Narela had slightly better conditions, they still remained in the 'poor' category. The India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert, warning of thunderstorms and gusty winds across the region.

Key Points: Delhi Fog: AQI Hits 312, 'Very Poor' Air Quality in Capital

  • Overall AQI at 312, 'very poor'
  • ITO area AQI at 334
  • Anand Vihar, Mundka AQI above 375
  • IMD issued yellow alert for thunderstorms
  • Some areas like Narela fared slightly better
2 min read

Thick fog engulfs Delhi-NCR as air quality turns 'very poor', AQI stands at 312

Delhi-NCR woke up to dense fog and 'very poor' air quality with AQI at 312. Several areas recorded AQI above 330. IMD had issued a yellow alert.

"a thick layer of fog was present with reduced visibility, with an AQI of 334 - CPCB data"

New Delhi, February 4

The national capital woke up to dense fog on Wednesday morning and witnessed a significant deterioration in its air quality. The overall Air Quality Index was 312 at approximately 7 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category.

The Air Quality Index remained in the moderate-to-poor range, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

Additionally, visuals from this morning around the Akshardham area showed a thick layer of fog lingering in parts of the city.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in ITO, a thick layer of fog was present with reduced visibility, with an AQI of 334, placing it in the ' very poor' category. Additionally, a thick layer of smog lingered in areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path.

According to CPCB data, several other areas in the capital, including Anand Vihar (376), Bawana (329), Ashok Vihar (366), Mundka (381), Chandani Chowk (358) and RK Puram (346), also saw a high in air quality, remaining in the 'very poor' category. Sirifort recorded similar conditions, with an AQI of 340.

However, some parts of the city fared better. Narela recorded an AQI of 252, and Aya Nagar measured 252, placing it in the 'poor' category. Sri Aurobindo Marg (221), Mandir Marg (257), and IGI Airport T3 (243) also recorded relatively better air quality, but it remained in the 'poor' category.

Additionally, a layer of dense fog has engulfed Haryana's Karnal this morning.

As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the national capital on Tuesday, warning that isolated areas may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Similar conditions are expected across neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh.

The IMD stated that the rainfall signalled the beginning of an active weather phase, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail likely to affect several states during the day. Light rain lashed several parts of the city and adjoining NCR areas in the early morning hours.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Driving to Noida from Delhi was a nightmare today. Visibility was near zero on the expressway. The AQI numbers are just a statistic until you're stuck in it. Hope the predicted rain and winds actually help clear this up. Stay safe everyone, use your fog lights!
A
Arjun K
Every winter it's the same story. 'Very poor' has become our normal. While I appreciate the CPCB data, we need to see more action on the ground. What about promoting WFH on such days to reduce vehicular pollution? The solutions seem to move at a snail's pace.
S
Sarah B
Just moved to Delhi from Bangalore for work. The air quality difference is shocking and honestly scary. My throat is constantly irritated. Investing in a good air purifier is not a luxury here, it's a necessity. How do long-term residents cope with this?
V
Vikram M
The data shows some areas like Mandir Marg are slightly better. Is it because of more green cover? We need to seriously ramp up urban forestry. One tree per person policy, maybe? Also, the yellow alert for storms might help disperse some pollutants. Fingers crossed.
M
Michael C
As an outsider, it's clear this is a complex, multi-source problem. It's not just Delhi, but the entire agricultural belt. The solution needs coordination between states on crop residue management. The technology exists (like happy seeders), it needs subsidy and will.

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

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