NewKerala.com

Delhi's Toxic Smog Returns: AQI Nears Severe Zone Amid Cold Snap

Delhi's air took a sharp turn for the worse, with pollution levels climbing dangerously close to the severe category. Several neighborhoods were hit particularly hard, recording some of the worst air quality in the city. The situation was made even more challenging by dense fog and unusually cold temperatures that trapped the smog. This recurring winter crisis highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to protect public health.

Key Points: Delhi Air Pollution AQI Near Severe Amid Dense Smog Fog

  • AQI touched 410, breaching the severe pollution category threshold overnight
  • Areas like Chandni Chowk and Wazirpur recorded AQI levels above 450
  • IMD issued orange alerts for dense fog impacting road, rail, and air traffic
  • Experts blame low wind speeds and temperature inversion for trapping pollutants
2 min read

Delhi air pollution: AQI slips into near severe zone amid dense smog, cold conditions

Delhi's air quality deteriorates sharply, with AQI touching 410. Dense fog and cold conditions worsen pollution, raising serious health alarms across the capital.

"The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed steadily, touching 410 by 11 pm, officially breaching the 'severe' threshold. - Air Quality Early Warning System"

New Delhi, Dec 21

Air pollution levels in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Sunday, edging dangerously close to the “severe” category as dense smog, plunging temperatures, and thick fog blanketed large swathes of northern India.

The worsening air quality once again raised health concerns for residents, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.

According to data from the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, operated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed steadily, touching 410 by 11 pm, officially breaching the “severe” threshold.

Although there was a marginal improvement overnight, pollution levels remained alarmingly high, with the AQI recorded at 396 at around 6.30 a.m. on Sunday, still within the near-severe range.

Monitoring data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app revealed that several areas across the capital experienced extremely poor air quality during the early morning hours.

Among the worst-affected locations were Chandni Chowk (455), Wazirpur (449), Rohini (444), Jahangirpuri (444), Anand Vihar (438) and Mundka (436), all of which firmly fell under the “severe” pollution category.

The deteriorating air quality coincided with challenging weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of dense to very dense fog, further reducing visibility and compounding the impact of pollution. Orange alerts, the second-highest warning level, were issued for large parts of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh, cautioning residents and authorities about possible disruptions to road, rail, and air traffic.

Delhi witnessed what meteorologists described as cold day conditions, with the mercury struggling to rise. The city recorded a maximum temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dipped to approximately 8 degrees Celsius, intensifying discomfort amid the persistent haze. Thick layers of smog lingered through much of the day, blurring skylines and limiting outdoor activity.

Experts attribute the pollution spike to a combination of unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds and temperature inversion, which trap pollutants close to the ground.

As winter tightens its grip, Delhi continues to grapple with recurring episodes of air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for sustained mitigation measures and long-term solutions to improve air quality in the region.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Rohini, the AQI of 444 mentioned is no surprise. The air burns your eyes in the morning. We've invested in two air purifiers, but what about people who can't afford them? This is a basic right to breathe clean air.
A
Aman W
The article rightly points to weather conditions, but let's be honest, the core issue is year-round pollution from vehicles, construction, and industry. The winter just traps it all in. We need a 365-day action plan, not just seasonal blame games.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from Canada and this is shocking. The visibility is near zero some mornings. My respect for Delhiites who deal with this every year has gone up tenfold. Stay safe everyone, wear those N95 masks.
V
Vikram M
Chandni Chowk at 455! That's our historic heart of the city. It's a shame. The GRAP measures feel like a temporary band-aid. Where is the push for massive green corridors, electric public transport, and strict enforcement on waste burning? Jai Hind, but we need to breathe.
K
Kavya N
My mother's asthma has become unmanageable. Trips to the hospital increase every December. We are considering relocating, but not everyone has that option. The government's warning systems are good, but where are the *solutions*?
R

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50