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Delhi Smog Crisis: AQI Over 370 as Toxic Haze Blankets Capital

Delhi is grappling with severely polluted air, with AQI levels soaring into the 'very poor' category. Areas like RK Puram and near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium are shrouded in thick, toxic smog. Authorities have activated the strictest GRAP Stage-IV measures to try and control the crisis. Recent inspections revealed significant problems with dust control and waste management on city roads.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Very Poor as AQI Hits 374 Amid Smog

  • RK Puram recorded a 'very poor' AQI of 374 amid dense smog
  • CAQM has invoked all GRAP Stage-IV anti-pollution measures for Delhi-NCR
  • Inspection found 15 road stretches with high visible dust levels in DDA areas
  • The agency highlighted need for prompt dust-mitigation and prevention of open burning
2 min read

Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI over 370 as thick smog blankets the capital

Delhi's AQI exceeds 370, categorized as 'very poor', as thick smog reduces visibility and prompts GRAP Stage-IV measures across the capital.

"The above observations clearly indicate gaps and recurring negligence in the maintenance of the affected stretches. - Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)"

New Delhi, December 18

Large parts of the capital were blanketed by a dense layer of toxic smog, significantly reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents. RK Puram was shrouded in thick smog, with an AQI of 374, placing it in the 'very poor' category, according to CPCB.

A thick layer of smog also engulfed areas around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with an AQI reported to be 349, placing the area in the 'very poor' category. The AQI around the Najafgarh area was a bit low, and reported to be 284, though it was surrounded by a toxic smog as well, according to the CPCB data.

CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked all GRAP Stage-IV measures in Delhi-NCR to control pollution levels in the capital.

A thick layer of fog also blanketed the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) deployed 19 teams for a road-inspection drive on December 12.

This drive was conducted as part of the Commission's ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the statutory framework and provisions of the extant GRAP. According to the release, a total of 136 road stretches within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) jurisdiction were inspected across Delhi.

According to the final compiled data, 15 road stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 38 showed moderate dust, 61 recorded low dust intensity, and 22 stretches had no visible dust. Road stretches with accumulation of MSW and C&D waste were reported to be 55 and 53, respectively. 6 stretches were reported to have evidence of MSW/ Biomass burning, the release said.

The above observations clearly indicate gaps and recurring negligence in the maintenance of the affected stretches. It highlighted the need for DDA to enhance operational efficiency and implement prompt corrective measures through consistent, timely dust-mitigation interventions. The agency also needs to improve compliance across all road stretches for MSW/Biomass burning, it was highlighted.

The Commission observed that these kinds of incidents impact particulate matter levels in Delhi and emphasised the need for strengthened on-ground action, including regular mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of collected dust, maintenance of road shoulders and central verges in addition to deployment of water-sprinkling/ dust-suppression systems and focused action(s) for prevention of open burning cases across all stretches maintained by DDA.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The data shows 15 road stretches with high dust and 55 with waste accumulation. This is basic civic maintenance! DDA needs to be held accountable. We pay taxes for what? Just deploying teams to inspect isn't enough. Action must follow.
A
Aman W
It's not just Delhi. The article mentions Ayodhya too. This is a North India problem. We need a regional approach with UP, Haryana, Punjab. Finger-pointing between states won't help. Our lungs don't care about state borders.
S
Sarah B
I moved to Delhi for work last year. The AQI numbers are shocking. Back home, "poor" air is a rare bad day. Here, "very poor" is the normal season. I've invested in a good air purifier, but not everyone can afford that. Public health should be the top priority.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the government agencies are trying, the pace is too slow. The "gaps and recurring negligence" mentioned in the report are the real issue. We need stricter penalties for violations, whether it's open burning or construction sites not following norms. Jaan bachani hai.
K
Kavya N
My parents in Najafgarh are saying it's bad there too, even with a "lower" AQI of 284. That's still 'poor'! This whole grading system makes 284 seem okay when it's really not. We've normalized dangerous air. Time for citizens to also reduce personal vehicle use where possible.

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