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Delhi-NCR Smog Crisis: Air Quality Hits 'Very Poor' Amid Health Warnings

A thick blanket of smog has engulfed Delhi-NCR, pushing air quality into the 'very poor' category. The overall AQI for Delhi stood at 387, with 18 localities recording levels above 400, which is considered 'severe'. Environmental experts point to a mix of stagnant winds, vehicular emissions, and crop residue burning as key causes. Health officials are warning residents to limit outdoor exposure due to serious risks like asthma attacks and heart issues.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Air Quality Very Poor as Smog Engulfs Region

  • Overall Delhi AQI reached 387, firmly in the 'very poor' health risk category
  • Wazirpur was worst-hit with an AQI of 443, among 18 severe zones
  • Experts blame stagnant winds, vehicles, industry, and crop burning for the crisis
  • Authorities urge masks and limited outdoor activity under GRAP advisories
2 min read

Heavy smog engulfs Delhi-NCR as air quality slips to 'very poor' category

Delhi's AQI hits 387, with 18 areas in 'severe' category. Experts warn of health risks from smog caused by stagnant winds and pollution.

"Prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to aggravated asthma, reduced lung function, cardiovascular stress and eye and throat irritation. - Health Experts"

New Delhi, Dec 13

A thick blanket of smog enveloped the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday, pushing air quality to alarming levels and raising serious public health concerns.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi stood at 387, firmly within the “very poor” category, signalling significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments.

The deterioration in air quality has been steady throughout the week.

On Tuesday, the city recorded an AQI of 282, categorised as “poor,” followed by 259 on Wednesday. Pollution levels worsened sharply thereafter, rising to 307 on Thursday and surging to 349 on Friday before edging close to the “severe” mark.

Environmental experts have attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of stagnant winds, vehicular emissions, industrial activity and seasonal factors, including crop residue burning in neighbouring states.

Large parts of the National Capital Territory are now grappling with hazardous air quality.

According to official data, as many as 18 localities recorded an AQI above 400, placing them in the “severe” category.

Wazirpur emerged as the worst-hit area with an AQI of 443, followed closely by Jahangirpuri at 439 and Vivek Vihar at 437. Other severely polluted areas include Rohini and Anand Vihar (434 each), Ashok Vihar (431), Sonia Vihar and Delhi Technological University (427 each), Narela (425), Bawana (424), Nehru Nagar (421), Patparganj (419), ITO (417), Punjabi Bagh (416), Mundka (415), Burari Crossing (413), Chandni Chowk (412) and DU North Campus (401).

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high pollution levels can lead to aggravated asthma, reduced lung function, cardiovascular stress and eye and throat irritation. Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks and follow advisories issued under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which may be intensified if conditions fail to improve.

Meanwhile, Delhi is currently experiencing cool and cloudy weather, with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature is expected to dip to 8 degrees Celsius later tonight.

While conditions are relatively milder than what is typically experienced in mid-December, dense fog during the early morning and late evening hours has added to commuters’ woes. Meteorological officials have indicated that colder conditions are likely to set in as the month progresses, which may further impact air quality if wind speeds remain low.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living in Rohini, it feels like breathing poison. The AQI is 434! 😷 We've invested in air purifiers for home, but what about when we step out? The government must enforce stricter norms on construction and old vehicles. Our health is not negotiable.
A
Aman W
While the situation is terrible, I feel we citizens also share some blame. How many of us are ready to use public transport or carpool? Everyone wants the convenience of their own vehicle. Change has to start at an individual level too.
S
Sarah B
Just moved to Gurgaon for work from Canada. The air quality is a serious shock to the system. My eyes are constantly irritated. It's a public health emergency that doesn't seem to get the urgent, war-footing response it deserves.
V
Vikram M
The data is scary, but what's the solution? We talk about stubble burning, but have we provided affordable alternatives to the farmers in Punjab and Haryana? Until we solve that root cause with empathy and support, this annual nightmare will continue. Jai Kisan, but we also need to breathe.
K
Karthik V
My parents are in their 70s in Delhi. Their doctor has advised them not to step out at all. This is no way to live. Authorities need to implement the odd-even scheme more aggressively and ensure Metro frequency is increased during these days. Public health should be the top priority.

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