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Delhi's Air Quality Plummets Again: Smog Returns with 'Very Poor' AQI Levels

Delhi's air quality has sharply deteriorated, slipping back into the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories after a brief improvement. Key areas like Akshardham and Anand Vihar recorded an alarming AQI of 410, while the city's 24-hour average rose significantly. Weather officials blame calm wind conditions from an approaching western disturbance for trapping pollutants and reducing dispersion. With a yellow fog alert issued and temperatures dropping, experts warn that elevated pollution levels are likely to persist in the coming days.

Key Points: Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates to 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' Levels

  • AQI hits 410 in severe zones
  • Calm winds limit pollutant dispersion
  • Yellow alert for fog issued
  • Cold temperatures worsen smog persistence
2 min read

Smog returns to Delhi as air quality slips back into 'very poor' zone

Delhi's air quality slips back into 'very poor' zone with AQI hitting 410 in some areas. Calm winds and cold temperatures worsen smog, prompting a yellow alert.

"Pollution levels were far worse in Akshardham and Anand Vihar, where the AQI touched 410. - Central Pollution Control Board data"

New Delhi, Dec 27

Delhi's air quality deteriorated once again on Saturday after showing signs of improvement earlier in the week, as several parts of the national capital slipped back into the 'very poor' and 'severe' pollution categories.

Large sections of the city were engulfed in thick smog during the morning hours, resulting in reduced visibility and discomfort for residents.

Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that air quality levels varied sharply across different locations.

In the Dhaula Kuan area, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 252, placing it in the 'poor' category.

Pollution levels were far worse in Akshardham and Anand Vihar, where the AQI touched 410, pushing both areas into the 'severe' category.

The ITO stretch also witnessed alarming pollution levels, with an AQI of 379, which falls under the 'very poor' category.

Overall, the city's air quality showed a clear downward trend. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 332 at 4 p.m. on Friday, a significant rise compared to 234 recorded on Thursday.

Weather officials attributed the spike in pollution levels to calm wind conditions associated with an approaching western disturbance.

The India Meteorological Department said wind speeds remained low during the early morning hours, limiting the dispersion of pollutants, and only briefly picked up to around 10 kmph from the southwest later in the day.

Meteorological experts have cautioned that pollution levels may remain elevated in the coming days due to a series of western disturbances expected to affect the region.

In view of the prevailing conditions, the weather department has issued a yellow alert, warning of moderate to dense fog across Delhi and adjoining areas.

The minimum temperature in the capital is expected to hover between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while it is likely to dip further to between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius on Sunday, conditions that could further contribute to the persistence of smog and poor air quality.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My asthma has flared up again. It's impossible to go for a morning walk. We keep hearing about stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, but what about the local construction dust and vehicle emissions? Everyone needs to take responsibility.
R
Rohit P
Anand Vihar at 410 AQI! That's off the charts. I commute through there daily. The authorities must enforce stricter penalties on industries and waste burning in those hotspots. This is a public health emergency, year after year.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi for work, this is the hardest part of living here. The air purifier runs 24/7. It feels like a basic right to breathe clean air is being denied. I hope the long-term policies show results soon.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions western disturbance and low wind speed. True, but that just traps what we've already polluted. The source is us. We need a massive shift to public transport and clean energy. Blaming the weather is not the solution.
K
Kavya N
It's heartbreaking to see little ones with masks. We've installed air purifiers in classrooms, but that's a privilege many can't afford. This issue needs a united effort from all neighboring states. Jai Hind, but we need to breathe to serve the nation.
M
Michael C

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