Delhi-NCR remained surrounded by ‘very poor’ air quality for the seventh consecutive day, the area remained wrapped in a blanket of smog.

New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) A thin layer of pollution blanketed Delhi on Friday, worsening the already poor air quality as the city slipped into the ‘very poor’ category for the seventh consecutive day.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall air quality index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 373 in the morning, as a thick blanket of smog reduced visibility and continued to pose significant health risks to residents.

Data from the Sameer app developed by CPCB showed that 13 out of 39 monitoring stations across the city reported AQI levels in the ‘severe’ category. Wazirpur, where an alarming number of 442 was recorded, emerged as the worst-affected locality in the national capital.

Only three monitoring stations, Ihbas Dilshad Garden (255), Lodhi Road (286) and Mandir Marg (278) recorded air quality in the ‘poor’ category, providing marginal relief compared to the rest of the city. However, most areas remain well above the ‘very poor’ threshold.

Dangerous levels of particulate matter were recorded in several pollution hotspots, with areas like Anand Vihar (412), Bawana (430), Burari Crossing (404), Jahangirpuri (433), Mundka (435), Narela (408), RK Puram (406) and Rohini (421) falling in the ‘severe’ category. These readings indicate dangerous pollution levels that can affect even healthy individuals and aggravate respiratory conditions.

The poisonous air spread beyond the capital to the National Capital Region (NCR). Ghaziabad remained the most polluted city in the region with an AQI of 431, which is firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Noida also almost touched the ‘severe’ mark with a reading of 400, while Greater Noida stood at 377, classified as ‘very poor’. Meanwhile, Gurugram recorded an AQI of 294, placing it at the upper end of the ‘poor’ category.

With weather conditions expected to remain stable, experts have warned that pollution levels are unlikely to see meaningful improvement in the immediate future.

Authorities have urged residents, especially children, senior citizens and people with respiratory diseases, to limit outdoor exposure and follow health advisories.

–IANS

RS/DPB