Air quality worsens due to poisonous smoke in Delhi, AQI reaches 'severe' category

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A thick blanket of poisonous smoke engulfed many parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday morning. A layer of dense fog also affected visibility in the national capital, pushing the air quality index (AQI) close to the ‘severe’ category.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, AQI remained above 400 in many areas. As per CPCB classification, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls in the ‘severe’ category. According to CBCP data, AQI was recorded at 435 in Vivek Vihar, 434 in Anand Vihar and 437 in ITO. Similar hazardous AQI levels were recorded in northern and western areas including Rohini (421), Wazirpur (424), Jahangirpuri (428) and Punjabi Bagh (417). Akshardham’s AQI was 420 and Sarai Kale Khan’s AQI was 428.

According to the CPCB classification, AQI from 0 to 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

Deteriorating air quality in the national capital remains a matter of concern for residents, especially children, the elderly and vulnerable groups with respiratory problems.

Due to dense fog and slow winds, air pollution has increased rapidly in Delhi-NCR. Due to this, visibility has reduced significantly, due to which traffic has been affected in many parts.

In response to the deteriorating air, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Phase-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the highest level of emergency action aimed at reducing pollution.

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As per GRAP-IV measures, entry of old diesel cars has been banned in Delhi. The Delhi government has also stepped up enforcement of pollution control norms to reduce vehicle emissions. To ensure that vehicle owners comply with pollution norms, the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule has been implemented at CNG stations and petrol pumps.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert anticipating severe fog in Delhi on Saturday. According to weather officials, as winter progresses, foggy conditions are expected to continue in the morning hours in the coming days.

Amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi, experts have warned that prolonged exposure to high AQI levels increases the risk of lung and cardiovascular problems, and local reports indicate an increase in respiratory symptoms.