‘Very poor’ air in Delhi is suffocating as smog disrupts travel and plunges temperatures

Ankita Jain,

Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source

Delhi continued to grapple with hazardous air pollution as the overall air quality index (AQI) remained in the “very poor” category on Sunday, December 28, according to official data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to CPCB data received through its Sameer mobile application, the national capital recorded a total AQI of 392 in the morning, putting the air quality in the “very poor” category.

However, many places fell into the “severe” category. According to news agency PTI, Anand Vihar recorded one of the highest pollution levels with AQI 444.

Of the monitoring stations across the capital, 19 recorded “severe” air quality levels, while the remaining stations recorded “very poor” conditions. Under CPCB standards, AQI readings between 301 and 400 are considered “very poor”, while values ​​above 400 fall in the “severe” category.

Dense fog blankets Delhi

Residents woke up to a thick blanket of smog, reducing visibility across large parts of the city. According to News18, visuals from areas like Anand Vihar showed roads and residential areas shrouded in dense smog as pollution levels crossed 400 at many places.

The pollution situation had already worsened by the evening of Saturday, 27 December, when the overall AQI reached 390.

ALSO READ  Six youths were arrested for gang-raping a minor, stripping another girl and making a video of it in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas.

Several areas in Delhi-NCR recorded even higher readings, including 431 in Patparganj, 442 in Nehru Nagar, 429 in Shadipur, 402 in Sirifort and 412 in RK Puram, indicating widespread “severe” air quality.

Travel disruption amid low visibility

The haze combined with winter fog reduced visibility and hindered transportation. According to PTI, visuals from the New Delhi Railway Station showed hazy conditions around the complex with many trains running late.

Meanwhile, Delhi airport has issued a fog warning for passengers. In a post on ax (formerly Twitter), the airport said, “All flight operations are continuing as normal due to improved visibility at the airport. Passengers are requested to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information. Please be assured that our on-ground officials are available at all terminals to provide necessary assistance.”

Cold weather increases pollution

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded the minimum temperature on December 28 at 6.3 degrees Celsius, about 0.5 degrees below the seasonal average, with humidity at 71% at 8.30 am, according to PTI.

The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 21 degrees Celsius, with the sky expected to be mainly clear. According to the weather agency, calm winds, cold conditions and dense fog are trapping pollutants near the surface.

ALSO READ  India's Vande Bharat sleeper trials from Dec 12: Here's what we know so far

In response, the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Phase III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which include restrictions on construction and industrial activity, while measures such as “no PUC, no fuel” rules remain in place.

According to News18, health advice continues to urge vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure during periods of “very poor” air quality.

India News