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Delhi’s air quality has plunged into the hazardous zone, with 35 monitoring stations recording AQI above 300. Dense fog, slow wind speed and a sharp fall in temperature are trapping pollutants near the surface, worsening health concerns. Despite the removal of GRAP-3 restrictions, pollution levels remain critical across Delhi-NCR.
Pollution Soars, 35 Zones Under Red Alert
New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate. On Saturday morning, 35 AQI monitoring stations in the capital issued a red alert, indicating that the air quality is at extremely dangerous levels. The AQI was recorded above 300 in many areas, while in some places it reached close to 380. This dire situation has further increased the concern of the government and environmental agencies. Snowfall in the mountains and falling temperatures in Delhi are further suppressing pollution, preventing its dispersion and keeping the air toxic.
These days, Delhi is facing the simultaneous impact of pollution and cold. Dense fog, light haze, and extremely slow winds in the early morning trap pollutants in the atmosphere, causing the AQI to reach the very poor category. According to the 'Sameer' app, at 6 am on Saturday, 35 areas in the city recorded AQIs above 300. The Meteorological Department says temperatures will continue to drop and fog may become denser in the coming days, further worsening air quality.
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Delhi's overall AQI was recorded at 341, which is much worse than normal and very close to the hazardous range. Narela recorded an AQI of 387, making it the most polluted area in the capital at this time. Air quality in areas like Nehru Nagar, RK Puram, Dwarka Sector 8, Bawana, Mundka, Rohini, Jahangirpur, and Vivek Vihar also fell in the severe category. NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 249, which falls in the 'very poor' category. The Meteorological Department has predicted a maximum temperature of 25 degrees and a minimum of 12 degrees in Delhi today, with fog prevailing in many areas.
Increasing pollution is rapidly increasing health problems among people. This weather has become extremely difficult for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. Many people have even stopped morning walks because the fine particles in the polluted air are reaching deep into the lungs and causing serious damage. Doctors have clearly warned people not to leave their homes without any need and to wear N95 masks when outside. Complaints of persistent cough, sore throat, eye irritation, and shortness of breath are increasing rapidly.
Not only Delhi, but the entire NCR is severely affected by air pollution. The AQI in Noida has been recorded at 349, Greater Noida at 328, Ghaziabad at 337, and Gurugram at 295, all of which are extremely worrying levels. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted restrictions imposed under GRAP-3, but despite the implementation of GRAP-2, there is no significant improvement in pollution. Experts say that only an increase in wind speed can bring some normalcy.
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According to weather experts, pollution levels will remain high until wind speeds increase and temperatures rise. In winter, polluted particles settle closer to the ground, making it take longer for the air to clear. At present, there is little hope for relief. Residents of Delhi-NCR have been advised to remain vigilant, monitor the AQI, and continue using masks, as the next week could also be a difficult one for pollution.
