Delhi continues to choke as air quality turns ‘severe’
AQI crosses 400; Vivek Vihar worst-hit at 456
Delhi’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Monday, with the city’s average air quality index (AQI) hovering around 400, placing the air in the ‘severe’ category, posing significant health risks to residents. The city’s average AQI touched 401 on Monday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Data from air quality monitors showed sprawling smog blanketing the Capital throughout the morning, sharply reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities.
Health experts warn that at AQI levels above 300, even healthy individuals can experience breathing difficulties, while vulnerable groups such as children, elderly and people with respiratory conditions are at elevated risk.
Many monitoring stations across Delhi recorded dangerously high particulate levels far above national safety standards.
High-pollution hotspots recorded even more critical levels, with Vivek Vihar in East Delhi reporting the highest AQI at 456, followed closely by Anand Vihar at 457 earlier in the day. Several other areas also breached the 400-mark, including Sonia Vihar (444), Wazirpur (443), Rohini (442), and Patparganj (431).
Monitoring data showed that 22 out of Delhi’s stations recorded ‘severe’ air quality, while 14 were in the ‘very poor’ range.
Congress holds ‘Lok Sansad’ on pollution
Amid worsening air quality in the Capital, the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) on Monday organised a ‘Lok Sansad’ under the leadership of its president Devender Yadav to deliberate on the issue of pollution and explore long-term solutions.
The dialogue brought together environmentalists, doctors, academics, RWAs, students, social workers and sanitation workers to discuss the growing public health crisis.
Addressing the gathering, Yadav said the BJP-led Central Government and the Delhi Government had failed to take meaningful steps to curb pollution. He alleged that despite repeated demands, no serious discussion was allowed in Parliament or at the state level on the deteriorating air quality.
Highlighting findings from experts, Yadav said vehicular emissions now account for over 50 per cent of Delhi’s pollution, making transport reform crucial. He strongly advocated free or affordable public transport, citing global examples such as Luxembourg and several European cities.
