Delhi chokes as air turns ‘very poor’

On Sunday, Delhi’s 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) slipped to 366, remaining in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Saturday also, the AQI (303) in the city was in “very poor” category.

Air quality severely deteriorated on Sunday morning, with AQI levels near AIIMS and surrounding areas touching 421, placing it in the “severe” zone.

Several other parts of the national capital also recorded “severe” air pollution levels as calm winds and high humidity trapped pollutants close to the surface, forming a dense layer of smog that reduced visibility and worsened respiratory discomfort.

At 6:30 am, Delhi’s average AQI stood at 372, according to the CPCB data. Among the most polluted areas were Wazirpur (425), RK Puram (418), Bawana (410), Rohini (409) and Dwarka (401). Across the city, most monitoring stations showed AQI levels between 300 and 400.

In the adjoining NCR region, air quality remained in the “very poor” category, with Faridabad recording an AQI of 312, Gurugram 325, Ghaziabad 322, Greater Noida 308 and Noida 301.

Meteorological conditions played a key role in the build-up. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported visibility of 900 metres at Safdarjung and 1,300 metres at Palam due to fog and smog. Winds were calm, blowing at around 4 kmph — insufficient to disperse accumulated pollutants.

The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5 degrees Celsius, about three degrees below normal, and a minimum of 19.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal. Relative humidity stood at 73 per cent on Saturday evening, aiding smog formation.