Delhi Chokes Under Thick Smog As AQI Remains In Severe Category At 419

New Delhi, Nov 13: Delhi continued to reel under severe air pollution on Friday morning as a thick blanket of smog engulfed the national capital, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 419 at 8:40 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Of the 58 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi, 33 recorded AQI levels in the severe category. Several locations reported readings above 450, including IIT Delhi (488), Chandni Chowk (479), North Campus (478), Pusa (469) and Punjabi Bagh (456).

The situation was equally alarming in neighbouring Noida, where the AQI stood at 474 at 8:05 am. Other National Capital Region (NCR) cities, including Ghaziabad (369), Gurugram (352) and Greater Noida (351), also recorded very poor air quality.

According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 401 and 500 falls under the severe category, posing serious health risks, particularly to people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain between very poor and severe categories until November 16. A possible improvement in wind conditions thereafter may bring some relief to residents.

The worsening air quality during winter is attributed to a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning in neighbouring states, firecracker emissions, falling temperatures and low wind speeds. These conditions trap pollutants close to the ground, intensifying the smog.

In view of the deteriorating pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on November 6.

The IMD has also forecast maximum temperatures of 27-30 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures of 14-17 degrees Celsius in Delhi until November 15.