Delhi Chokes Under Toxic Smog as AQI Hits 379; Punjabi Bagh Records 458

New Delhi, Nov 4: Delhi continued to grapple with severe air pollution on Wednesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 379 in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 458, followed by Jahangirpuri at 450 and IIT Delhi at 446, all falling in the ‘severe’ category. As many as 21 of the capital’s 59 monitoring stations reported severe pollution levels.

Thick smog engulfed several parts of the city during the morning, reducing visibility and disrupting daily commuting. Vehicle emissions, construction dust and unfavourable weather conditions continued to contribute to the pollution. Meanwhile, the Delhi government raised concerns over stubble burning in Punjab. According to the Environment Ministry, 584 of the 798 farm-fire incidents reported across various states on November 3 were recorded in Punjab.

The minimum temperature at Safdarjung stood at 16.1 degrees Celsius, while no rainfall was recorded at any of the city’s five weather stations. Delhi’s AQI was 332 on Tuesday, indicating a further deterioration in air quality.