Delhi: Air quality worsens with AQI 438, dense smog engulfs capital

Air quality in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Sunday, with large parts of the city waking up to a thick blanket of toxic smog that reduced visibility.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 390 around 7 am, slipping it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Notably, several areas across the city witnessed air quality worsening to the ‘severe’ range.

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In the Akshardham and Ghazipur areas, the AQI stood at 438, categorised as ‘severe’. East Delhi’s Anand Vihar locality also recorded an AQI of 438, making it one of the most polluted pockets of the capital on Sunday morning. The ITO area reported an AQI of 405, also falling in the ‘severe’ category.

With a dense layer of smog hovering over India Gate and Kartavya Path, the AQI in the Central Delhi was recorded at 381, classified as ‘very poor’. Around the Barapullah flyover, air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category with an AQI of 382, while Dhaula Kuan registered an AQI of 397.

As per AQI standards, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–500 ‘severe’.

Winter tightens its grip

Presently, the national capital is witnessing poor air quality with challenging cold weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of dense to very dense fog, further reducing visibility and compounding the impact of pollution.

Orange alerts have been issued for large parts of Delhi, and neighbouring states, cautioning residents and authorities about possible disruptions to road, rail, and air traffic.

Anti-pollution measures in force

To curb the growing pollution level, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has put in place all measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR.

The restrictions under GRAP-IV include a ban on non-essential construction activities as well as on the entry of some diesel vehicles.