From falling temperatures to rising pollution: What’s behind Delhi’s return to the red zone

The residents of Delhi woke up on Monday morning to the season’s worst air quality. A thick blanket of smog engulfed the national capital, accompanied by a drop in temperature.

City in red zone

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As of 7 am on Monday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 354, under the “very poor” category, placing the city in the “red zone,” as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marked a minor improvement from Sunday’s AQI of 390, which also fell in the “very poor” category.

Key monitoring stations observed severe pollution levels

Several key monitoring stations continued to record severe pollution levels. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 379, ITO 376, Chandni Chowk 360, Okhla Phase-2 348, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 316, and IGI Airport (T3) 305.
In Noida, Sector 62 recorded an AQI of 342, Sector 1 at 325, and Sector 116 at 339. Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park-III and V reported AQI levels of 316 and 314, respectively.

Meanwhile, Gurugram’s Sector 51 recorded an AQI of 327, while Faridabad’s New Industrial Town and Sector 11 reported relatively better air quality at 230 and 238, respectively.

Falling temperature

On Sunday, the maximum temperature settled at 28.1 degrees Celsius, 1.4 notches below normal, while the minimum stood at 11.7 degrees. The lowest minimum temperature of the season was recorded on Saturday at 11 degrees.
Since Diwali, the national capital has been struggling with persistently unhealthy air, fluctuating between the “poor” and “very poor” categories, and at times slipping into the “severe” zone.

Protest at India Gate

Meanwhile, a protest at India Gate on Sunday evening saw hundreds, including children, parents, and environmental activists, urging the city government to take urgent action against the toxic air crisis.
According to police, several protesters were detained for gathering at India Gate without permission.