Air quality across Delhi-NCR has slipped into the severe category, with AQI crossing 450 at several locations, prompting GRAP Phase 4 restrictions and health advisories.
Delhi continues to record hazardous air quality amid dense fog and cold wave conditions, disrupting flights and daily life as IMD issues warnings across north India.
Delhi recorded a marginal improvement in air quality on Wednesday, but AQI levels remained ‘very poor’ as dense fog reduced visibility and strict GRAP Stage-IV measures stayed in force.
Delhi’s air quality worsened sharply on Tuesday as AQI crossed 400, with dense smog, fog and calm winds pushing pollution levels into the severe category.
Dense fog and heavy smog disrupted flight operations at Delhi airport as air quality slipped into the severe zone, prompting the enforcement of strict Stage IV GRAP curbs across the NCR.
Delhi woke up to a dense haze on Wednesday as the city’s AQI hit 337 despite GRAP-III measures. India Gate, AIIMS and Ghazipur recorded readings above 350. An expert says ash clouds from Ethiopia’s volcano are visible but unlikely to worsen the capital’s air quality immediately.
Apart from the rising temperature, Delhi's air quality shifted from 'poor' to 'moderate', with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 160.
The highest air pollution level was measured in the Shadipur area with an AQI reading of 264 followed by Nehru Nagar at 232, Mundka at 221, Jahangirpuri at 210, and IHBAS Dilshad Garden at 203.
The toxic air was no different from that of Monday when the AQI remained under the 'severe plus' category with a reading above 450.
According to reports, more than 20 trains were delayed and at least eight flights diverted due to low visibility.
