Air quality in Delhi-NCR was recorded as 'very poor' ahead of Diwali. The AQI was recorded at 369 in Akshardham, 359 in Anand Vihar, and 350 in Wazirpur. Despite clear weather, the pollution level is concerning.
Even before the Diwali festival, air quality levels in Delhi-NCR have severely deteriorated. According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was recorded at 369 in the Akshardham area on Friday morning, which falls into the 'very poor' category. Air at this level can pose a serious health risk, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.
On the same day, the AQI in the India Gate area was recorded at 220, which falls into the 'poor' category. Six major monitoring centers in the capital have registered a rapid decline in air quality as winter sets in. The capital's 24-hour average AQI was 245, which also falls into the 'poor' category.
AQI in Other Areas of Delhi
Delhi's monitoring centers shared the air quality levels across different parts of the city. Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 359. This was followed by Wazirpur (350), Dwarka Sector Eight (313), Delhi University North Campus and CRRI Mathura Road (both 307), and Jahangirpuri (301).
According to CPCB, five of the 38 monitoring stations in the capital placed air quality in the 'very poor' category. The capital's Air Quality Early Warning System has predicted that pollution levels will remain similar in the coming days.
Health Warning Due to Poor AQI
In air with 'very poor' AQI levels, people are advised to venture out less, wear masks, and keep children and the elderly indoors. Experts state that this pollution is primarily increasing due to vehicular emissions, construction work, and the accumulation of dust and smoke in the air caused by cold air.
Health experts have specifically warned cardiac and respiratory patients. If any individual experiences difficulty breathing, coughing, or eye irritation, they should contact a doctor immediately.
Increased Pollution Levels Due to Cold and Temperature
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the sky will remain clear in Delhi on Friday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be around 19 and 31 degrees Celsius, respectively. Due to reduced air mobility caused by the cold, pollution levels are increasing, which could further affect the AQI.
Given the current weather and pollution situation, authorities have urged people to reduce the use of firecrackers and cooperate in curbing pollution.
