The national capital Delhi and its adjoining NCR (National Capital Region) are once again enveloped in a blanket of toxic smog. With the onset of winter, air pollution has reached hazardous levels.
New Delhi: A thick layer of fog and smog continues to blanket the national capital Delhi and the NCR, keeping the air quality consistently in the 'Very Poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 300 at 7 AM on Thursday morning, falling into the 'Very Poor' category.
Air quality in several areas of the capital remained at hazardous levels, with AQI recorded as 318 in Anand Vihar, 284 in Alipur, 343 in Bawana, 312 in Burari, 331 in Chandni Chowk, 324 in Dwarka, 257 near Delhi Airport, 304 in ITO, 342 in Jahangirpuri, 343 in Rohini, 319 in Vivek Vihar, 343 in RK Puram, 302 in Narela, and 340 in Mundka.
Air 'Hazardous' in Many Delhi Localities
Air quality has been deteriorating for a long time in many parts of the capital. AQI was recorded at 318 in Anand Vihar, 343 in Bawana, 342 in Jahangirpuri, 343 in Rohini, 343 in RK Puram, and 340 in Mundka. Similarly, Chandni Chowk recorded 331, Dwarka 324, Vivek Vihar 319, Burari 312, ITO 304, and Narela 302. The Delhi Airport area registered 257, which falls into the 'Poor' category.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 342, clearly indicating that pollution remains severe. According to experts, the lack of cold winds, stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and construction activities have further exacerbated the smog situation.
Pollution Also Affects NCR Cities
The situation in NCR cities surrounding Delhi is not significantly better. Noida's Sector-62 recorded an AQI of 265, which falls under the 'Poor' category. In Ghaziabad, Vasundhara registered an AQI of 355, and Indirapuram recorded 291. Gurugram's Sector-51 had an AQI of 210, and Vikas Sadan area recorded 239.
However, Faridabad's situation appeared somewhat better compared to other NCR cities. Sector-30 in Faridabad recorded an AQI of 198, which falls into the 'Moderate' category and is among the least polluted areas in the entire NCR.
What Do AQI Categories Mean?
According to standards set by CPCB:
- 0 to 50: Good
- 51 to 100: Satisfactory
- 101 to 200: Moderate
- 201 to 300: Poor
- 301 to 400: Very Poor
- 401 to 500: Severe
An AQI above 300 can pose severe health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or heart conditions.
Current AQI Levels
| Area | AQI |
|---|---|
| Anand Vihar | 318 |
| Alipur | 284 |
| Bawana | 343 |
| Burari | 312 |
| Chandni Chowk | 331 |
| Dwarka | 324 |
| Delhi Airport | 257 |
| ITO | 304 |
| Jahangirpuri | 342 |
| Rohini | 343 |
| Vivek Vihar | 319 |
| RK Puram | 343 |
| Narela | 302 |
| Mundka | 340 |
| Noida Sector-62 | 265 |
| Ghaziabad, Vasundhara | 355 |
| Indirapuram | 291 |
| Gurugram Sector-51 | 210 |
| Vikas Sadan | 239 |
| Faridabad Sector-30 | 198 |
Doctors state that breathing such poor air can rapidly increase eye irritation, sore throat, shortness of breath, coughing, and lung-related illnesses. Prolonged exposure to polluted air significantly elevates the risk of heart disease, brain stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases.
