Delhi’s iconic India Gate was partially obscured by a dense haze on Saturday evening, a stark visual testament to the deteriorating air quality in the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the vicinity of India Gate was recorded at 303 at 4 PM, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The combination of smoke and fog reduced visibility across Delhi, causing the AQI to spike to 303 on Saturday, a significant increase from the 218 recorded the previous day. Visibility at the Safdarjung weather station was reported at 900 meters with calm winds, while the Palam station recorded 1,300 meters.
The haze was so thick that the India Gate monument was barely visible, despite the presence of people in the area. Data from the CPCB revealed that 26 out of 38 monitoring stations across the city reported air quality in the ‘very poor’ category. The humidity level was recorded at 73 percent.
Other parts of the city also experienced severe air quality. By 2 AM on November 2, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 369, Ashoke Vihar at 380, Chandni Chowk at 390, and Burari at 379. RK Puram recorded the highest AQI at 414, falling into the ‘severe’ category.
In response to the worsening pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa visited Anand Vihar on Saturday to inspect pollution control measures and air quality monitoring systems. He highlighted that 13 pollution hotspots in the city are being closely monitored and addressed by the government. Sirsa outlined plans to tackle the issues contributing to these hotspots, including excessive traffic, poor traffic management, and dust from damaged roads.
The Delhi police have also finalized a plan to enforce the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) order, which prohibits the entry of BS-III and lower standard vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles not registered in Delhi, to help mitigate the pollution levels.