Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated once again, moving from the ‘poor’ category to ‘very poor’ and even ‘severe’ in some parts of the city on Sunday morning. This comes after a brief period of improvement observed on Friday and Saturday, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 275 and 292 respectively.
On Sunday morning, a thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital, with AQI levels exceeding 300 in most areas. Visibility has been noticeably affected, impacting daily commutes and morning walks. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 7 am, Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 430, falling into the ‘severe’ category. Wazirpur also experienced ‘severe’ air quality with an AQI of 403.
However, Najafgarh reported the lowest AQI at 164, placing its air quality in the ‘moderate’ category. Sri Aurobindo Marg followed with an AQI of 176.
Across Delhi, out of 39 monitoring stations, only seven registered ‘poor’ air quality. The majority, 26 stations, reported ‘very poor’ air quality, with AQI values ranging from 301 to 400. Areas like Alipur, ITO, Jahangirpuri, and Rohini are among those affected by very poor air quality.
Understanding the AQI Scale:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
Former AIIMS Director, Dr. Randeep Guleria, has cautioned residents about the health implications of this high pollution level. He advised the public to take preventive measures to minimize exposure.
“The current high levels of air pollution, indicated by poor AQI, are leading to acute health effects, particularly among individuals with underlying heart or lung conditions, the elderly, and young children. These groups are experiencing increased chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, cough, and worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD,” Dr. Guleria stated.
He added that even healthy individuals are reporting symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, throat pain, chest tightness, and coughing due to airway inflammation caused by pollutants. The use of firecrackers, even ‘green crackers,’ has reportedly worsened the situation.
Delhi AQI Readings (as of 7 am, Sunday):
- Alipur (DPCC): 309
- Anand Vihar (DPCC): 430
- Ashok Vihar (DPCC): 369
- Aya Nagar (IMD): 272
- Bawana (DPCC): 390
- Burari Crossing (IMD): 344
- CRRI Mathura Road (IMD): 330
- Chandni Chowk (IITM): 376
- DTU (CPCB): 266
- Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (DPCC): 317
- Dwarka-Sector 8 (DPCC): 301
- IGI Airport (T3) (IMD): 269
- IHBAS, Dilshad Garden (CPCB): 310
- ITO (CPCB): 329
- Jahangirpuri (DPCC): 370
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (DPCC): 304
- Lodhi Road (IITM): 283
- Lodhi Road (IMD): 290
- Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (DPCC): 306
- Mandir Marg (DPCC): 312
- Mundka (DPCC): 356
- NSIT Dwarka (CPCB): 285
- Najafgarh (DPCC): 164
- Narela (DPCC): 338
- Nehru Nagar (DPCC): 339
- North Campus, DU (IMD): 321
- Okhla Phase-2 (DPCC): 324
- Patparganj (DPCC): 339
- Punjabi Bagh (DPCC): 353
- Pusa (DPCC): 314
- Pusa (IMD): 309
- R K Puram (DPCC): 324
- Rohini (DPCC): 362
- Shadipur (CPCB): 334
- Sirifort (CPCB): 322
- Sonia Vihar (DPCC): 330
- Sri Aurobindo Marg (DPCC): 176
- Vivek Vihar (DPCC): 371
- Wazirpur (DPCC): 403