Residents of Delhi awoke to a thick, choking layer of smog on Thursday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a concerning 399 at 7 am. This reading places the national capital squarely in the ‘very poor’ category, a slight escalation from Wednesday’s 388. Hazardous air conditions continue to plague the city, offering no immediate relief.
Numerous monitoring stations across Delhi reported ‘severe’ pollution levels. Wazirpur recorded the highest at a perilous 477, followed closely by Jahangirpuri (451) and Rohini (449). Other areas experiencing critically high pollution include Mundka (446), Ashok Vihar (444), Punjabi Bagh (439), and Bawana (438). Areas like Vivek Vihar (436), DTU (434), Nehru Nagar (431), RK Puram (423), Anand Vihar (420), Patparganj (419), Chandni Chowk (418), DU North Campus (416), Burari Crossing (414), Dwarka Sector 8 (411), and Sonia Vihar (410) also registered alarming AQI figures.
Most other parts of the city remained within the ‘very poor’ range (301-400), with ITO at 400, CRRI Mathura Road at 392, and Najafgarh at 374. Mandir Marg (373), Aya Nagar (371), and Alipur (366) also reported significant pollution.
Authorities have recommended postponing outdoor sports events scheduled for November and December due to the severe air quality. This advisory aims to protect public health, especially children, during the winter months.
Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain in effect, imposing stringent controls on construction, vehicular traffic, and industrial activities to mitigate emissions.
