Delhi Faces Severe Pollution Crisis as AQI Hits 449 in Sonia Vihar

In the wake of Diwali, Delhi's environment entered a crisis mode on Monday with Air Quality Index numbers soaring above 400 at fifteen monitoring locations. The citywide average AQI recorded at 6 a.m. was 366, placing Delhi in the "very poor" bracket.

Sonia Vihar recorded the highest reading of the day—an alarming AQI of 449. Close behind were Burari Crossing at 445 and Vivek Vihar at 441. The smog extended to Jangpuri (439), the North Campus of Delhi University (437), Rohini (435) and the campus of Delhi Technological University (431).

Further concentrations were noted at Bawana (424), Chandni Chowk and Patparganj (both 418), Mundka (413), and the N.I.H. Narela‑Punjabi Bagh stretch (408). The Delhi‑Noida Direct (DND) flyway corridor also registered a hazardous AQI of 338.

The India Meteorological Department issued a district‑wise fog warning, anticipating dense to very dense fog in southeastern, eastern and Shahdara zones. The alert highlighted an expected sharp decline in visibility, urging citizens to limit outdoor activities.

Even as traffic continued across the capital, the persistent smog reduced road visibility and raised health concerns for residents. The continuation of such high pollution levels after the Diwali festivities underscores an urgent need for stronger air‑quality management in the national capital.