New Delhi, Nov 11: Delhi residents woke up on Monday to a dense layer of smog and falling temperatures as the national capital recorded its worst air quality of the season so far. The city once again slipped into the “red zone,” highlighting the continuing air pollution crisis gripping the region.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 354 at 7 a.m., placing it under the “very poor” category. Although slightly better than Sunday’s AQI of 390, pollution levels remain hazardous for sensitive groups.
Key monitoring stations record severe pollution levels
Major pollution hotspots continued to report alarming AQI levels Anand Vihar (379), ITO (376), Chandni Chowk (360), Okhla Phase-2 (348), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (316), and IGI Airport (T3) (305).
Neighbouring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) also remained heavily polluted. Noida’s Sector 62 recorded 342, Sector 1 at 325, and Sector 116 at 339, while Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park-III and V logged 316 and 314, respectively. Gurugram’s Sector 51 reported an AQI of 327, and Faridabad’s New Industrial Town and Sector 11 fared slightly better at 230 and 238.
Falling temperatures add to the smog
Delhi’s maximum temperature on Sunday settled at 28.1°C, around 1.4 degrees below normal, while the minimum dropped to 11.7°C. The season’s lowest minimum so far 11°C was recorded on Saturday. Meteorologists attribute the worsening air quality to falling temperatures and calm wind conditions, which trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Since Diwali, the capital’s air quality has remained in the “poor” to “very poor” range, frequently slipping into the “severe” zone due to stagnant weather conditions and increased emissions from vehicles, construction, and crop residue burning.
Protests at India Gate
Amid the toxic air, hundreds of residents, including children, parents, and environmental activists, staged a protest at India Gate on Sunday evening, demanding immediate government intervention to combat the pollution crisis.
However, Delhi Police detained several participants, citing the absence of permission to hold gatherings at the national monument. Officials reminded citizens that Jantar Mantar is the designated site for protests as per Supreme Court guidelines.
Despite the brief respite in AQI, experts warn that Delhi’s air quality could worsen further in the coming days unless strong anti-pollution measures are enforced.