Delhi Choked by Smog: AQI Approaches ‘Severe’ with Wazirpur Recording 445
National capital’s air quality deteriorates as several areas enter ‘severe’ category, pollution expected to worsen
New Delhi, Dec 13 : Delhi woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 397, hovering on the edge of the ‘severe’ category. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 21 monitoring stations across the city recorded AQI readings above 400, placing them firmly in the ‘severe’ bracket.
Wazirpur recorded the highest pollution level at 445, closely followed by Vivek Vihar at 444 and Jahangirpuri at 442. Anand Vihar registered 439, while Ashok Vihar and Rohini each recorded 437. Other hotspots included Narela (432), Pratapganj (431), Mundka (430), and Bawana, ITO, and Nehru Nagar (429 each).
In central areas, Chandni Chowk and Punjabi Bagh recorded AQI levels of 423, with Siri Fort and Sonia Vihar at 424. Burari Crossing registered 414, Karni Singh Shooting Range 409, North Campus and RK Puram 408, and Okhla Phase 2 404.
For context, an AQI between 0-50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.
The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ range on Saturday, with conditions expected to slip further into the ‘severe’ category by Sunday. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and take necessary precautions to protect their health.
