Delhi Chokes as AQI Soars to 438, Dense Smog Blankets Capital
Several city areas record ‘severe’ pollution; GRAP-IV restrictions enforced across Delhi-NCR
New Delhi, Dec 21: Air quality in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Sunday as large parts of the city woke up to a thick blanket of toxic smog, significantly reducing visibility and pushing pollution levels into the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 390 around 7 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Several pockets of the city, however, recorded AQI levels in the ‘severe’ range.
The Akshardham, Ghazipur and Anand Vihar areas reported an AQI of 438, categorised as ‘severe’, making them among the most polluted localities in the capital. The ITO area recorded an AQI of 405, also falling in the ‘severe’ category.
In Central Delhi, a dense layer of smog enveloped India Gate and Kartavya Path, where the AQI was recorded at 381, classified as ‘very poor’. Air quality around the Barapullah flyover remained ‘very poor’ with an AQI of 382, while Dhaula Kuan registered an AQI of 397.
As per AQI standards, readings between 301 and 400 fall under the ‘very poor’ category, while levels between 401 and 500 are classified as ‘severe’.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of dense to very dense fog in the coming days, which is expected to further reduce visibility and aggravate pollution levels. Orange alerts have been issued for Delhi and adjoining states, cautioning residents about potential disruptions to road, rail and air traffic.
In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced all measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. The restrictions include a ban on non-essential construction activities and curbs on the entry of certain diesel vehicles.
