Delhi Chokes Under Dense Haze as AQI Reaches ‘Severe’ in Multiple Areas

Delhi, Dec 22: The national capital remained shrouded in dense haze on Monday morning, with several areas recording ‘severe’ air quality levels, highlighting the persistence of the winter pollution crisis.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 402, while Wazirpur (404), Bawana (408) and Narela (418) also remained in the severe bracket. Other areas included Mundka (400), Shadipur (306), Sonia Vihar (370), Alipur (391), and Delhi Technological University (DTU) with an AQI of 400. Prominent locations such as ITO, India Gate, Kartavya Path and Sarai Kale Khan were enveloped in thick smog during the morning hours. Overall, Delhi’s AQI stood at 366 around 8 am, according to CPCB data.

Cold weather and low temperatures worsened the situation, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting moderate fog across the city. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 21°C, while the minimum may dip to 9°C. Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory due to low visibility, warning travelers of possible weather-related delays and confirming that all low-visibility procedures had been implemented.

Amid the pollution crisis, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has stepped up enforcement measures against violators. In December, fines totaling Rs 54.98 lakh were imposed for offences including biomass burning and illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste. The civic body issued 7,023 challans worth Rs 43.26 lakh to curb illegal dumping and 420 challans worth Rs 11.72 lakh for burning biomass and garbage.

To improve sanitation and mitigate pollution, MCD deployed additional machinery, sanitation workers, and waste-collection vehicles. Around 500 secondary collection points are being cleared nightly, with daily monitoring to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.