Delhi Air Quality Declines to ‘Very Poor’ Before Diwali

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Delhi Air Quality Hits ‘Very Poor’ Category: Air quality in Delhi drops with AQI reaching 356; some areas classified as ‘severe.’
• Critical AQI Levels at Monitoring Stations: Alipur, Anand Vihar, and Jahangirpuri report AQI over 400.
• Pollution Control Measures: Water spraying, 372 monitoring teams, and MCD’s pollution control action plan activated.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Delhi’s air quality has taken a severe downturn. The city’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged to 356, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Compared to previous days when strong winds offered brief respite by dispersing pollutants, this marks a significant decline. On Saturday at 4 pm, Delhi recorded an AQI of 255, which was classified as ‘poor.’ However, the latest readings reflect a concerning rise, with several areas in Delhi now reporting ‘severe’ pollution levels.

This morning, alarming AQI readings were reported at several monitoring stations, including Alipur (403), Anand Vihar (406), Bawana (404), Jahangirpuri (414), Nehru Nagar (408), Sonia Vihar (401), and Vivek Vihar (404). Additionally, notable areas like ITO registered an AQI of 367, India Gate at 374, and Delhi University North Campus at 370.

As pollution levels continue to rise, residents are advised to take precautions, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Toxic foam was also observed on the surface of the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj. To combat rising air pollution, PWD vehicles are conducting water spraying to reduce dust levels.

Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi announced a comprehensive plan to improve air quality in the capital. As part of the initiative, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has mobilized 372 surveillance teams, 1,295 officers, and a fleet of anti-smog guns to monitor and reduce pollution levels.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio