Delhi’s battle with air pollution rages on, with a persistent layer of toxic smog shrouding the capital. On Saturday morning, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 359, placing the city’s air quality in the ‘very poor’ bracket. This figure represents a slight decrease from the previous day’s average of 364, but the overall pollution levels remain critically high.
The ITO region registered a concerning AQI of 370. Noida’s Sector 125 also experienced ‘severe’ air quality with an AQI of 434, indicating a minor reduction in pollution. In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park 5 reported an AQI of 393, whereas Knowledge Park 3 offered slightly better air at 294, classified as ‘poor’.
Visibility was significantly reduced in many parts of the city. India Gate was enveloped in thick smog, showing an AQI of 370. Akshardham and its vicinity recorded a ‘severe’ AQI of 422. The Indira Gandhi International Airport area, at 7 AM, reported an AQI of 296, categorized as ‘poor’.
Industrial areas bore the brunt of the pollution, with Bawana recording a ‘severe’ AQI of 419. Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar also faced ‘severe’ conditions with AQIs of 422 and 403 respectively. Aya Nagar logged a ‘very poor’ AQI of 330, and Rohini recorded 414.
Air quality in other NCR cities presented a mixed picture. Gurugram’s Sector 51 recorded an AQI of 323. Teri Gram was in the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 212, and NISE Gwal Pahari registered 312.
As a precautionary measure against the hazardous air, the Delhi High Court has mandated the cancellation of all outdoor sports events. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 measures, in effect since November 11, continue to be enforced, enforcing significant restrictions on industrial operations, construction activities, and vehicular movement to mitigate the pollution crisis.