Delhi woke to a grim reality on Thursday as thick smog enveloped the city, pushing the Air Quality Index to a dangerous 399. This places the capital in the ‘very poor’ air quality zone, a slight deterioration from Wednesday’s AQI of 388. The air remains heavily polluted, posing significant health risks.
High pollution alerts were issued for multiple areas. Wazirpur recorded an extreme AQI of 477, followed by Jahangirpuri (451) and Rohini (449). Other severely affected locations include Mundka (446), Ashok Vihar (444), Punjabi Bagh (439), Bawana (438), Vivek Vihar (436), and DTU (434). Nehru Nagar, RK Puram, Anand Vihar, Patparganj, Chandni Chowk, DU North Campus, Burari Crossing, Dwarka Sector 8, and Sonia Vihar also reported alarming levels above 410 AQI.
Across the rest of the city, AQI readings generally fell between 301 and 400, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality. ITO registered 400, CRRI Mathura Road 392, and Najafgarh 374. Mandir Marg (373), Aya Nagar (371), and Alipur (366) also experienced unhealthy air.
Responding to the worsening smog, the Commission for Air Quality Management has recommended that sports events scheduled for November and December be postponed. This crucial advice is aimed at protecting the health of residents, especially children, from the adverse effects of toxic air.
The government’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III remains in effect, enforcing stringent curbs on construction dust, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution, underscoring the severity of the current air crisis.