Dense Smog Engulfs Delhi as Air Quality Remains Hazardous
Thick smog and fog have trapped pollutants, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life as residents grappled with the morning chill
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital remains hazardous, severely affecting people’s health. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi on Sunday reached 391, entering the severe category, with some regions exceeding 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Thick smog and fog have trapped pollutants, reducing visibility and disrupting daily life as residents grappled with the morning chill.
Several areas reported extremely poor air quality levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 445, Patparganj 425, Nehru Nagar 433, Shadipur 445, Mundka 413, and IGI Airport 320, indicating widespread severe pollution across the region.
According to CPCB categorisation, AQI readings between 0–50 are classified as good, 51–100 satisfactory, 101–200 moderate, 201–300 poor, 301–400 very poor, and 401–500 severe.
Authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels and enforcing emergency measures, including the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule, to address the deteriorating situation.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has invoked Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These include strict restrictions on construction and industrial activities.
A combination of cold weather, calm winds, and dense fog is trapping pollutants near the surface, leading to persistent haze and smog. This cycle of poor air quality is expected to continue under current weather conditions, prompting calls for stricter pollution-control measures.
On Saturday morning, Delhi’s AQI remained in the very poor category, exceeding 300 in many areas. By evening, however, it slipped into the severe category, nearing the 390 mark.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of significant decisions to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance.
The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. Of the nearly 1,000 water bodies in the national capital, around 160 fall under the Delhi government’s jurisdiction.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year.”
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi’s first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spread across 11.5 acres. The facility will operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model and adhere to the highest pollution-control standards.