NEW DELHI: The national capital woke up to dense fog on Wednesday morning, accompanied by a significant deterioration in its air quality. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 312 at approximately 7 am, placing it firmly in the 'very poor' category according to standard classifications.
Widespread Pollution Across Key Areas
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index remained in the moderate-to-poor range across various monitoring stations. Visuals from the Akshardham area showed a thick layer of fog lingering in parts of the city, reducing visibility and contributing to the poor air conditions.
Specific AQI Readings in Delhi
In ITO, a thick layer of fog was present with significantly reduced visibility, and the AQI was measured at 334, also placing it in the 'very poor' category. Additionally, a dense layer of smog lingered in areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path, exacerbating the pollution levels.
Several other areas in the capital recorded alarmingly high AQI levels, all remaining in the 'very poor' category:
- Anand Vihar: 376
- Bawana: 329
- Ashok Vihar: 366
- Mundka: 381
- Chandani Chowk: 358
- RK Puram: 346
- Sirifort: 340
Areas with Relatively Better Conditions
Some parts of the city fared relatively better, though still in the 'poor' category. Narela and Aya Nagar both recorded an AQI of 252. Other locations with better but still concerning air quality included Sri Aurobindo Marg (221), Mandir Marg (257), and IGI Airport T3 (243).
Weather Alerts and Regional Impact
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the national capital on Tuesday, warning that isolated areas may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Similar conditions are expected across neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh.
The IMD stated that the rainfall signalled the beginning of an active weather phase, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail likely to affect several states during the day. Light rain lashed several parts of the city and adjoining NCR areas in the early morning hours.
AQI Classification Standards
As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'. Delhi's current readings place it in the hazardous 'very poor' range, indicating significant health risks for residents.
The dense fog has also engulfed Haryana's Karnal this morning, suggesting that the weather phenomenon is affecting broader regions beyond Delhi. This combination of poor visibility and hazardous air quality poses challenges for commuters and residents alike, with authorities urging caution during travel and outdoor activities.
