Delhi residents woke up to another day of hazardous air on Tuesday as a thick layer of toxic smog enveloped the capital, pushing air quality into the 'severe' category and triggering serious health concerns across the city.
The situation deteriorated significantly overnight, with monitoring stations across Delhi recording Air Quality Index (AQI) values well above 400, indicating severe pollution levels that pose health risks to even healthy individuals.
Visibility Drops as Smog Intensifies
Morning commuters faced challenging conditions as visibility dropped substantially due to the dense smog cover. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that several areas experienced visibility as low as 500-600 meters, significantly impacting traffic movement and daily activities.
Key pollution monitoring stations painted a grim picture:
- Anand Vihar recorded an alarming AQI of 488
- Wazirpur registered 458
- Alipur measured 460
- Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium area reported 438
Weather Conditions Worsen Crisis
According to IMD officials, the combination of calm winds and low temperatures created perfect conditions for pollutant accumulation. "Very calm wind conditions prevailed in the morning, and the minimum temperature settled at 13.4 degrees Celsius," an IMD representative explained.
The weather agency noted that similar conditions are expected to persist, with light winds and partly cloudy skies forecasted for the day. This meteorological pattern provides little relief from the accumulating pollutants.
Health Advisory Issued
Medical experts have issued urgent health advisories, recommending that vulnerable groups including children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions avoid outdoor activities. The severe air quality can trigger breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and exacerbate existing health problems.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as Delhi continues to battle one of its worst pollution episodes this season, with residents hoping for weather changes that might bring some relief from the choking smog.
