A hazy veil of smog descended upon multiple regions of Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, casting a pall over the national capital region. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi was recorded at 294 at 8 am, firmly placing it within the "poor" category. This persistent atmospheric haze has raised concerns among residents and environmental authorities alike.
Visual Evidence and Localized Pollution Hotspots
Visuals captured from prominent landmarks such as India Gate and Kartavya Path clearly depicted smog settling densely over the central zones of the city. Similar conditions were observed near the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Pandav Nagar, where the smog lingered through the early morning hours. Detailed CPCB data revealed significant variations in air quality across different monitoring stations.
AQI Readings Across Key Locations
The AQI near India Gate was measured at 240, which also falls under the "poor" category. In contrast, Pandav Nagar recorded a much higher AQI of 362, pushing it into the "very poor" classification. Numerous other stations reported alarmingly high pollution levels, highlighting widespread air quality degradation.
- Anand Vihar: 362 (very poor)
- Ashok Vihar: 348 (very poor)
- Bawana: 340 (very poor)
- Burari: 309 (very poor)
- Chandni Chowk: 319 (very poor)
- Dwarka Sector 8: 312 (very poor)
- ITO: 312 (very poor)
- Mundka: 314 (very poor)
- Okhla Phase-2: 325 (very poor)
- Rohini: 359 (very poor)
- Punjabi Bagh: 337 (very poor)
- Wazirpur: 363 (very poor)
- Narela: 286 (poor)
- Alipur: 289 (poor)
- RK Puram: 317 (very poor)
Weather Forecast and Regulatory Actions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain or thundershowers accompanied by strong gusty winds throughout the day. Thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph are anticipated during the morning, forenoon, afternoon, evening, and night. Temperature fluctuations are expected to vary between 19 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius.
In response to the improving air quality trends and the weather forecast, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to revoke Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. However, authorities remain cautious due to the ongoing winter season and the potential for unfavorable meteorological conditions.
Citizen Advisory and Continued Vigilance
Officials have strongly urged citizens to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under Stages II and I of the existing GRAP schedule. This proactive measure aims to prevent any further deterioration in air quality and mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to polluted air.
As a reference, the AQI classification system defines readings between 0 and 50 as "good," 51 to 100 as "satisfactory," 101 to 200 as "moderate," 201 to 300 as "poor," 301 to 400 as "very poor," and 401 to 500 as "severe." The current readings underscore the urgent need for sustained efforts to combat air pollution in the region.
