Delhi Air Quality Remains ‘Severe’: AQI Near 400 in Several Areas, Reports CPCB

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi continues to choke under a thick blanket of smog as the air quality remains in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 400 in multiple parts of the national capital. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several monitoring stations, including those in Anand Vihar, RK Puram, Jahangirpuri, and Wazirpur, reported AQI levels between 380 and 410, indicating dangerously high pollution levels.

Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such air can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Doctors across Delhi-NCR have reported a rise in patients complaining of breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and throat infections.

Meteorologists attribute the worsening air quality to a combination of factors — including low wind speed, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and stubble burning in neighboring states such as Punjab and Haryana. With stagnant air and cooler temperatures, pollutants are getting trapped close to the ground, worsening the smog.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) has predicted that Delhi’s air will remain “very poor to severe” over the next 48 hours unless there is a significant change in wind direction or rainfall. Meanwhile, satellite images from NASA have confirmed a spike in farm fires across northwest India, which have contributed heavily to the recent pollution surge.

In response, the Delhi government has implemented several emergency measures under GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage IV, including:

• Ban on construction and demolition activities (except essential projects)
• Suspension of certain industrial operations
• Closure of schools in high-risk zones
• Appeal to citizens to work from home where possible

Environment Minister Gopal Rai urged neighboring states to act swiftly on stubble management, stressing that “regional cooperation is essential to control this annual crisis.”

With visibility dropping in many areas and health risks soaring, citizens have been advised to avoid outdoor activities, use N95 masks, and ensure air purifiers are functioning indoors.