Red Alert in Delhi-NCR: Air Turns Hazardous as AQI Crosses 500 in Many Areas

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR worsened sharply on Wednesday morning. Dense smog, stagnant cold air, and rising smoke have made the air extremely toxic. Residents reported burning eyes, sore throats, and chest discomfort from early morning. The concentration of PM2.5 particles has shot far above safe limits.

Worst-Affected Areas

According to the latest morning data, several parts of the capital have entered the “severe” category. Wazirpur, Knowledge Park-5 (Greater Noida), and Bawana recorded AQI levels between 530 and 578 — an extremely dangerous range. Other areas like DTU Delhi and Jahangirpuri also hovered around 500, posing serious health risks.

Conditions Were Already Deteriorating

On Tuesday evening, the CPCB bulletin had marked Delhi’s average air quality as “very poor,” while Greater Noida and Ghaziabad were in the “severe” zone. Air quality was also “very poor” in Noida, Baghpat, Hapur, and Meerut. Due to stagnant weather conditions, the situation became even worse by Wednesday morning.

Major Impact Across Delhi-NCR

Fresh readings show that air quality has reached hazardous levels in many regions. Breathing normal outdoor air has become difficult, and health risks are rising rapidly for all age groups.