Air in Delhi-NCR turns ‘severe plus’ again; AQI crosses 600 in several areas

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Air quality in Delhi and the NCR deteriorated sharply again on Saturday morning, reaching dangerous levels. Several monitoring stations recorded an AQI above 500, placing pollution in the ‘severe plus’ category. Experts say the rising cold, slow wind speed, and thick fog layer are trapping pollutants near the ground, worsening the situation continuously.

According to the latest morning data, Wazirpur was the most polluted area with AQI touching 691. Anand Vihar recorded 620, Jahangirpuri 583, and Bahadurgarh 550. Localities such as Loni, Rohini, and Noida Sector-116 also remained in the severe category. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the situation remained alarming on Friday as well.

– The 24-hour average AQI was 391, staying in the ‘very poor’ category for the seventh consecutive day.

– More than 15 monitoring centers recorded AQI above 400.

– The average AQI on Wednesday was 392, Tuesday 374, and Monday 351.

According to the CPCB’s Sameer app, 18 out of 38 active monitoring stations recorded AQI in the ‘severe’ category, including Chandni Chowk, DTU, Bawana, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Narela, and Wazirpur.

Situation Likely to Worsen Further

The Air Quality Forecasting System under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has warned that air quality may remain in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category for the next six days. Falling temperatures, cloud cover, and dense fog are expected to push pollution levels even higher. Many areas remained covered in thick smog, making it difficult for people to breathe properly.