Air quality worsens again in Delhi-NCR as AQI returns to red zone, fog and cold double the trouble

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) has once again slipped into the severe category. After staying in the orange zone for a single day, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most parts of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad has returned to the red zone. Data from central and state pollution control board monitoring stations show that nearly 90 percent of areas are recorded in the poor to very poor range.

In Delhi, AQI levels crossed 300 in several locations. Okhla Phase-2 recorded an AQI of 342, Patparganj 332, Punjabi Bagh 324, Pusa 345, RK Puram 337, Rohini 319, Siri Fort 342, Sonia Vihar 320, and Sri Aurobindo Marg 308. Shadipur was an exception with an AQI of 165, placing it in the yellow zone, but this relief remained limited to a small area.

Noida also continued to face poor air conditions. Sector-125 recorded an AQI of 309, Sector-62 stood at 269, Sector-1 at 312, and Sector-116 at 324, indicating unhealthy air quality across the city.

Pollution levels appeared even more severe in Ghaziabad. Loni recorded an AQI of 385, Vasundhara 344, Sanjay Nagar 286, and Indirapuram 244, showing that both industrial and residential areas are affected by unsafe air.

According to the Meteorological Department, strong winds in recent days have helped reduce smog to some extent, but complete relief has not been achieved. On January 7, the maximum temperature was around 15 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to about 6 degrees Celsius. Dense fog covered the region during morning and afternoon hours, and cold day conditions persisted throughout the day.

Dense fog is expected again on January 8, with moderate fog likely to continue until January 9. Weather experts have warned that minimum temperatures may fall further in the coming days, increasing cold conditions and prolonging fog. Health experts have advised children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems to take special precautions, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and use masks.