Delhi faces ‘triple attack’ of pollution after Diwali, as toxic smog and season’s first dense fog blanket the capital; AQI crosses 475 in several areas
Delhi witnessed severe air pollution after Diwali, with AQI crossing 475 in several areas. The capital also recorded the season’s first dense fog, reducing visibility at Safdarjung to 50 metres.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu News): Immediately after the Diwali festivities, Delhi witnessed a dangerous ‘triple attack’ of pollution. On Monday morning, the entire capital appeared covered under a thick blanket of fog and toxic smoke. Firecracker emissions, falling temperatures and low wind speeds led to a sharp deterioration in the Air Quality Index (AQI). Air quality in most parts of the capital was recorded in the ‘severe’ category, while the remaining areas continued to report ‘very poor’ levels. The haze covering the sky caused people to experience severe breathing difficulties and eye irritation.
AQI reaches 475 in Rohini and 472 at IIT Delhi, turning the capital into a gas chamber
According to morning readings from air quality monitoring stations, pollution levels have reached dangerous levels in several parts of Delhi. Rohini recorded the highest AQI of 475, while the reading at the IIT Delhi monitoring station reached 472. Burari recorded an AQI of 437, Sonia Vihar 432, Vivek Vihar 432, Jahangirpuri 426, Bawana 424, Mundka 422 and Punjabi Bagh 413, all falling in the ‘severe’ category. Almost all other residential and commercial areas of Delhi also reported average AQI levels above 300, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality and severely affecting daily life.
Visibility drops to 50 metres at Safdarjung as season’s first dense fog is recorded
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the season’s first dense fog was recorded in the capital on the morning of November 9 due to calm or extremely slow wind speeds. Visibility at the Safdarjung weather station dropped to just 50 metres, compared to 700 metres on Sunday. Meanwhile, moderate fog in the Palam area reduced visibility to 400 metres. The sudden and significant drop in visibility slowed down traffic on roads, forcing drivers to use fog lights even during the day.
Yellow alert for moderate to dense fog across Delhi; people advised to remain cautious
The weather department issued a warning for the coming hours, stating that dense to very dense fog is likely in several parts of southeast Delhi, east Delhi, Shahdara, central Delhi, northeast Delhi, south Delhi, New Delhi, southwest Delhi, west Delhi and north Delhi. In view of the toxic air and dense smog, health experts have advised elderly people, children and those suffering from respiratory problems to avoid morning walks and wear masks whenever they step outdoors.