Dense fog and pollution choke Delhi-NCR, AQI in ‘severe’ category makes breathing difficult
Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Dense fog, biting cold and extreme air pollution have jointly disrupted normal life across Delhi and the entire NCR. Air quality in most areas continues to remain in the ‘severe’ category, causing serious breathing difficulties for residents. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM air quality stations show that AQI levels in several parts of Delhi have crossed the 400 mark.
Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 434, while Vivek Vihar touched 435. Ashok Vihar stood at 415, Chandni Chowk at 417, Rohini at 421 and Wazirpur at 424. R.K. Puram recorded 409, DTU 413 and Siri Fort 399. Bawana registered 373, Burari Crossing 387, Karni Singh Shooting Range 393 and Sonia Vihar 395. Shadipur recorded 308 and Sri Aurobindo Marg 352, both still in the very poor category.
Air quality remains alarming in NCR cities as well. In Ghaziabad, Indirapuram recorded an AQI of 376, Loni 338 and Sanjay Nagar 363. All four active monitoring stations in Noida reported very poor to severe air quality. Sector-1 Noida recorded an AQI of 438, Sector-125 at 416, Sector-116 at 411 and Sector-62 at 358.
According to the IMD, dense fog conditions are likely to persist in the coming days. The seven-day forecast suggests that from December 20 to 25, maximum temperatures will hover between 16 and 17 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may remain between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. Dense fog warnings have been issued for all these days. Falling temperatures and low wind speed are allowing pollutants to accumulate, worsening smog conditions.
The impact of dense fog is also visible on air services, with reports of flight delays and cancellations due to low visibility. Road traffic has been severely affected, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Considering the situation, the education department and district administration are deliberating on continuing online classes to protect children from cold, fog and pollution. Health experts have advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement, use masks, and ensure special precautions for the elderly, children and those suffering from respiratory ailments.