Delhi's air quality crisis: Toxic smog engulfs NCR as AQI hits record high

New Delhi: Delhi's air quality has plummeted to dangerously high levels, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Nehru Nagar soaring to an alarming 434 on the morning of December 21. This figure places it firmly in the 'severe' category, primarily driven by PM2.5 particles—tiny pollutants that can infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to severe health complications. Residents across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and surrounding areas are grappling with a thick blanket of smog, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Severe Air Quality Warnings Across the Region

At 8 AM on Saturday, 20 out of 36 monitoring stations reported air quality in the 'severe' range. This significant deterioration poses life-threatening risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The previous day also recorded a severe AQI of 429, with some stations exceeding an AQI of 450, indicating a persistent crisis.

Weather Conditions Contributing to Pollution

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that poor ventilation and low wind speeds during winter months have compounded the air quality issues. The maximum temperature recorded on Friday was 23 degrees Celsius, slightly above seasonal averages. As a result, health experts have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially for those most at risk.

Forecast for Improvement?

Looking ahead, the IMD has predicted dense fog over the weekend, which could further impair visibility and worsen air quality conditions. However, there is a glimmer of hope: light to moderate rainfall is anticipated around December 26, which may provide temporary relief from the toxic air enveloping the city.

As Delhi continues to battle this environmental crisis, authorities must enforce stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which currently categorizes the air quality as Stage III (Severe). Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens on minimizing exposure and protecting their health during these hazardous conditions.