Toxic air grips Delhi again: AQI reaches severe levels with cold wave in effect

New Delhi: Delhi's air quality has deteriorated back to 'severe' levels with an AQI of 427 amid cold wave conditions, prompting health advisories and shelter needs for vulnerable populations.

Edited By: Mahi Mishra

Last Updated : 22 December 2024, 09:02 AM IST

Air pollution (Representative Image) (ANI)

New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi has taken a turn for the worse, slipping back into the 'severe' category with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 427 recorded at 7 AM on Sunday. This decline follows a brief improvement to the 'very poor' category, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The primary pollutant contributing to this degradation remains PM2.5 particles, which are particularly harmful to health.

Weather Conditions Contribute to Smog

As Delhi grapples with a cold wave, residents are experiencing layers of dense smog that have enveloped the national capital since early Sunday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, which is expected to remain stable throughout the day.

The maximum temperature is projected to reach around 24 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the biting cold.In light of these conditions, many homeless individuals have sought refuge in temporary shelters set up across the city, highlighting the urgent need for support during this harsh winter season.

Continuous Decline in Air Quality

Delhi's air quality has been on a steady decline since last Sunday, primarily due to reduced wind speeds that have exacerbated pollution levels. This situation marks the worst air quality since December 2021. The CPCB's data indicates that the 24-hour average AQI reached 370 ('very poor') by 4 PM on Saturday, with levels exceeding 400 ('severe') on both Thursday and Friday.The AQI readings across various locations in Delhi on Sunday morning were concerning:

Anand Vihar: 427
Ashok Vihar: 430
Bawana: 432
Burari Crossing: 410
Dwarka Sector 8: 429
IGI Airport (T3): 372
ITO: 384
Jahangirpuri: 441
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: 382
Mundka: 428
Nehru Nagar: 430
Okhla Phase 2: 390
Patparganj: 402
RK Puram: 408
Vivek Vihar: 419
Wazirpur: 434

According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 401 and 450 falls under the 'severe' category, prompting restrictions as outlined in Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Health Advisory for Residents

Given the deteriorating air quality levels, health experts are advising residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, children, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The IMD has forecasted light rain or drizzle for Monday, December 23, which may provide some temporary relief from pollution but could also contribute to foggy conditions.

As Christmas approaches, dense fog is anticipated on Christmas Eve and moderate fog on Christmas Day, with minimum temperatures expected to hover around 8 degrees Celsius.

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Toxic air grips Delhi again: AQI reaches severe levels with cold wave in effect