A thick, toxic haze has again engulfed Delhi this week as pollution levels surged into the severe category across multiple locations. The Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) real-time monitoring indicates that the Air Quality Index (AQI) breached 400 at several stations on Friday.Delhi AQI dips into severe category todayReadings above 400 are considered severe and can affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases. According to CPCB, at Anand Vihar in east Delhi, the AQI stood at a staggering 412 today. Similarly, the AQI touched 405 in Ashok Vihar in northwest Delhi, while Jahangirpuri in the north was at 411. Even relatively cleaner areas were in the very poor range, such as Dwarka in west Delhi with a reading of 402.The Air Quality Index (AQI) across Delhi dips into Severe category in several areas as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).AQI in Anand Vihar at 412, in Ashok Vihar at 405, in Jahangirpuri at 411, in Dwarka Sector 8 at 402 pic.twitter.com/txjn4Hb2Vf— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2023Experts have attributed the shocking deterioration in air quality to a dip in temperature combined with slow wind speeds and vehicular emissions. This has prevented the dispersal of pollutants, creating a thick blanket of haze laced with dangerous fine particles over the metropolis.#WATCH | The air quality in Delhi is in the Severe category as per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).(Visuals from the DND and Barapulla, shot at 07:05 am today) pic.twitter.com/PAfFg2m2il— ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2023Precautionary measures advisedDelhiites have been advised by health officials to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible and wear N95 masks when compelled to step out. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist over the next couple of days according to weather department forecasts.Authorities have come under criticism for the yearly recurrence of this public health crisis, despite several measures and campaigns to control pollution sources. There are now growing demands for the Delhi government to take more concrete long-term actions beyond temporary bans and diversions.
