Delhi's Air Quality Deteriorates Again Amid Smog and Fog
Severe Air Quality Levels in Delhi
On Saturday, the capital city of Delhi was once again enveloped in fog and smog. Following a brief improvement in air quality at the beginning of the week, the situation has worsened, with the air quality index (AQI) plunging back into the 'very poor' category.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi dropped to 355 by 9 AM on Saturday. The CPCB classifies air quality as follows: 0–50 is 'good', 51–100 is 'satisfactory', 101–200 is 'moderate', 201–300 is 'poor', 301–400 is 'very poor', and 401–500 is 'severe'.
By 8 AM on Saturday, certain areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality levels, including:
- Anand Vihar – 410
- Jahangirpuri – 414
- Narela – 406
- Rohini – 406
- Shadipur – 408
Overall, there has been a noticeable decline in the city's air quality. The 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 332 on Friday evening, significantly higher than Thursday's figure of 234. Meteorological officials attributed this increase in pollution to calm winds associated with a western disturbance.
Earlier on Friday morning, the AQI had improved to 220 (poor), with several areas in the capital reaching 'moderate' air quality levels. Following this improvement, the Delhi government had withdrawn Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after a review by the sub-committee.
However, meteorologists have warned that pollution levels may remain elevated in the coming days due to a series of western disturbances affecting the region. Given the current conditions, the weather department has issued a yellow alert and warned of moderate to dense fog in Delhi and surrounding areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the minimum temperature in Delhi on Friday was 7.7 degrees Celsius, while the maximum reached 22.3 degrees Celsius. The weather department has forecasted the possibility of moderate fog in several areas and dense fog in some locations over the weekend.
Drone Footage Captures Smog in Delhi
#WATCH | Delhi | Drone visuals from the AIIMS area as a thick layer of smog blankets the city
— Media Channel
AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 270, categorised as 'Poor', as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).
Visuals shot at 7.10 am pic.twitter.com/GZvIPmtW5P