Severe Dust Pollution Hits Delhi and NCR: Air Quality Deteriorates

Dust Pollution Escalates in Delhi

Last night, Delhi experienced a significant rise in dust pollution, creating a thick haze that enveloped the sky. This alarming situation is not limited to Delhi alone but extends across the entire NCR region. Consequently, the air quality in Delhi has plummeted to extremely poor levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 200.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, a dust storm accompanied by strong winds was reported around 10 PM near the Palam area of Indira Gandhi Airport. Wind speeds reached between 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, causing visibility to drop drastically from 4500 meters to just 1200 meters.

The surge in pollution levels is attributed to a significant increase in PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles in the air, which pose health risks. Several monitoring stations recorded PM 10 levels that were 20 times higher than normal. This situation has heightened concerns for individuals with respiratory issues.

Meteorological officials indicated that the dust situation was primarily caused by the strong winds. Although the wind speed decreased later, dust particles remain suspended in the air, making breathing difficult. Additionally, increased road traffic during this period has contributed to the accumulation of dust, further reducing visibility and raising the risk of accidents.

Officials have advised the public to wear masks to protect themselves from the dusty environment and to stay indoors whenever possible. They noted that if wind speeds remain low, there may be some relief from the dust blanket.