Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Toxic Air Surpasses AQI 490 Amidst Dense Fog

Pollution in Delhi-NCR has once again reached dangerous levels, with the AQI crossing 490 in many areas and dense fog exacerbating the situation.

Delhi AQI Today: Residents of Delhi-NCR continued to face severe pollution on Sunday morning, with no respite in sight. According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of the capital was recorded above 490 at 6 AM, pushing the air quality across Delhi into the 'severe' category. Dense fog has further exacerbated the situation, compounding the pollution woes.

AQI in These Delhi Areas at Extremely Dangerous Levels

• Anand Vihar – 491
• Ashok Vihar – 493
• Bawana – 498
• Rohini – 499
• Vivek Vihar – 495
• Wazirpur – 493
• ITO – 485
• IGI Airport – 416
• Lodhi Road – 400

Experts state that this is the fourth time this year that Delhi's AQI has reached the 'severe' level, which is considered extremely hazardous to health.

Reasons for Increased Pollution

Weather conditions are believed to be a significant factor behind the sudden surge in pollution in Delhi. Reports indicate that the wind speed has drastically reduced due to a Western Disturbance active since Friday. The low wind speed has trapped pollutant particles in the atmosphere, leading to a rapid deterioration of air quality since Saturday. Consequently, the capital has once again been enveloped in a blanket of toxic haze and smog.

Visibility Severely Reduced

Delhi is experiencing its densest fog of the year. The conditions have been so severe that even the Akshardham Temple was not visible. In many areas, it has become difficult to see more than a few metres ahead on the roads. Visibility was recorded at less than 50 metres in and around the Akshardham area. Experts warn that the dense fog could further worsen pollution, leading to more critical conditions in the coming days.

Construction Activities Completely Halted

Given the severity of the situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect on Saturday. This mandates a complete ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities. All work related to soil digging, piling, welding, painting, plastering, and tiling/flooring has also been stopped.

Strict Restrictions to Curb Pollution

Under GRAP-IV, several stringent measures have been imposed to control pollution—

• Closure of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants
• Ban on stone crushers, brick kilns, and mining activities
• Prohibition on transporting construction materials like cement, sand, and fly ash on unpaved roads
• These measures aim to control dust and particulate matter pollution.

Noida's Air Also Extremely Hazardous

The situation in Noida remains concerning, mirroring the conditions in Delhi. The Air Quality Index here has reached 772, categorised as 'severe'.