Delhi AQI nears 400 as city chokes under rising pollution

Thick layer of smog grips Delhi on Monday. Pic/PTI

Amid the rising pollution concerns across the national capital region, the city on Monday observed a thin layer of pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday touched 396, making the pollution levels stand firmly in the 'very poor' category.

This brought slight respite from the 'very severe' AQI of over 500 in many hotspots that was witnessed across Delhi-NCR on Saturday, reported IAN.

The concerning AQI across the national capital also made visibility drop as the toxic haze thickened, prompting renewed health warnings from authorities.

Moreover, the neighbouring NCR cities also struggled with deteriorating air quality. Faridabad reported an AQI of 358, Gurugram 370, Ghaziabad 355, Greater Noida 342, and Noida 372, as per IANS.

While most Delhi localities are experiencing worsened AQI between 300 and 400, several regions of Delhi have already breached the 400 mark, slipping into the 'severe' category.

Moreover, the meteorologists have further attributed the spike in pollution to a combination of calm winds, low temperatures, and increased moisture, which together trap pollutants close to the surface.

The winter inversion effect, where cold air gets trapped under warm air, is preventing the dispersal of particulate matter.

Also, the environmental experts warn that the continued presence of PM2.5 particles, the most harmful pollutant capable of reaching deep into the lungs, is contributing significantly to the health threat, reported IANS.

Vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants, and local biomass burning remain major contributors during this period.

Considering the severe air pollution across Delhi and the entire country, healthcare professionals advise residents to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, asthma patients, and those with heart conditions. Prolonged exposure to current air quality levels can lead to respiratory distress, eye irritation, reduced lung function, and increased risk of cardiac complications.

With AQI inching close to the 'severe' zone, Delhi remains under the watch of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Authorities may impose stricter restrictions if pollution levels continue to rise, including curbs on construction, bans on polluting vehicles, and suspension of certain industrial operations.

Experts further say that Delhi's recurring winter pollution crisis requires long-term structural solutions that go beyond temporary measures. These include stronger enforcement of vehicle emissions, rapid expansion of public transport, dust control mechanisms at construction sites, and coordinated regional action to curb external pollution sources.

(With inputs from IANS)