Delhi weather update: Ghazipur, Anand Vihar worst hit with AQI 410 as smog blankets city

Delhi`s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) 378 at 8 am. Representational/ File Pic

Delhi's air quality remained dangerously high on Tuesday, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 378 at 8 am, placing the city in the ‘very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

This marks a slight improvement from Monday, when the AQI had peaked at 427 in the ‘severe' category. Despite the marginal dip, large parts of the capital were still shrouded in thick, toxic smog, reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents, reported news agency ANI.

Prominent areas recorded alarming pollution levels: India Gate registered an AQI of 380 and Sarai Kale Khan 359, both in the ‘very poor' range. Ghazipur and Anand Vihar fared worse, with AQIs around 410, categorised as ‘severe'.

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Meanwhile, a tourist grappling with Delhi pollution explained his situation, saying to ANI, "The situation here is very serious because of pollution. I arrived in Delhi last evening from Indore. Compared to Indore, I am experiencing difficulty in breathing. Visibility here is very poor; we cannot see the India Gate properly. It is affecting our health."

Air quality levels varied across other major Indian cities. Ahmedabad recorded an AQI of 117, Bengaluru 104, Chennai 135, Hyderabad 103, and Mumbai 109, mostly in the 'moderate' to 'satisfactory' range. Jaipur (187), Lucknow (158), Patna (156), and Pune (194) reported 'moderate' air quality, reported ANI.

Meanwhile, the first meeting of the Expert Committee constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for in NCR and adjoining Areas to address air pollution from vehicular emissions was held on Monday under the Chairmanship of Ashok Jhunjhunwala and Co-Chaired by Prof Randeep Guleria.

The meeting focused on broad discussions on key issues related to vehicular emission sources in Delhi-NCR, CAQM said in a post on X.

"Deliberations covered assessment of segment-wise vehicular emission contributions, exposure risks, EV readiness and infrastructure needs," CAQM said.

According to ANI, the committee will present concrete, actionable recommendations to reduce vehicular emissions at upcoming meetings.

This comes as the national capital battles with severe air pollution, with AQI crossing the 450 mark, reaching the 'severe plus' category, prompting CAQM to impose stage IV restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

In view of the severe air pollution levels in the national capital, the Delhi Government issued a circular directing schools to shift to online mode from hybrid for students up to class 5. With the AQI remaining in the severe category, the government has directed schools to switch to online mode for these grades until further notice.

(With ANI inputs)