Delhi’s Air Quality Remains ‘Severe’ Amid Fog and Chilling Winter

AQI soars to 448, visibility reduced, minimum temperature dips to 7°C as cold wave intensifies.

New Delhi, December 19: The air quality in Delhi continued to linger in the ‘severe’ category on Thursday as a thick fog blanketed the city, reducing visibility and adding to the discomfort caused by plummeting temperatures.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 448 at 8 a.m. Several areas in the capital reported ‘severe’ AQI levels, with Anand Vihar at 478, Ashok Vihar at 474, Bawana at 460, and DTU at 461.

An AQI score of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

Worsening Weather Conditions

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 7°C, with forecasts predicting an intensification of smog and dense fog due to surface winds from the north.

A pedestrian commented on the biting weather, saying, “Winters arrived late this year, so we expect it to last longer into the next year. The temperature has already dropped and is expected to fall further in the coming days.”

However, the harsh winter poses a significant challenge for many underprivileged locals without adequate shelter. Another pedestrian remarked, “People taking refuge outside AIIMS and other public places face the worst of the cold. It’s really tough for them as temperatures drop further. Everyone should take precautions to stay warm in this weather.”

Impact on City Life

Despite the chilling conditions, Air Force personnel were seen rehearsing for the upcoming 78th Republic Day at Kartavya Path, highlighting the resilience of Delhiites.

Earlier this week, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 5°C. Meanwhile, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV measures have been in effect across the NCR since December 16 to combat deteriorating air quality.

The measures were triggered after Delhi’s AQI breached the severe threshold, crossing from 399 at 9 p.m. to 401 by 10 p.m. on Monday night.