Delhi’s Air Quality Worsens to ‘Severe,’ Fog Limits Visibility as Temperatures Plunge

AQI crosses 440 mark in several areas of the city; residents face breathing difficulties as cold and pollution grip the national capital.

New Delhi, December 18: Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘severe’ category on Wednesday, blanketing the city in a thin layer of fog and restricting visibility. Adding to the challenges, the minimum temperature dropped to 5 degrees Celsius, marking a sharp decline from Tuesday’s 7.4 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Worsening Air Quality

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 442 at 7 AM on Wednesday, rising from Tuesday’s 421. Several areas in the city recorded dangerously high AQI levels:

• ITO: 458
• Alipur: 471
• Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: 443
• DTU: 432
• IGI Airport (T3): 418
• RK Puram: 464
• DU North Campus: 436

Meanwhile, some areas like Chandni Chowk (374), Lodhi Road (348), and Dilshad Garden (344) reported slightly lower AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ category.

AQI Levels Explained:

• 0-50: Good
• 51-100: Satisfactory
• 101-200: Moderate
• 201-300: Poor
• 301-400: Very Poor
• 401-500: Severe

Residents Voice Concerns

The worsening air quality has left many residents grappling with respiratory issues.

• Avinash, a tourist from Maharashtra, shared his experience:
  “While riding my bike towards Gurugram, I faced breathing difficulties due to the pollution.”
• Bhagat Singh, a local resident, noted a decline in morning walkers at city parks:
  “Pollution has increased in the past two days, making it difficult to breathe. Fewer people are coming out for morning walks.”
• Anant Kumar, visiting India Gate, emphasized the need for action:
  “There was some relief from pollution earlier, but now it’s a problem again. Something needs to be done.”

GRAP Stage IV Measures in Effect

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV measures were implemented across the National Capital Region (NCR) on December 16 after Delhi’s AQI breached the 400 mark.

On Monday night, the AQI crossed from 399 to 401 within an hour, officially entering the severe zone.

Additional Observations

Amidst the pollution and chilling temperatures, Air Force personnel were seen rehearsing for the upcoming 78th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path.

As residents battle the dual challenges of declining air quality and dropping temperatures, concerns over public health and urgent action against pollution remain at the forefront.