A dense layer of smog blanketed the city, with several areas reporting AQI levels well above 300, indicating a significant deterioration in air quality.
Key areas such as Dwarka Sector 8 (335), ITO (327), Okhla Phase 2 (319), Rohini (329), Vivek Vihar (338), Anand Vihar (346), and Bawana (332) recorded ‘very poor’ AQI levels. Meanwhile, a few locations reported ‘poor’ AQI early in the morning, including Lodhi Road (256), Najafgarh (295), Pusa (289), and IGI Airport Terminal 3 (299).
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) noted that the city’s 24-hour average AQI rose to 346 on Saturday, up from 331 recorded the previous day.
Out of 38 monitoring stations in Delhi, only Shadipur registered AQI in the ‘severe’ category, while 34 stations reported ‘very poor’ levels.
Iconic landmarks such as India Gate were shrouded in thick smog, reflecting the grim air quality situation.
The CPCB attributed the worsening AQI to unfavourable weather conditions and forecasted that the ‘very poor’ air quality would persist for at least the next three days.
PM2.5, a fine particulate matter, was identified as the primary pollutant, with levels at 153 µg/m³ as of Saturday (November 30) afternoon.
These microscopic particles are particularly hazardous as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream, posing severe health risks.
Understanding AQI Categories
To provide context, an AQI between:
- 0-50 is considered “good”
- 51-100 “satisfactory”
- 101-200 “moderate”
- 201-300 “poor”
- 301-400 “very poor”
- 401-500 “severe”
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi confirmed the likelihood of continued ‘very poor’ AQI levels over the next few days.
First Published: Dec 1, 2024 10:20 AM IST
